Boston College (4-2, 1-1 ACC) at Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1), Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Virginia Tech by 7.
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 20-11.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Both teams are coming off a bye and eager to resume the chase for six wins and bowl eligibility. Virginia Tech stopped a two-game skid with a 31-7 victory over Stanford on Oct. 5. Boston College blew a 14-0 lead at Virginia the same day and lost 24-14. The Hokies have been plagued by slow starts all season and each loss has been by a touchdown or less.
KEY MATCHUP
Virginia Tech’s run game against the Boston College front seven. The Hokies have rushed for at least 180 yards in four of six games, including three games over 200. Tailback Bhayshul Tuten ranks second in the ACC with 605 rushing yards, but he and the rest of Virginia Tech’s backs will be facing a Boston College defense that is allowing only 104.7 yards rushing per game, fourth in the ACC. The Eagles have allowed only two rushing touchdowns, which leads the league.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Boston College: DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, who ranks second in the FBS in sacks (9.0) and sacks per game (1.5). He also leads the ACC in tackles for loss (11.5) and his team in tackles with 43.
Virginia Tech: RB Bhayshul Tuten, who is one of three players in the ACC averaging more than 100 yards rushing per game. He leads the league with nine rushing touchdowns, and he has rushed for at least 100 yards in four games.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Boston College could be without top CB Amari Jackson, who reportedly tore an ACL in the loss to Virginia. … BC ranks 20th nationally in scoring defense (17.2 ppg). … BC QB Thomas Castellanos has four multi-touchdown games this season. … Four of Boston College’s five starting offensive linemen have started at least 25 games in their careers. … The Hokies are 1-10 in one-score games under head coach Brent Pry. … Virginia Tech’s passing offense ranks 16th out of 17 teams in the ACC at 192.3 yards per game. … Virginia Tech will be making its 37th Thursday night appearance since ESPN started such broadcasts, winning on 24 occasions. … The Hokies’ 21 sacks lead the ACC and are tied for second nationally. Antwaun Powell-Ryland leads the team with 7.
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