Date: October 17, 2024
Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Betting Odds: Virginia Tech -7, O/U 48.5, Moneyline: Virginia Tech -275, Boston College +220
Lead-In
Boston College (4-2) travels to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech (3-3) in a crucial ACC matchup. Boston College is coming off a tough road loss but has shown resilience this season, especially against the spread. As a +7 underdog, BC has a strong case to cover, particularly given their defensive strength and Virginia Tech’s inconsistencies.
Betting Odds and Recent Form
| Team | Record | ATS | Offense (PPG) | Defense (PPG) | OU Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | 4-2 | 3-3 | 27.2 | 22.7 | 3-7 |
| Virginia Tech | 3-3 | 3-3 | 27.7 | 23.2 | 4-2 |
Key Stats to Support Boston College +7
- Boston College Defense: BC’s defense allows 355 yards per game (69th in the nation), with a respectable 22.7 points per game allowed. Their pass defense ranks 41st, giving up just 184.2 yards through the air.
- Virginia Tech’s Inconsistencies: VT has struggled with consistency, particularly on defense, allowing 170.8 rushing yards per game (98th). Boston College’s rushing offense could exploit this mismatch, as they average 157 yards per game on the ground (71st).
- Recent Head-to-Head: Last season, Virginia Tech dominated BC 48-22, but Boston College has historically kept things closer in prior matchups, and they have covered the spread in tight games this year, especially as road underdogs.
Boston College’s Path to Covering +7
Boston College will lean on QB Thomas Castellanos, who has thrown for 11 TDs and 5 INTs this season, including a 254-yard performance against UVA in their last game. BC has the offensive capability to stay competitive, especially if they can continue to limit turnovers and establish the run against a Virginia Tech defense that has struggled to stop the run this season.
Virginia Tech has been erratic on offense, with a heavy reliance on their passing game, but BC’s solid pass defense could force the Hokies to be one-dimensional. If BC’s defense holds up, this game could be decided by a few key possessions, which makes Boston College +7 an attractive bet.
Power Stats Comparison
| Stat | Boston College (Rank) | Virginia Tech (Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| Yards Per Play (Offense) | 5.8 (74th) | 5.4 (68th) |
| Yards Per Play (Defense) | 5.4 (68th) | 5.8 (74th) |
| Rush Yards Per Game (Offense) | 157.0 (71st) | 141.2 (87th) |
| Rush Yards Per Game (Defense) | 170.8 (98th) | 157.0 (71st) |
| Passing Yards Per Game (Offense) | 195.7 (96th) | 213.6 (85th) |
| Passing Yards Per Game (Defense) | 184.2 (41st) | 195.7 (96th) |
Prediction
Given Boston College’s ability to keep games close, particularly as road underdogs, the +7 spread offers solid value. BC’s defense can limit Virginia Tech’s offense, and their balanced attack should keep this game within a touchdown. Take Boston College +7.