The Virginia Tech football team will open ACC play on Saturday afternoon at Boston College against the 2-1 Eagles. However, the Hokies will not only be playing BC, but they will also have to deal with Mother Nature and a nor'easter that is predicted to batter the Northeast area all weekend.
Virginia Tech enters the game 3-0 under Franklin and is a double-digit favorite, but throw in the weather conditions, and anything is possible. With that said, here are three bold predictions for the Hokies against Boston College.
Virginia Tech goes deep into running back depth chart
So far, it's been Jeffrey Overton, Jr. and Marcellous Hawkins, Jr. getting the bulk of the carries, but with the predicted weather forecast, don't be surprised to see offensive coordinator Ty Howle go a little deeper in the depth chart.
Freshman Messiah Mickens should see some carries and look for the Hokies to use the running backs out of the backfield to catch some passes. Overton Jr. did that last weekend against Maryland. Whichever team figures out their running game in the rain and wind will give themselves a better chance to win.
Virginia Tech struggles to cover
Surprisingly, the line hasn't really shifted too much, but it wouldn't be surprising to see it move in favor of the Eagles the closer we get to kickoff. It would be very, very surprising if the Hokies covered the current line with the weather conditions expected. In fact, it mucks things up for BC. James Franklin believes his team is ready for weather elements that are predicted to come to Boston, but expects a sloppy game with turnovers by both teams. A wet football can be a difference-maker.
Virginia Tech and BC combine for multiple defensive/special teams touchdowns
Look, if you're looking for a lot of points, this might not be the game you want to focus on this weekend. The kicking games are going to be tested with projected winds between 40 and 60 MPH. That goes for field goals and extra points, as well as punts. Let's not overlook kickoffs as well.
However, it wouldn't be surprising to see more than one touchdown scored between the two teams, either via the defenses or special teams. Virginia Tech's defense has been swarming this season, getting after the opposing offenses, and should create some turnovers. Special teams might play a bigger part in this game than some think.
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