Some numbers for this game...
National Rankings for the following:
DSC:Differential Scoring Offense:Differential Scoring Defense:
It is worth noting that BC has the 17th ranked Scoring Defense in the land after games vs. lower division schools are thrown out. But they have played such terrible offenses that their differential scoring defense is all the way down at 88th. It is entirely possible that Boston College has the most overrated defense in college football.
On the other side of the coin, VPI's offense is atrocious. Even so, they appear to be a better match-up for BC's defense than BC's offense is for VPI's defense. Especially when you consider the BC's offense hasn't faced a pass rush with a pulse yet.
Boston College has allowed a grand total of 7 sacks all season. They gave up multiple sacks 3 times.
In the three games where they gave up more than one sack, they scored 24 points in two of them. In the other game where they gave up 2 sacks, the defense snagged 5 turnovers and put the offense in position to score 38 points. The point is that if VPI can get to Ryan and protect the ball, they can keep the score within reach.
Virginia Tech has sacked the opposing quarterback at least 4 times for 5 weeks running. While BC is half-way decent at protecting the quarterback, they have not faced anyone that can rush the quarterback... until now.
And VT is also in the top 10 in the nation at protecting the football, having given up only 9 turnovers all season. They are not likely to surrender enough turnovers to give the game away. Not at home anyway.
In spite of all this, I very nearly put my v$ on BC because they've been sitting around for 2 weeks listening to just about everybody (as far as I've heard anyway) say that they have no chance.
The Eagles might play inspired football because of the disrespect factor, but I don't think it will be enough. They are not familiar with wearing the bullseye on their back, and its going to get them killed.
Karl B. DeBlakerAssociated Press
