BC vs Virginia Tech: Thoughts, Predictions, and a Prop Bet

Gods, I wish this was UMass. This is way too nerve-racking. This game will obviously set the tone for the season. I’ve just been having a strange feeling that if things go south, this will feel like the gut-renching loss to Georgia Tech in Ireland to kick-off the 2016 season. While the Eagles have quite an easy slate of games after the home opener, all eyes have been on Virginia Tech for some time now.

Wow, way too early to be like this. Ok!

Welcome to the 2019 BC football season! Last time around, we beat them! On the road! The Eagles ran for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the 31-21 victory. The Hokies are reeling from their first losing season since 1992, and Boston’s College is still looking for the elusive eighth win that never came in 2018 (Thanks, Zeus).

5 Burning Questions:

1. Is this offensive line ready?: Some new faces starting here and they don’t have a tune-up game to build chemistry. If Tyler Vrabel is as advertised, this group could be a hit. They’ll need to create runnings lanes for Dillon, who dominated Tech’s undersized defenders last season. Their defensive line isn’t so scary, but they have a very solid linebacking corps.

2. Will Bajakian be the change we need?: I want to know if OC Mike Bajakian can bring more flair to this offense. We’ll probably know how much influence Addazio has on the offense, but the most important thing is to see whether Anthony Brown looks comfortable.

3. How will the secondary hold up?: Only Brandon Sebastian returns, and Tech’s trio of receivers are no jokes. They’re going to be tested early and often by quarterback Ryan Willis. Maybe they won’t be able to produce the turnovers we’ve been accustomed to, but it’s critical to prevent big plays.

4. Do we trust our kicker?: BC made a whole six field goals last season, after hitting 12 the prior season. With transfer Aaron Boumerhl, will Addazio have faith in the kicking game? While I’d love to be more aggressive going for it, I’d rather have confidence in a makable field goal than a ridiculously short punt trying to pin a team back.

5. Can we win eight games? Ask me again in 10 years.

Oddsmakers:

Spread: BC +4.5

Money Line: BC +160, VT -185

Over/Under: 57.5

Which sells-out first?: Alcohol at Alumni or the Martin Jarmond Collection at Hillside (Jarmond -150)

This line opened with Virginia Tech only a two-point favorite in the contents, but quickly jumped up. For those of you new to this world +160 means that if you were to wager $100 on BC to pull off the upset, then you would net $160. A steal! For a -150 favorite, you would need to wager $150 for $100.

How To Watch

Check out our How To Watch post here, which includes a plan to get four BC ACC Network games for free, if you’re stuck with Xfinity.

[Some] Staff Predictions (sorry, I was late to ask the lot):

Niraj: 27 VT - 24 BC - Only a little sorry

Arthur: BC 24 - VT 21

Will: BC 28 - VT 17 - AJ goes for 150, Brown with a passing TD

Grant: BC 31, VT 28 - Yes, there’s a field goal in there!

As flies to wanton boys, we are to the gods.

I love football.

Thank you.

LET’S GO EAGS!!!