The big news for this weekend might be the weather. The Eagles and the Hokies are going to be battling the weather as much as each other for this one. Let’s take a look at the old Big East Grudge Match and make our predictions.
First a Bit of Football News
The uniform for this one looks like the traditional away setup with the maroon helmet, white jersey, and maroon pants. (Still the best away uniform IMHO):
Hokies Playing in the NFL this Weekend
It’s Week 3 for the NFL and the Hokies are
still showing up on rosters.
Tyson Flowers is Getting Noticed
The postseason awards are always nice recognition for players. Nominations often trickle in as the season progresses, and Flowers is getting noticed as a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy award. Here’s a description for the award so that you understand what an honor it is to have moved this far in the process: The Campbell Trophy
Luke Reynolds was named Player of the Week
What’s important is that the Mackey Award Committee gave him the nod. That’s the committee that gives out the named award at the end of the season. Winning a week or two means more recognition.
The Weather is Going to be a Factor
No matter what you think that you can compensate for, the weather for this game is predicted to be pretty lousy, with intermittent rain and windy conditions throughout the 12:00-3:30 timeframe. Weather Underground is also reporting cool temperatures in the low 60s, which will be a challenge for cramping up, along with the usual bad weather problems with ball handling, passing, and footing. Boston, MA Hourly Weather Forecast | Weather Underground
It’s Great to have an Actual Offensive Coordinator
Coach Ty Howle got his own notice from the outside. Tech hasn’t had an Offensive Coordinator who got national recognition (CBS Sports, no less) for quite a while, if ever.
The two things are mentioned together because the weather will present a real offensive challenge for the Hokies. Wet ball practice was run by everyone who could handle a football, and it’s pretty sure that “The Juniors” got some special attention and the offensive line was re-drilled on run blocking in wet conditions. One real advantage in any passing game that develops is that Howle has implemented, thus far anyway, a really capable short and intermediate passing game. We’ll see how this one unfolds because Coach Howle is becoming known for making nearly instant adjustments in his game plan.
Time for Predictions
Bryan Manning
These games once concerned me. Every trip to Boston College always felt like a slog. I am a little more confident in the Hokies this time around. The Hokies are clearly the better team in every aspect. That doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen. The offensive line injuries are a concern, especially if they’re long-term. I have confidence in VT’s offense, though. Imagine saying that anytime over the past 15 years? I believe if Tech can keep BC QB Miles McKenzie in the pocket, its offense will struggle. They did a good job against Quinn Henicle back in Week 2. If he runs free for several big plays, Boston College could stick around. Ultimately, it should not matter. Tech’s passing stats won’t look as gaudy, but Ethan Grunkemeyer will keep playing well, and I believe Luke Reynolds is in for another big game. Marcellous Hawkins and Jeff Overton will combine for 175 rushing yards, and the Hokies will win rather convincingly, considering the weather.
Hokies 34, Eagles 13
John Schneider
It’s the Big East opener for the Hokies. Well, yes, it’s the ACC, but the quiet part shouted loudly this weekend will be how much of a grudge match these games are. Tech and BC have a long history, and it’s been one of both triumph and bitter disappointment… sometimes all in one season.
Nobody is fooling anybody about the reality of this one. Boston College is 2-1 with two very disappointingly close wins over Rutgers and FCC Maine. The reaction is going to be either the team gets its back up and gives Tech absolute fits enough to get by the Hokies, or they are still struggling on offense and tepid on defense. If it’s the former, Tech stands a possibility of dropping this one, but most of the odds are giving this one to Tech. Tech is a two-touchdown favorite and it’s a 48.5 spread, so the wise guys don’t seem to think that it’s going to be a high scoring game. I don’t either, unless there are some serious surprises up Ty Howle’s sleeve for this one. What I do detect is that Tech is going to come out and play a ball control burn the clock offense right out of the gate. With the poor weather conditions, I figure that the passes will be high percentage throws within 8 yards of the LOS and reliance on YACs instead of bombs.
There is a distinct possibility that the defense could pick up a score in this contest. If they do, add a touchdown to the total points for Tech.
Hokies Win: 28-14 (35-14 with a defensive TD)
