On Saturday we meet familiar foe Virginia Tech. The Hokies are battle-tested this season having lost to Alabama and beaten Nebraska and Miami at home.
The offense is led by speedy quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor is coming off a career game against Duke where he threw for 327 yards and two scores while completing 77% of his passes. When he does throw the ball Jarrett Boykin is his favorite target. Boykin caught six passes for 144 yards and a td against Duke last week. Taylor has run the ball less frequently this season with just 41 attempts and 86 yards through five games. One thing is for sure though, VT is a running team. They beat Miami 31-7 despite Taylor completing just 4 passes for 98 yards.
Darren Evans was slated to be the starting running back but is out for the year with an injury. In steps former BC recruiting target Ryan Williams. Williams has rushed for 575 yards and eight scores averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Williams is fast and strong and a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Josh Oglesby has rushed for 190 yards on 6.1 yards per carry in the back up role.
Defensively Virginia Tech is not as strong as they have been in the past. They have forced only seven turnovers thus far (BC has forced 10 this year). The defense is experienced, but for whatever reason have not been able to force their opponents into making as many mistakes.
"Beamer Ball" prides itself on creating turnovers and mistakes with aggressive defense and special teams plays. Tech has had two special teams touchdowns already this season, Jayron Hosley has returned a punt and Dyrell Roberts has returned a kick. This will be a key to watch for.
I think this game will come down to the passing game. Both teams can run the ball and defend the run but whichever quarterback is able to capitalize and make some plays will have a significant advantage.
