Virginia Tech Hokies Running Back Ryan Williams Will Not Play Against Boston College

The Hokies will be without star running back Ryan Williams when they open ACC play against Boston College this weekend, according to Jimmy Robertson of Inside Hokie Sports:

Williams injured his right hamstring in the first half of Virginia Tech's win over East Carolina last week. The school said he did not undergo an MRI following the game and his status would be determined when the team's injury report was released.

Although it was rumored he would not be able to go against the Eagles, we didn't hear anything official until this afternoon. The Hokies will now rely on junior Darren Evans and sophomore David Wilson to replace Williams in the backfield. Both played well against the Pirates. Evans ran 10 times for 91 yards and a touchdown while Wilson carried the ball 12 times for 89 yards and two scores.

Evans returned this season after missing all of 2009 with a torn ACL. He's lost two fumbles in his last two games, but appears close to regaining his form from 2008 when he set the ACC freshman rushing record. That record was subsequently broken by Williams in 2009.

Wilson has been the Hokies' most explosive back through the team's first three games. He has 114 yards on 16 carries this season (7.1 ypc). I believe Wilson be the key to the Hokies' success against BC Saturday. The Eagles are tough up the middle, but I think there are yards to be gained outside the tackles. Hopefully Wilson's speed will help the Hokies get some much-needed yards on the ground.