Gobbler Country - Virginia Tech Hokies vs the Boston College Eagles: Our ACC OpenerThe Gold Standard For Virginia Tech Athleticshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50377/gobbler-fav.png2016-09-17T18:51:36-04:00http://www.gobblercountry.com/rss/stream/127170812016-09-17T18:51:36-04:002016-09-17T18:51:36-04:00Hokies Clip Eagles, 49-0
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UFUGUH-pAW0mSA_ylM-mDn9dePc=/685x44:4010x2261/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50894881/usa-today-9545580.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Hokies win their A.C.C. opener with ease.</p> <p>The Hokies opened up the 2016 A.C.C. slate by welcoming Boston College to Lane Stadium. The Hokies entered the game a six point home favorite. B.C. won the toss, and deferred to the second half. The Hokies went 3 and out and were forced to punt. B.C. turned it over on its first possession via a fumble. The Hokies took advantage and capped off the second drive with a T.D. reception by <span>Travon McMillian</span>. Evans hit <span>McMillian</span> on a 15 yard screen pass, 7-0 Hokies.</p>
<p>The Hokies defense appeared ready from the start. After pinning B.C. deep in its own territory, the Hokies had great starting field position for drive number three. The Hokies weren't able to take advantage, and were forced to punt. After a couple of stalled drives, the Hokies put together a nice drive. The possession culminated with <span>Jerod Evans</span> hooking up with <span>Isaiah Ford</span> on a gorgeous 8 yard fade. The Hokies led 14-0 with 1:15 left in the first. The teams traded punts in the early part of the second quarter. The Hokies started moving the ball again, midway through the second quarter, and Evans hooked up with <span>Ford</span> for the second time in the game. 21-0 Hokies, and the game went to half.</p>
<p>The second half, the Hokies stopped B.C. and forced the punt. Jerod Evans wasted no time marching the Hokies down the field. He eventually found r-Fr Chris Cunningham for his first career touchdown. Virginia Tech was pulling away from the Eagles, and the game was 28-0 early in the third.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FUENTEBALL in Blacksburg!!<br><br>Virginia Tech 21<br>Boston College 0 <br><br>Isaiah Ford is BALLING OUT <a href="https://t.co/psQ8kfCuIY">pic.twitter.com/psQ8kfCuIY</a></p>
— ESPNU (@ESPNU) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNU/status/777250995436920836">September 17, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
With the game seemingly in hand, the Hokies continued to push the Eagles around on offense. After converting a 4th and 1, the Hokies hit pay dirt once again. This time, Evans hooked up with <span>Sam Rogers</span>, and the rout was truly on. 35-0 Hokies with 7:15 left in the third. The Hokies were truly moving the ball at will, and B.C. had absolutely no answers. Evans got a bit greedy with 5:21 left in the third, and threw a bad pick. Still, with 5 touchdowns on the day, we can let that go. The Hokies kept the pressure, and found the end zone for the 6th time on the day. Travon McMillian punched it in from 8 yards out to make it 42-0.</p>
<p>There was still plenty of time left in this blowout. The fourth quarter saw <span>Brenden Motley</span> spell Evans to get some valuable experience. He decided to get in the scoring act, busting up the gut on a designed quarterback draw. The 26 yard touchdown run made it 49-0 with 10:33 left in the game. The fact that B.C. still had the first team defense in the game made it even more satisfying. Boston College had the number one ranked defense in all of F.B.S. last season, and Coach Fuente and company were crushing them.</p>
<p>Late in the fourth, the Hokies had a targeting call on <span>Houshun Gaines</span>. Gaines was ejected, and will miss the first half against East Carolina. The Hokies completely dominated this one from start to finish. The Hokies now look to East Carolina, and a little bit of "Pirate Revenge".</p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2016/9/17/12953278/virginia-tech-45-boston-college-24Roy Hatfield2016-09-17T17:09:07-04:002016-09-17T17:09:07-04:00Boston College @ Virginia Tech Halftime Stats and Notes
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z-Nlk4NQRnMet9d8ghws2d0QUcI=/0x0:3770x2513/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50894693/usa-today-9545286.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hokies lead Eagles 21-0</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston College Eagles</a> flew into Lane Stadium on Saturday, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech Hokies</a> were ready for their first A.C.C. tilt of the season. The first half started with the Hokies going quickly 3 and out. The Hokies forced a B.C. turnover, and were in business. <span>Jerod Evans</span> found <span>Travon McMillian</span> on a screen for 15 yard TD. 7-0 Hokies early in the first. After a couple of stalled drives by both teams, the Hokies starting moving again. Jerod Evans found <span>Isaiah Ford</span> on a beautiful 8 yard fade route. 14-0 Hokies with a little over a minute left in the first. The defense was playing lights out, pressuring B.C. QB Patrick Towles early and often. The second quarter saw both teams struggle moving the ball. A great punt return from Greg Strohman put the Hokies in excellent position. <span>Isaiah Ford</span> made the Eagles pay, plucking a pass from Evans. It was Ford's second TD on the day, and it was 21-0 Hokies, with 1:42 left in the half. <span>Adonis Alexander</span> closed out the half for the Hokies with a great pick.</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><br></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bcinterruption.com/">Boston College Eagles</a></td>
<td><a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Virginia Tech Hokies</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1st Downs</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4th Down Efficiency</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>0-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing Yards</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Yards</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total Yards</td>
<td>77</td>
<td>196</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Interceptions</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punts (Avg)</td>
<td>6(41.8)</td>
<td>5(37.2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penalties (Yards)</td>
<td>4(32)</td>
<td>5(25)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fumbles (Lost)</td>
<td>1(1)</td>
<td>0(0)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Possession<span> </span>
</td>
<td>14:19</td>
<td>14:42</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2016/9/17/12953256/boston-college-at-virginia-tech-halftime-recapRoy Hatfield2016-09-17T15:30:08-04:002016-09-17T15:30:08-04:00Boston College VS. Virginia Tech Gamethread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1KZLIYGY2ueOcp-hemeT7MKrL0w=/102x0:4154x2701/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50892639/usa-today-8894417.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Eagles fly into Blacksburg for an old school Big East battle.</p> <p><br> The Boston College Eagles roll into Blacksburg with a 1-1 record. The Eagles defeated UMass last week, 26-7. The Hokies enter the contest with a record of 1-1. The Hokies fell to the Vols last week, 45-24. This game is the first conference tilt for Virginia Tech, and the second for Boston College. B.C. fell to Georgia Tech in week one in a game played across the pond in Ireland. The game is a "White Effect" game, meaning fans are asked to wear white to Lane Stadium. The Hokies will be dressed in predominantly white unis, with the popular white helmets, with orange and maroon accents.</p>
<p>The game marks the return of Scott Loeffler, former offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech. Loeffler was not retained during the Beamer/Fuente transition. The Hokies averaged 31 points per game season under Loeffler's direction. The Hokies' Tim Settle will be wearing 25 this week. The number is a nod to Beamer, and his special teams contributions.</p>
<p>LET'S GO!!!!</p>
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<h5 class="poll-title">Who will this game?</h5>
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<div class="poll_option_bar"><span class="vote_count">20</span> votes</div>
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https://www.gobblercountry.com/2016/9/17/12952902/boston-college-virginia-tech-official-gamethreadRoy Hatfield2016-09-16T23:03:41-04:002016-09-16T23:03:41-04:00Gobbler Country Staff Picks
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Boston College vs Massachusetts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XMCeHa77a8hWraR-1pctlglqmM0=/0x53:2595x1783/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50888485/usa-today-9531103.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What will happen tomorrow against Boston College?</p> <p id="kAEtBA"> Tough week for some of the prognosticators in Gobbler Country. What will happen when the Hokies face off against Boston College?</p>
<p id="UYAPJZ"><strong>Roy Hatfield (2-0)</strong></p>
<p id="WiOzbT">The Hokies will rebound nicely in week 3. Virginia Tech has Boston College’s playbook in the form of former O.C., Scott Loeffler. B.C. has no clue what we will try to do. The Hokies have too much speed on the outside for the Eagles, and it will show quickly. Boston College has a nice defense, but not much else. Hokies in a cakewalk, 31-17.</p>
<p id="alRmxE"><strong>Joshua Schneider (2-0)</strong></p>
<p id="1xZuW8">Virginia Tech solves hopefully all its fumble problems, but still looks a bit bumpy against a solid defense. I don't think that Bud is going to be keen on letting former VT OC Scot Loeffler get much of anything going for all the reasons on the planet. VT28- BC20.</p>
<p id="iuEo7R"><strong>Jawhar Ali (2-0)</strong></p>
<p id="vg0WhO">The turnovers have to stop - that is really what it comes down to. The Hokies are more talented than BC, that much we know. That being said, this game may end up being closer than it should be. If the turnover-prone, less confident Hokies show up, the Eagles have the chance to take Virginia Tech down at home. Patrick Towles is an underrated QB, at least in my book, and he has the wheels to kill Foster's defense on the ground. However, I think the Hokies come out with an attitude on Saturday afternoon, and prove that the blowout in Bristol is not representative of who this team really is. </p>
<p id="jMloL1"></p>
<p id="G6mlv0">Hokies 28-17 Eagles</p>
<p id="RsDNxm"><strong>John Schneider (1-1)</strong></p>
<p id="WVGF0I">This should not be that difficult. BC's defense is better this season, but it's offense is one dimensional. And do they have a kicker? (There haven't been enough 3's in their season to verify that question) The Hokies have everything a step better than BC, the one thing that we lead them in solidly is horrible. We lead college football in fumbling the ball. Don't think for a minute that that little peach is going to be talked about through the entire run up and most of the broadcast. The wiseguys are saying that we are still laying 6 to the Eagles. Well, at least they think that we are going to win and they still need to balance the action. The Hokies should beat that spread by a mile. "Should" is the word. Oh, and that "one dimensional offense" is a running QB and a decent running back, our defensive bane for years. Hokies take it, narrowly: 24-17 </p>
<p id="JoMUwB"><strong>Mohamed Hassan (1-1)</strong></p>
<p id="A8OZ5W">This will be the first key game for Virginia Tech if they hope to win the ACC Coastal Division and make the Battle at Bristol a distant memory. The question isn't whether Boston College will beat Virginia Tech, but rather if Virginia Tech will beat themselves. If Coach Fuente is the coach everyone believes he is, then you can bet that the Hokie's ball security issues have been thoroughly addressed this week. I believe the Virginia Tech Hokies beat the Boston College Eagles and show off some of the mental toughness developed from last weekend. Hokies win 24-13.</p>
<p id="fzyxM6"><strong>Jay Johnson (1-1)</strong></p>
<p id="Tpu7Ru">Boston College is a team that Virginia Tech should defeat. But, nine turnovers in two games isn't gonna cut it. As we saw last week, the defense cannot mitigate all of the offense’s mistakes, especially those made in our territory. I have a feeling that there was a lot of laps and a lot of work on ball control this past week. The Hokies improve, 2-1 on the regular season, and defeat the Eagles 35-14.</p>
<p id="CZI7SN"><strong>Bryan Manning (1-1)</strong></p>
<p id="6qx2WH">The Virginia Tech Hokies should be in good shape when they host Boston College in Blacksburg on Saturday. If Tech has solved the ball-security issues, it should be able to move the ball enough to defeat a strong BC defense. Bud Foster's group should have no trouble handling Boston College—and Scot Loeffler's—inept offense. The Hokies will be in a battle with the Eagles, but will pull away late in the third quarter.</p>
<p id="SjaboW"></p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2016/9/16/12950160/gobbler-country-staff-picksRoy Hatfield2016-09-15T08:00:12-04:002016-09-15T08:00:12-04:00 Hokies vs the Eagles Our ACC Opener
<figure>
<img alt="Cam Phillips grabs a pass and runs in the 2015 BC game at Chestnut Hill" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bBeSlIwkf7EOuIbuhjZrRckxckY=/0x219:2744x2048/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50850287/usa-today-8903599.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cam Phillips grabs a pass and runs in the 2015 BC game at Chestnut Hill | Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Hokies meet up with Boston College at 3:30 on Saturday. While a good game won't erase the issues of the last two weeks, it would go a long way to repairing some reputations. Looking at BC, this season and what we might face.</p> <p></p>
<p>My father taught me a valuable lesson about rough days, bad outings, and major foul ups. Take a shower, get some sleep, and come back at it in the morning. He didn't mean just sort of forget about it and move on. He meant that after some rest that it was time to get back at the problem that you messed up so badly, fix it, make sure that you don't repeat it again, and then move on.</p>
<p>Without dwelling in the recent past; or living there, the problems that were identified in games one and two must be rectified. It's also useful to remember that every sports talking head, junior analyst, or discussion group is going to live in the past for you.</p>
<p>Two games and ten fumbles later have provided more than enough poison ink for their pens. Those pens are going to be out for the game with Boston College on Saturday. We have a 3:30 kick-off which means a respectable regional audience and the mouths will be running.</p>
<p>Boston College is our opening salvo in a long slog through the ACC this season. It's a slog because of the rough parity that the teams in the coast seem to be sporting over the last several seasons. Since Tech's loss in its last <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/acc-championship-game">ACC championship</a> game in 2011, the division just looks like it has settled into a struggle best described by "parity and awe". No team has a total advantage over any other team and even the division cupcakes have worked to shed that status. Duke is actually going to host a Pro Day this season.</p>
<p>Let's check some information from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hokiesports.com/football/opponents/Boston%20College">Hokie Sports</a> to see what the history between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Hokies</a> and the Eagle comes down to:</p>
<p><b>Total number of games in the series: 24</b></p>
<p><b>Tech's Record: 16-8 </b></p>
<p><b>Home: 6-4 Away: 8-4 Neutral: 2-0 </b></p>
<p><b>Record at Lane Stadium: 6-4 -a reminder that they have beaten us at home... Matty Ice... Matty Ice...</b></p>
<p><b>Televised Games: 16-8 Again.. Matty Ice </b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>Season</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>Date</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p><b>Site</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p><b>Score (VT-Opp)</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p><b>Rank</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>2015</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p>Sat., Oct 31, 2015</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p>Chestnut Hill, Mass.</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p>W, 26-10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p>NR/NR</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>2014</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p>Sat., Nov 1, 2014</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p>Blacksburg, Va.</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p>L, 31-33</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p>NR/NR</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>2013</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p>Sat., Nov 2, 2013</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p>Chestnut Hill, Mass.</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p>L, 27-34</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p>NR/NR</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>2012</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p>Sat., Nov 17, 2012</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p>Chestnut Hill, Mass.</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p>W, 30-23 (OT)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p>NR/NR</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>2011</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p>Sat., Oct 22, 2011</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p>Blacksburg, Va.</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p>W, 30-14</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p>16/NR</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="67">
<p><b>2010</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p>Sat., Sep 25, 2010</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="174">
<p>Chestnut Hill, Mass.</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
<p>W, 19-0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="102">
<p>NR/NR</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Since 2010, we have played four games in Chestnut Hill, and only two at Lane. The series, even though it seems to be a long one, really has only happened over the last 25 years. It's not enough time to develop into a traditional rival, but the record of late shows that BC is more than capable of rearing up and biting us, hard. The bites have come more often lately, with a very rare set of back to back losses in 2013 and 2014. We all know and feel those close fought games because neither team was performing particularly well in those seasons. Last year's win was a major face saver.</p>
<p>Overall, though Tech has been putting up better numbers in the match up; basically we have come away with 2 out of 3 for the series. That is, as the infamous, ‘they' say; old news. That's in the past, and BC is a different team this year. We covered <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gobblercountry.com/2016/8/25/12639446/virginia-tech-hokies-preview-of-boston-college-acc-opener">BC a bit in a summer preview</a>.</p>
<p>What we couldn't see at the time was the current situation. First, BC lurks at the bottom of the high flying Atlantic Division of the ACC. Their tour in Purgatory has only been worse than ours. Their ACC season opened against Georgia Tech, and up until late in the second half, BC actually controlled most of the momentum on the field. GT had to scramble to make up ground to nip the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bcinterruption.com/">Eagles</a> by a dreary old fashioned football score of 17-14. The next game BC gathered itself and put up 24 giving up only 7 against the University of Massachusetts. While you might sort of chuckle, UMass is a Division 1 FBS team, and BC had to work to win that game.</p>
<p>Take a look at <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/bbf/stats">Yahoo Sports</a> for a detailed breakdown of BC's first two games' statistics.</p>
<p>As predicted in the preview, <span>Patrick Towles</span> is starting at quarterback. There is little doubt that Towles is a big improvement over the Eagle quarterbacks of the last couple of seasons. He has some decent running help, and some serviceable receivers.</p>
<h4>Passing</h4>
<table data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="551">
<tbody>
<tr data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.0.0">
<td valign="top" width="103">
<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="38">
<p align="center"><b>Comp</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="36">
<p align="center"><b>Att</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
<p align="center"><b>Yds</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p align="center"><b>Y/A</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="46">
<p align="center"><b>Y/G</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="37">
<p align="center"><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="32">
<p align="center"><b>Int</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
<p align="center"><b>Long</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center"><b>Sack</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center"><b>Rating</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0">
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$player" valign="top" width="103">
<p><b>Patrick Towles</b></p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=11" valign="top" width="38">
<p>23</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1103" valign="top" width="36">
<p>39</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1104" valign="top" width="40">
<p>335</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1106" valign="top" width="44">
<p>8.6</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1107" valign="top" width="46">
<p>167.5</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1108" valign="top" width="37">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1109" valign="top" width="32">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1110" valign="top" width="69">
<p align="center">54</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1111" valign="top" width="48">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=11.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1112" valign="top" width="58">
<p align="center">137.8</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span>Towles's</span> numbers suggest that over two games, BC is running a modest passing game with mid length passes. He's got as many picks as TD's and at two, the number of scores doesn't really put a dent in the significance of the picks. He's only been sacked once, which means one of two things; he runs out of trouble, or his offensive line is pretty good. I am thinking that it's more the former than the latter.</p>
<p>BC is going to have to run the ball, well, to beat us. Towles is their number two rusher and accounts for one of their three rushing touchdowns</p>
<h4>Rushing</h4>
<h4></h4>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139">
<p><b> </b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p><b> </b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p><b>Rush</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p><b>Yds</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>Y/G</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p><b>Avg</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="60">
<p><b>Long</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="36">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139">
<p><b>Jon Hilliman</b></p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=11" valign="top" width="54">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1202" valign="top" width="54">
<p>39</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1203" valign="top" width="54">
<p>156</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1204" valign="top" width="72">
<p>78.0</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1205" valign="top" width="84">
<p>4.0</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1206" valign="top" width="60">
<p>73</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$0.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1207" valign="top" width="36">
<p>2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1">
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$player" valign="top" width="139">
<p><b>Patrick Towles</b></p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=11" valign="top" width="54">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1202" valign="top" width="54">
<p>21</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1203" valign="top" width="54">
<p>93</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1204" valign="top" width="72">
<p>46.5</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1205" valign="top" width="84">
<p>4.4</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1206" valign="top" width="60">
<p>16</p>
</td>
<td data-reactid=".27vatf8ibu6.$0.0.2.0.0.$Col1-0-Team-Proxy.$Col1-0-Team.2.3.3.$ncaaf=1stat_category=12.1.0.1.$1.$ncaaf=1stat_type=1207" valign="top" width="36">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Towles is going to be dangerous for a Hokie Defense that has extreme difficulty defending against running Quarterbacks. See Jawhar's excellent analysis about how Tech's defense is missing critical key pickups on option read plays. In order to stop these rips from happening the Defense must key the quarterback on every play; and then use a different player to key the runner. One defender keying the quarterback or the running back results in a 50/50 shot of which few offensive coordinators will avail themselves time after time. The 2 yard gain or loss is always balanced out by the 16 yard gash.</p>
<p>There is a limit as to how much crow one can eat, and at the moment most Hokies are a bit tired of picking black feathers out of their teeth. The equation is going to be simple this weekend.</p>
<p>Move the ball on offense in a balanced attack that approaches 50% pass/run ratios. Yes, you read that right. We need to move the ball downfield and score points. The new Fuente offense works better when it goes fast, and swaps in short to medium passes for new football schedule (5-7 yards per down) instead of option pitches. Just ask Bill Walsh how that works. We still need to run to balance and also to take advantage of key reads at the line of scrimmage; but there were entirely too many tanked draw plays last week. Tech needs to get Evans moving in the pocket to get him some better read perspective and some better options.</p>
<p>The Defense must get organized to defeat the Read/Option play and the Quarterback draw. If we don't get that fixed, it's going to cripple the entire season and make it even more necessary for Fuente/Cornelsen to call riskier plays.</p>
<p>The penalties must stop; PERIOD! No more procedural mistakes at the line! No more bone headed holding or illegal blocking! And ESPECIALLY, no more disastrous selfish hot headed undisciplined personal fouls!</p>
<p>Of course the major thing to fix is the fumbling problem. It's not cute anymore; we are now the most fumble prone college football team in the division. Fixing the fumbles is difficult. You can point bloody fingers at the coaches, the training, the uniform material, the weather; whatever. Eventually the fumbling problems come down to the players and their situational awareness while handling the ball. That is an individual player discipline issue, and the only people who are going to cure that problem are the players themselves. <span>Jerod Evans</span>, <span>Cam Phillips</span>, <span>C.J. Carroll</span>, and Travon McMillian should all be seriously aware of what's at stake. I don't imagine that their practice week was very easy. They are all quality players and they know what's at stake. There is also an ancillary issue of what to do when the ball hits the ground. There seemed to be very few football fundamentals on display last Saturday. A repeat of five fumbles will guarantee that BC clocks us a good one this season.</p>
<p>And that's where it sits. Hokies win if they play their game, gets their defense stopping the Read/Option, stop the penalties, and most of all keep control of the football. We'll be looking for linebacker <span>Andrew Motuapuaka</span> and defensive end <span>Ken Ekanem</span> to get the issue under control. There are other players on the field who need to step up, but in Foster's defense they are the key players for getting the QB on the ground before damage is done.</p>
<p>Boston College has a chance to win this football game. We are more evenly matched than we'd like to admit.</p>
<p>It's time to prove something to ourselves as much as the sports world.</p>
<p><b>GO HOKIES!!!!</b></p>
<p></p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2016/9/15/12924468/virginia-tech-hokies-vs-the-boston-college-eagles-our-acc-openerJohn Schneider