Boston College @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2010 ) Virginia Tech 19, Boston College 0

THE STORY: No. 14 Virginia Tech goes for its third straight offensive masterpiece when it hosts reeling Boston College for homecoming. The Hokies scored 38 points in wins over Miami and Wake Forest, with quarterback Logan Thomas throwing for five touchdowns and running for four. The Eagles’ only win came against FCS school Massachusetts. Virginia Tech leads the series 13-6, including a 19-0 road win last year.

TV: RSN. LINE: Virginia Tech -21

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (1-5, 0-3 ACC): LB Luke Kuechly is on pace to break the NCAA tackles record; he’s averaging 16.5 per game. But the defense has given up a ton of big plays and the offense can’t overcome them. B.C. is averaging an ACC-worst 17.3 points in conference play. The bye week helped RB Andre Williams recover from an ankle injury. Any semblance of a running game would help sophomore QB Chase Rettig, who’s been under siege behind a shaky offensive line.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (6-1, 2-1 ACC): RB David Wilson ranks fifth nationally with 129 rushing yards per game. But the passing game has been the biggest revelation. The Hokies are on pace to throw for 2,951 yards, 101 more than last year’s record under coach Frank Beamer. The banged-up defense could start as many as four reserves Saturday. The play of redshirt freshman CB Detrick Bonner (8 tackles last week) has eased the loss of star CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring), who might not return until the Nov. 10 trip to Georgia Tech.

EXTRA POINTS

1. In three of seven games, the Hokies have been penalized just twice.

2. Tech WR Jarrett Boykin has 16 career TD catches, tied for the lead among active ACC players.

3. Since joining the ACC, B.C. is 25-11 in the second half of the season, including 5-1 last year.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 34, Boston College 10 – The Hokies have a clear path to the Coastal Division title, and they won’t slip up against the last-place Eagles.