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This coming Saturday, the undefeated Virginia Tech Hokies (3-0, 0-0) travel to Chestnut Hill to take on the Boston College Eagles (2-1, 0-0) as Atlantic Coast Conference play gets underway.
Boston College enters the matchup riding a two-game winning streak following a 22–16 victory over the Maine Black Bears. Saturday’s contest marks the conclusion of a three-game homestand for the Eagles to close out the opening month of the college football season.
BC’s Week 3 Takeaways: Defensive Muscle vs. Red-Zone Woes
Boston College’s performance against Maine featured a mix of defensive dominance and persistent offensive execution issues:
- The Good: Running back Evan Dickens logged his first 100-yard rushing game in an Eagles uniform—the seventh 100-yard performance of his career. Quarterback Mason McKenzie completed 14 of 21 passes for 173 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Defensively, safety KP Price delivered his first career multi-interception game, picking off a deflected pass in the first quarter and adding a second pick in the third. Linebacker Anthony Palano anchored the front seven with 12 total tackles (seven solo) and two tackles for loss. BC’s defense registered nine tackles for loss totaling 44 lost yards, bringing their season interception tally to six—ranking first in the ACC and fourth nationally.
- The Bad: The Eagles failed to score a touchdown on five red-zone trips, relying instead on a pair of 26-yard field goals from kicker Luca Lombardo. Head coach Bill O’Brien expressed frustration over the team’s inability to punch the ball into the end zone, which allowed Maine to stay within striking distance late into the fourth quarter. The Black Bears capitalized on both of their red-zone trips with touchdown passes (a 3-yard strike in the second quarter and a 7-yard pass in the fourth) while their defense registered two key fourth-down stops. Through three games, the Eagles’ defense is allowing 331 total yards per game.
Next up at home pic.twitter.com/4Z31NYGyYi
— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) September 21, 2026
Unbeaten Hokies Seek 4–0 Start
Virginia Tech brings an unblemished record and high-powered momentum under new head coach James Franklin into Saturday’s game. The Hokies are aiming for their first 4–0 start since 2017 and their second straight road victory over a Power Four opponent.
Virginia Tech’s balanced offense has excelled both through the air and on the ground. Transfer quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has efficiently directed the passing attack, relying heavily on tight end Luke Reynolds Jr., as the duo combined for 12 receptions and 107 yards in last week’s performance. On the ground, tailbacks Jeffery Overton Jr. and Marcellous Hawkins Jr. combined for 124 rushing yards. Defensively, linebacker Kaleb Spencer leads the Hokies with 13 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Series History
Virginia Tech leads the all-time series against Boston College 22–11, including a 10–5 record at Alumni Stadium, 10–6 at home, and 2–0 at neutral sites. The Eagles have not defeated the Hokies in Chestnut Hill since Nov. 5, 2021, and will be seeking their first three-game overall winning streak since 2023.
Author Profile
- John is VP of NGSC Sports and head of our New England operations. He covers sports in the America East, Big East, ACC, Hockey East conferences.
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