Game Three Preview: Virginia Tech

THE FACTS
Matchup: Boston College (1-1, 0-1 ACC) at Virginia Tech (0-1, 0-0 ACC)
Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Va.
When: Saturday Sept. 17, 3:30 p.m. ET
Game Information: Games Notes | Depth Chart

TUNE IN
Watch: ESPNU | WatchESPN
Listen: WEEI 850AM| BC IMG Sports Radio Network
Live Stats: Link

HOW TO FOLLOW
Boston College: @BCFootball | #BCEagles
Georgia Tech: @VT_Football | #Hokies
Game-Specific Hashtag: #BCvsVT

MORE INFORMATION
Website: bceagles.com | hokiesports.com

SERIES HISTORY

Virginia Tech holds a 16-8 series advantage in the all-time meetings between the two teams.
Between 1993 and 2013, the teams have met every year except 2004.
From 1993 to 2003, the teams faced off in BIG EAST play. The Eagles were just 3-8 in those games and the Hokies put together a seven-game win streak between 1996 and 2002.
Since BC joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2005, the Eagles are 5-8 against the Hokies, playing every year as cross-divisional rivals.
In 2007 and 2008, the Eagles beat the Hokies in the regular-season matchup but Virginia Tech got the best of BC in the ACC Championships game. Including the 2008 conference title game, the Hokies took five straight before the Eagles earned victories in 2013 and 2014.
The 2007 game marked one of the most memorable in recent history for BC as quarterback Matt Ryan threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Andre Callender with 11 seconds left and the No. 2 Eagles stayed undefeated with a 14-10 victory over No. 8 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
The Eagles have only won four times in Blacksburg and the largest victory was seven points in 2003.
In 2014, BC was up by nine with three minutes to play but Tech scored with 28 seconds to go. The Hokies attempted an on-sides kick but current senior RB Tyler Rouse recovered the ball to preserve the Eagles win.

SCOUTING THE HOKIES

Last season finished 7-6 on the season including a bowl victory against Tulsa 55-52
The Hokies have qualified for a bowl game in their last 23 seasons.
The Hokies are coming off a loss against #17 Tennessee 45-24
Virginia Tech's offense ranks seventh in the ACC (429 yards per game) and their defense ranks third (245 yards per game). The defense also has only allowed 80.5 passing yards per game which ranks them third in the nation.
Look for Virginia Tech to spread the ball across the field as four receivers have recorded a touchdown through two games
Redshirt sophomore Travon McMillian is currently averaging 83 yards per game this and was the lead rusher for the Hokies last season.

THE EAGLES BREAKDOWN

The Eagles finished last season first in nine categories in the ACC; third down defense pct. (.241), fourth down defense pct. (.200), first downs defense (166), passing yards allowed (171.5), punt return defense (1.66), red zone defense (.733), rushing defense (164.4), scoring defense (15.3) and total defense (254.3)
The Eagles were first in the nation in total defense (254.3) and 125^th in total offense (275.6)
Through two games, the Eagles defense ranks first in the ACC and third in the nation in total defense (180 yards per game)
Last week, sophomore WR Jeff Smith and graduate QB Patrick Towles connected for two deep ball touchdowns against Massachusetts. The two touchdowns – 36 and 46 yards – were the first receiving and passing touchdowns for Smith and Towles
This season, the Eagles defense has been able to break or tie over 10 individual career-highs and recorded eight sacks last week against UMass to tie the program high.

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Tyler Rouse

Jeff Smith

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