Hokies Earn Statement Win as Eagles Continue Decline

© Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) earned a commanding 42-21 victory over the Boston College Eagles (4-3, 1-2) in a primetime matchup in Blacksburg, Va. on Oct. 17. With the win, the Hokies continued their rise up the ACC standings and got one win closer to bowl eligibility.

The story of the night was the electric performance of Hokies' running back Bhayshul Tuten. The explosive senior running back carried the ball 18 times for a school-record 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added a 20-yard touchdown reception in the standout showing.

Game Summary

Virginia Tech took control of the game flow from the beginning. The Hokies offense opened the game with a methodical 11-play, 88-yard drive that paired a bruising rushing attack with a clinical short passing attack. Quarterback Kyron Drones capped off the drive with an impressive 11-yard touchdown rush to give the Hokies an early 7-0 lead.

The Virginia Tech defense stepped up on the following two drives, recovering fumbles by Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos and disrupting any momentum the Boston College offense gained. Tuten broke free for an 83-yard touchdown rush early in the second quarter to give the Hokies a 21-0 lead.

Drones' third touchdown of the half came on a 20-yard touchdown pass to Tuten, and the Hokies took a commanding 28-0 lead into halftime.

Boston College refused to back down from the challenge in the second half. Castellanos led a quick 6-play, 80-yard drive and connected with running back Treshaun Ward for a 25-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. The Eagles defense then stepped up with a big play of their own, intercepting Drones and setting their offense up in great field position. Castellanos capitalized again, finding tight end Jeremiah Franklin for a 13-yard touchdown to cut the lead to two scores.

The Boston College defense continued to make plays. After they recovered a fumble by Tuten, the Eagles were once again set up in prime field position. In just 12 minutes of game time, the Eagles had turned a four-score deficit into a 28-21 game.

The Eagles offense got the ball back and began a promising drive down the field with a chance to tie the game. On fourth-and-1 from near midfield, Boston College decided to leave their offense on the field, and the Hokies came up with a pivotal stop to halt the Eagles' momentum. Virginia Tech quickly drove down the field, and Tuten capped off the explosive drive with a 6-yard touchdown rush.

A fourth touchdown of the day from Tuten on a dynamic 61-yard rush helped put the finishing touches on an eventual 42-21 win for Virginia Tech.

Turning Point for Hokies

After jumping out to a 28-0 lead, Virginia Tech made several sloppy mistakes in the second half to let Boston College back into the game. Trailing 28-21, the Eagles were charging down the field with hopes of tying the game with a touchdown. On fourth-and-1 from near midfield, Eagles' head coach Bill O'Brien left his offense on the field hoping to capitalize on his team's positive momentum. Running back Kye Robichaux took the hand off up the middle, but was stuffed at the line of scrimmage. The stop shifted the momentum of the game, and the Hokies quickly drove down the field on offense to retake a two-score lead.

What It Means

The statement win continues the Hokies' positive trend in the last few weeks. After a heartbreaking loss to the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes (6-0, 2-0), Virginia Tech has now rebounded with two dominant wins thanks to elevated play from their stars on both sides of the ball. Drones and Tuten have combined for a nearly unstoppable offensive attack, and defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland has led an experienced line that is disrupting and shutting down opposing offenses. The Hokies will hope to build on their positive momentum as they continue conference play next week against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-2).

© Peter Casey-Imagn Images

For Boston College, the disappointing road loss continues a worrying trend in O'Brien's first year at the helm. After dominating in his first four games, Castellanos has struggled since with 5 turnovers in his last two games. The Boston College offense that relies on a bruising rushing attack and methodical drives needs more clinical play from its quarterback to have any chance to succeed going forward. The Eagles will hope to rebound when they return home next week to face the Louisville Cardinals (4-2, 2-1).