It would be an understatement to say that the Virginia Tech football team is facing a significant challenge Thursday night at Lane Stadium against Boston College. The Hokies are coming off a 24-point victory at Stanford on October 5, while the Eagles suffered a 24-14 loss at Virginia on the same day.
Both teams enter this matchup after a bye week to kick off the second half of the season. Virginia Tech aims to make strides toward bowl eligibility, and here are three key factors to secure a win over BC.
Avoid a slow start
A major storyline for the Hokies this season has been their tendency to start games slowly. This issue has cost them in several matchups, including a season-opening overtime loss at Vanderbilt and a close three-point defeat at home against Rutgers.
However, they have shown improved starts in games against Miami and Stanford. One key takeaway from this season is that the Hokies tend to improve as the game progresses, making quick starts crucial. With a Thursday night game at Lane Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd against Boston College, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be prepared to come out strong and start fast against the Eagles.
Contain Thomas Castellanos
Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos has had a strong start to the 2024 season, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities in the five games he’s played, despite missing a home game against Western Kentucky. His ability to scramble and make plays with his arm has consistently posed challenges for the Hokies in recent years.
Under the guidance of Bill O’Brien, Castellanos has significantly improved as a signal caller compared to the version Virginia Tech faced last season. In that game, the Hokies dominated, winning 48-22, highlighted by an interception on the game’s first play and another key pick that set the tone for a big lead.
For Virginia Tech to succeed against Castellanos and the Eagles, they must focus on getting off the field on third down and limiting his explosive plays. This will be crucial in containing Boston College’s offense and allowing the Hokies to assert control in the game.
Establish the running game
Virginia Tech’s offensive line will play a pivotal role in their success against Boston College, especially considering the Eagles’ formidable run defense. With only two rushing touchdowns allowed in six games, BC has proven to be a tough matchup on the ground, much like Stanford.
The Hokies demonstrated their capability to run the ball effectively against Stanford’s stout defensive line, and replicating that performance will be essential for establishing a balanced offensive attack.
As the team returns from a bye week, they have the opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and improve consistency in their offensive line play.
The setting of a Thursday night game at Lane Stadium in mid-October creates an electrifying atmosphere, giving Hokies fans plenty to be excited about as they look for their team to take a significant step toward bowl eligibility against a challenging opponent. If Virginia Tech can control the line of scrimmage and execute their running game effectively, they’ll enhance their chances of coming away with a victory over the Eagles.
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