Virginia Tech vs Boston College Picks and Predictions: High Emotions in Chestnut Hill

Of the emotions throughout college football, few run deeper than those at Boston College on its annual “Red Bandana” game, honoring former Eagles lacrosse player, the late Welles Crowther, for his heroism on Sept. 11, 2001. The uniforms are unique, the memories are poignant, and Boston College has been typically successful on the occasion.

Success this week would be the Eagles’ first conference win this season and first victory in more than a month, while Virginia Tech looks to build a winning streak to perhaps save head coach Justin Fuente’s job.

Here are our free college football picks and predictions for Virginia Tech at Boston College on November 5, with kickoff set for 7:30 ET.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

Virginia Tech opened as a 3.5-point favorite at most books, a number that dropped down to an even field goal in the middle of the week. The total began the week at 46.5 points before settling at 47.5 on Thursday.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full college football odds before placing your bets.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College picks

• Boston College +3.0 (-110)
• Over 47.5 (-110)

Picks made on 11/4/2021 at 6:45 p.m. ET.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College game info

• Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill City, MA
• Date: Friday, November 5, 2021
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2

Virginia Tech vs Boston College betting preview

Weather

Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.

Key injuries

Virginia Tech: Devon Hunter DB (Out), Dean Ferguson LB (Out), Emmanuel Belmar DL (Out), James Mitchell TE (Out).
Boston College: Phil Jurkovec QB (Out), Kobay White WR (Out), Tyler Vrabel OL (Questionable), Trae Barry TE (Questionable), Shawn Asbury DB (Out), Brandon Sebastian DB (Questionable), Isaiah Graham-Mobley LB (Questionable), Deon Jones DB (Out).
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings between these annual rivals. Virginia Tech is 1-4 ATS in those five meetings, as well. Find more NCAA betting trends for Virginia Tech vs. Boston College.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College predictions

Boston College +3.0 (-110)

This is not a handicap based on the possibility of Phil Jurkovec’s return. Until the star quarterback lines up behind center, it should be assumed he will not play.

It is, however, somewhat a handicap based on the annual emotions of the “Red Bandana” game. In the first rendition of the tribute to Crowther’s actions in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, the Eagles upset No. 9 USC, 37-31, in 2014. Such moments have been common in this remembrance.

In a more tangible respect, Boston College and Virginia Tech both have strong defenses and lackluster offenses, but the Eagles have outgained their opponents by a touch this season, unlike the Hokies. For two disappointing ACC teams, Boston College is slightly less so, despite its 0-4 conference standing.

Lastly, this is very much a handicap based on Virginia Tech’s status as a program. Halting a three-game losing streak by beating Georgia Tech is only so much of an accomplishment. A 69-yard touchdown pass to start the game and a field goal in the third quarter courtesy of a short field proved the difference in the Hokies’ 26-17 victory. They were by no means a far superior team.

Consciously or subconsciously, Virginia Tech must know Fuente’s fate is tenuous at best. Entering a road atmosphere on an emotional night against a relatively evenly matched opponent, that mental letdown should doom the Hokies’ hopes at Chestnut Hill.

Over 47.5 (-110)

This is a handicap based on Jurkovec’s possible return. If he does, then the Over should be the clear play, his downfield passing acumen far superior to backup Denni Grosel’s. In his brief two games this season, Jurkovec averaged 11.6 yards per pass attempt.

If he does not return, then this low total should still be in jeopardy simply because it is relatively low.

Weird things happen on Friday nights. An extra touchdown or two would be appropriate.

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