Associated Press
BLACKSBURG, Va. ó Boston College is Virginia Tech’s biggest nemesis in the ACC.
The Eagles’ three victories against the Hokies are more than any other team in the ACC has managed since the 16th-ranked Hokies joined the league in 2004, and coach Frank Spaziani’s team hopes coming off a bye week will help it get another one today.
“We can see improvement in a lot of areas,” Spaziani said of his Eagles (1-5, 0-3 ACC), who need a dramatic turnaround in the second half to continue a string of 12 consecutive seasons ending in a bowl game. “There’s a lot of positives, but the bottom line is winning games. It’s really hard to articulate all the positives when you’re not winning games.”
The Hokies (6-1, 2-1) have rebounded well from a September to Clemson, beating Miami at home and winning at Wake Forest last weekend. They have their offense working on the ground and through the air, and a beat-up defense that somehow continues to improve.
They also have a healthy respect for Boston College, a team they have easily handled in their past three meetings, but also one they have met twice in the conference championship game.
“You know they have the team, they have the talent,” wide receiver Danny Coale said. “They’re traditionally a powerhouse on that side of the division and in the entire conference.”
Sometimes, there’s nothing like an old rival to help a team rise to the occasion.
“They’re playing extremely hard for that first conference win and I’m sure they’d like nothing more than to come in here and get that,” Coale said. “We know we’re going to get their best shot, and when they play their best, and when they play complete games, they’re a pretty good team.”