2010 Boston College Football: Virginia Tech Game Links

The best part about the annual Virginia Tech game isn't the ticket sales -- can't believe this game still hasn't sold out (and on Parents Weekend, no less) -- it's the coverage from the media. There seems to be no shortage of Hokie bloggers and beat writers out there. That means that Superfans are treated to a few more links and news articles than were used to getting as we approach Saturday's game against the Hokies.

Here's a rundown of the various stories as we approach the ACC opener.

Virginia Tech Beat Writers

'Beantown' hasn't been kind to Hokies in ACC (Randy King, The Roanoke Times)
Despite a 19-5 record on the road in ACC play, Virginia Tech has yet to win in Chestnut Hill since both programs joined the conference. Also, Hokies guard Greg Nosal complains about some rude language coming from the Alumni Stadium crowd during the game in 2008. Just wait until he hears the Superfans' new first-down cheer. "Whoa. Why the F-ing? Why in front of the kid? All ya gotta do is say "earmuffs" to him ..."

Boston College Week, Vol. 4: Does the road to another ACC title begin Saturday? (Kyle Tucker)
Even though Virginia Tech already has 2 losses, history is on the Hokies side. Well, maybe not on their side, but those early season losses won't preclude Virginia Tech from competing for another ACC title. In the past six years, ACC champions have had a combined 11 conference losses and 16 total regular-season losses -- more losses than the last six years worth of SEC, Big 12 and Big 10 champions.

Boston College Week, Vol. 3: How the Hokies' OL got it together ... (Kyle Tucker)
In the Hokies first two games, they ran the ball 19 times in the red zone and gained a whopping 15 yards, less than a yard per carry. In the third game against ECU, the Hokies ran the ball eight times in the red zone for 40 yards. Tucker things the Hokies O-Line may have turned the corner based on a combination of linemen stepping up and a position coach who was feeling the heat, but I just think Tech was able to wear the Pirates D-line down as the game wore on. Even with the glaring weakness on the D-Line, I think the BC D will be a much tougher nut to crack.

Williams' injury will test Tech's backfield depth (Darryl Slater)
With Ryan Williams' status for Saturday's game in question, the Hokies two remaining running backs -- David Wilson and Darren Evans -- set out on Saturday with something to prove. They haven't proven themselves just yet, "but we definitely plan on showing the country what we have to offer," says Wilson. Bulletin board material? Bulletin board material.

Stopping Boston College's Montel Harris (again) - Job One for Tech (Norm Wood)
Harris, a 4.7 yards per carry career back, has uncharacteristically struggled when facing the Virginia Tech defense. In his first three games against the Hokies, Harris has rushed 35 times for just 138 yards and a touchdown, well below his career 4.7 yards per carry average. 

National Bloggers / Writers

Dash of fakes and faux teams (ESPN Pat Forde)
So apparently Pat Forde isn't a believer in this year's Eagles squad, predicting that this "could be BC's lowest victory total in a decade." Umm, did Forde even bother to glance at the Eagles schedule? I know BC hasn't exactly impressed in weeks 1 and 2, but fewer than 7-8 wins this year? C'mon. Thanks to CoachMelissa for the link.

Boston College still searching for identity (HD)
Spaz doesn't know what to make of the team. The good news is that the Eagles haven't had to go on the road yet. Spaz has nice things to say about Virginia Tech football. Albright claims that the schedule has helped this team work out the kinks. Usual fluff.

Virginia Tech Bloggers

2010 Virginia Tech Football: What to Watch at Boston College (Gobbler Country)
F4H with his usual, in-depth look at the Eagles.

2010 Football Game Preview: Virginia Tech at Boston College (TechSideline)
Chris Coleman at TechSideline breaks down this weekend's game, calling for a 27-20 Hokies victory.

Punt Baldwin into a Black Hole (The Key Play)
The boys over at The Key Play are doing terrible, unforgivable things to Baldwin. Is it wrong that I sort of enjoy the shot of Baldwin at Octoberfest?

Boston College News and Notes

BC must make up ground (Steve Conroy)
Conroy's article on Thursday focuses on how the Eagles haven't been able to establish the run and the new look offensive line, with Spinney making his first collegiate start in place of Claiborne. Lapham on this week's preparation: "We’re obviously expecting Virginia Tech to blitz and mess with our minds a little bit, but we’re preparing for it. And that’s what’s going to be the difference."

Finally at the head of the line (Mark Blaudschun)
The junior guard will get his first collegiate start this Saturday, replacing Thomas Claiborne. Claiborne has been held out of practice with a few injuries (leg, head).

Spinney ready for the challenge (Herald On Campus Blog)
As we've come to expect from the Boston media, the same player gets profiled by both the Globe and the Herald. This week's feature -- Mark Spinney.

Virginia Tech at Boston College: Primer (Soaring To Glory)
Joe over at Soaring To Glory does a thorough breakdown of this weekend's matchup, taking a look at the offense, defense and special teams matchups between the Eagles and Hokies.

Virginia Tech At Boston College: Eagles Welcome Hokies To Town As They Open ACC Play (SB Nation Boston)
Ryan Hudson has all the info on this weekend's matchup. The Sports Network is predicting a 27-21 Hokies victory.

Eagles Notebook: Eagles, Hokies Clash After Very Different Paths (SB Nation Boston)
Notes and quotes on Eagles-Hokies from this week's weekly ACC press conference.