2008 Keys to the Game, Matchups to Watch and Game Prediction: Boston College

Once again the Hokies will meet the Boston College Eagles in a pivotal ACC
match-up for both teams. Both teams come off bye weeks and each team needs to
make a statement as the conference season heats up. Early in the series,
Virginia Tech was able to dominate the Eagles, but ever since the Thursday night
blow-up in Chestnut Hill two years ago, the Hokies have had their hands full
with BC. Should we expect the same this year?

Traditionally, Virginia Tech’s overall team speed gave the Hokies a distinct
advantage over Boston College, but the Eagles have overcome the speed deficit in
the last couple of years by playing a physical, intelligent game with excellent
execution in all areas. However, last year BC had the first quarterback taken in
the NFL draft in Matt Ryan, and his back-up, Chris Crane (#10, 6-5 239 4.72,
r-Sr.), while talented, will not bring back memories of the current Atlanta
Falcons QB. As with all Steve Logan offenses, the quarterback holds the key, and
the play of first-year starter Chris Crane will likely be critical for BC’s
chances to knock off the Hokies.

Defensively, Bud Foster has been successful in slowing down Boston College’s
high-powered offense, but the critical area in the outcome of the BC-VT battles
has generally been the effectiveness of the Hokie offense. Two years ago, BC
baffled Tech with solid d-line play and a two-deep zone that prevented big
plays. Last year, the Eagles slowed Tech’s ground game, but the Hokies were able
to make enough plays through the air in the ACC Championship Game to pull out
the victory. This year will likely hold the same keys, as Virginia Tech will
need to make some big plays in the passing game to pull out this victory on the
road.

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