What To Watch: Boston College vs. Virginia Tech

Heading into a key conference clash, Virginia Tech and Boston College each look for a primetime victory when they meet inside Lane Stadium on Thursday evening. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T., with the game set to air on ESPN.

Defensive Line Destruction
It’s not hard to highlight the impact that Tech’s defensive line continues to have week in and week out. 

Led by standout Antwaun-Powell Ryland, who’s tied for fifth in the nation with seven sacks, the Hokies have been swarming on the defensive front as of late. Halfway through the 2024 season, Tech finds itself tied for fourth nationally in sacks as a whole, racking up an impressive 21 over the course of the campaign. 

That’s ramped up as of late, too. In the past two weeks, the Hokies have tallied eight total sacks between trips to Miami and Stanford – with five of those coming against the Cardinal – and the wealth being spread among seven different guys. 

The collection of Powell-Ryland, Aeneas Peebles, Caleb Woodson, Kaleb Spencer, James Jennette, Malachi Madison and Josh Fuga have each posted a sack in the past two contests, with the group serving as a big reason why Tech finds itself at the top of the league in sacks as a team.

Turning Over The Tides
Interestingly enough, one of the more fascinating trends that follows the Hokies remains to be the team’s ability to create takeaways when the opposition enters the red zone. 

In the past three weeks, Tech has forced four red zone turnovers, quickly turning potential opportunities into empty possessions. On the flip side, the Eagles have scored on 14-of-18 trips to the red zone – with 13 of those resulting in touchdowns. 

Tech has forced nine turnovers during the 2024 campaign, while BC has turned it over nine times – with three of those coming in the recent 24-14 loss at Virginia.

It’s cliche to say it, but takeaways are going to be a factor on Thursday night one way or the other. Tech’s done well in that category so far, with the Hokies also having won the turnover battle in each of their last two contests. 

Thursday Night Roots
Serving as a staple of the tradition of Tech football, Thursday night football has long been worshiped in Blacksburg for over 30 years. And in 2024, that’s certainly no exception. 

The Hokies find themselves 24-12 all-time in Thursday night affairs – and are 13-7 all-time in Lane Stadium. Oddly enough, Boston College is one of Tech’s most common opponents on Thursday evenings, with both sides 3-3 all-time when they meet on that particular day. 

With all that being said, it’s the first time the two sides have met up on a Thursday since 2007, with the Hokies looking to win their second contest in a row and to continue to build some momentum in a crucial swing game in 2024.

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