Virginia Tech football: Hokies lead Boston College at the half

The Virginia Tech Hokies lead 22nd-ranked Boston College 14-7 at halftime in Blacksburg. Quarterback Ryan Willis was particularly efficient, completing 16 of 19 passes for 212 yards and two scores, one each to Damon Hazelton and Eric Kumah.

Defensively, Tech has done a solid job against Boston College running back AJ Dillon, who has 14 rushes for 57 yards and a score. Outside of one 17-yard run, Dillon hasn’t been particularly effective. The Hokies have also done a good job making Boston College quarterback Anthony Brown uncomfortable in the pocket. Brown completed 8 of 18 passes for 59 yards in the first half.

The Hokies were driving before the half after Willis hit Dalton Keene for his third catch of the day but was injured on the play. Redshirt freshman Hendon Hooker entered the game and the snap sailed over his head, costing the Hokies a chance at another score.

On the injury front, the Hokies suffered two more losses. Sophomore cornerback Bryce Watts, a starter, went down with a fractured forearm and is out. Defensive tackle Xavier Burke suffered an Achilles’ injury, another blow to an already thin position for the Hokies.

Rico Kearney started for the Hokies at linebacker along with Dax Hollifield and has played well thus far.