Former Big East rivals Boston College and VA Tech face off for the first time as members of the ACC in a pivotal match up on Thursday Night ESPN. The Hokies are two-touchdown home-favorites and the posted total is hovering at or around 45. No. 13 Boston College comes in at 6-1 (SU) and 4-3 (ATS) overall, as well as a perfect 2-0 (SU & ATS) away from Chestnut Hill this season. The Eagles, who had last weekend off, overcame a host of early miscues in their latest 35-30 home win vs. Wake Forest two weeks ago. The Eagles actually trailed 30-21 with 3:29 remaining in regulation before Matt Ryan replaced Quinton Porter at quarterback to score 15 unanswered. Wind and rain contributed to five BC turnovers, a blocked BC punt and no fewer than 10 dropped BC passes in the contest. Eagles star defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (sprained knee), starting defensive tackle Al Washington (elbow) and starting cornerback Jazzmen Williams (thigh) all sat out against Wake Forest and are questionable tonight. With these three players in the line up, Boston College is one of fiercest defensive teams in the land. The Eagles, in fact, check in at 7th in the nation in points per game allowed, 8th against the run and 9th in total defense. BC's 37th ranked offense is hardly a slouch either. The unit boasts terrific run/pass balance and operates behind arguably the best offensive line in the nation. The Eagles are a perfect 5-0 (ATS) their past five as a road dog, including 1-0 (ATS) as an away dog this season. BC has been an equally dangerous pooch against VA Tech lately. The Eagles have landed the cash in each of the past four meetings overall and are 5-0 (ATS) their past five at Lane Stadium. In fact, BC notched a 34-27 upset as a 15-point dog its most recent trip to Blacksburg. No. 3 VA Tech committed four turnovers and led Maryland just 7-3 at the half before reeling off 21 straight points en route to a dominating 28-9 victory as a 10-point road favorite last Thursday. VT surrendered its only touchdown with just 2:16 remaining on the clock and outgained Maryland 497 yards to 254 on the night overall. The win improved Beamer's team to 7-0 (SU) and 6-1 (ATS) overall, as well as 14-2 (ATS) its past sixteen dating back to last season. The Hokies have been extremely reliable in the role of favorite of late, posting a sweet 12-4 (ATS) mark their past sixteen as chalk overall and 12-2 ATS record their past fourteen as home chalk of -7.5 to -14.5. As noted last week, VA Tech's remarkable success this year can be credited to strength on multiple fronts. VT had just three giveaways heading into last week's game vs. Maryland and still has only seven on the season overall compared to 16 takeaways. Meanwhile, Beamer's special teams have once again been "special ? and his trademark defense is ranked No. 4 in the nation overall and No. 2 in points allowed. This deadly combination has combined for five return touchdowns this season and countless dozens of return TD's in Beamer's tenure. VA Tech has the added motivation of being this season's odd man out in the BCS behind Texas and USC. But a few impressive wins to close out their ACC schedule and the Hokies have an outside shot of catching one of the two coveted computer spots. Good luck with your bets tonight! |
