A Pregame Look At VT vs. BC

As quarterback Tyrod Taylor nurses his ankle back to health, Sean Glennon and the rest of the Hokies prepare for a game with huge BCS implications.

The no. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies will take on no. 2 Boston College tonight at 7:40 pm in Lane Stadium.

This match up marks the fourteenth time the two schools will have met.  Virginia Tech currently leads the series 9-4, despite an embarrassing 22-3 loss last year at Chestnut Hill.

During last year’s game, Tech’s sideline showed some questionable behavior late in the game when players began to dance and goof around while losing by a considerable amount.  “We have moved on from what happened last year,” said place kicker Jud Dunlevy.  “A few tempers flared up on the sideline and that’s what you saw.  We are ready to play Thursday’s game.  We are both great teams and have done everything we can to prepare for it.”

Taylor, Tech’s starting quarterback since the team’s 48-7 loss at LSU, may not be playing in this week’s game.

“I don't think you put Tyrod out there gimpy,” said Tech coach Frank Beamer.  “I think this is going to be a violent game. I think it's going to be one of those tough, tough, tough football games, and I don't think you want a guy that's not 100 percent out there."

Beamer said that Taylor will be a game time decision against a Boston College team that according to Beamer may be the best team to ever come in to Lane Stadium.

With the quarterback position still in limbo it is that much harder for the Eagle’s defense to prepare.  That bodes well for the Hokies as Boston College boasts the nation’s top rushing defense, allowing only 46.6 yards per game. 

After being demoted to the backup quarterback role, Sean Glennon handled it rather inadequately at first by speaking out against the coaching staff and some of his fellow players.  However, he was granted a second chance two weeks ago against Duke when Taylor was taken out of the game with a right ankle sprain.  Glennon came back with something to prove as he threw for 258 yards with 16 completions on the day.

The offense is what first comes to mind when thinking of a good Boston College team.  They are led through the air by Heisman hopeful Matt Ryan and on the ground by running backs Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth.  These key players along with their plethora of receivers are definitely a cause for concern for the Tech defense.

The Hokie defense has come a long way since their poor performance against LSU in week two.  The loss of inside linebacker Vince Hall to a broken wrist definitely dealt a harsh blow, but Brett Warren stepped in to the job against Duke earning ACC Lineman of the Week honors.

This game will mark the 16th time the Hokies will appear on ESPN for a Thursday night game.  Of those games, eight have been at home where Virginia Tech is 7-1; the only loss coming to Boston College.