Since the Hokies joined the Atlantic Coast Conference, they have managed to only lose one conference road game. That blemish took place Oct. 12, 2006, when the Boston College Eagles beat the Hokies, 22-3.
Of course, all Tech fans remember Matt Ryan going Temple of Doom on their hearts last year at Lane Stadium, but Hokie Nation ultimately had the last laugh by defeating the Eagles in the ACC Championship, 30-16.
That leads us to this Saturday's showdown at Alumni Stadium, where the Hokies will try to remain undefeated in conference play while the Eagles try to keep pace behind Wake Forest in the Atlantic division.
Ever since the day Ryan became one of the most despised athletes for Hokies everywhere, the football team learned a valuable lesson: close out your opponent.
"We've definitely taken more pride into finishing games out," said starting senior guard Nick Marshman. "I think the Carolina game was a real good example of closing out a game."
In order to defeat Boston College, the Hokies must find a way to move the football more efficiently on the offensive side of the ball. Against the Hilltoppers out of Western Kentucky, the Hokies' offense only managed to produce 293 total yards. The lone bright spot offensively in that game was when quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed his first passing touchdown of the season -- a 27-yard toss to tight end Greg Boone.
Tech's offense will have a much more difficult task at hand when it faces the Eagles' second-ranked scoring defense in the ACC, which holds opponents to an average of 11 points per game.
The success of the BC defense starts with its dominating tandem at defensive tackle. Senior defensive tackles Ron Brace and B.J. Raji will be the deciding factors as to whether the Hokies' rushing attack will succeed. As of now, the Tech offensive line will approach the game plan just as any other opponent.
"Their big guys move well, a lot of teams haven't run the zone running game at them because of their d-tackles, but we plan on running our schemes," Marshman said.
Tech's rushing attack has been steadily improving as the season has progressed and currently averages 175 yards per game on the ground. That stat may take a hit because of the season-ending injury to running back Kenny Lewis Jr.
The freshman duo of Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby will look to carry the load against the Eagles, but no matter who is running the football, Tech's offense must control the line of scrimmage.
"As an offensive line, we don't really notice which running back is in there," Marshman said. "We just have to make the holes to run through."
If the running game struggles, the Hokies may rely on the playmaking ability of sophomore Taylor -- who currently averages 166 yards of total offense per game.
Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski knows just how dangerous Taylor can be.
"Their quarterback can break the game open," Jagodzinski said. "(Taylor) doesn't make it easy; he poses such a threat to run with the football."
Even with Taylor's ability to run with the football, Tech must be able to throw the ball downfield. As of now, the Hokies are dead last in passing offense in the ACC -- even sitting below Georgia Tech in passing offense, despite the Yellow Jackets having attempted only 71 passes on the season.
Before the Eagle's bye week, Boston College played its best offensive game of the season against North Carolina State, when it totaled 578 yards of total offense and 38 points. Senior quarterback Chris Crane nearly single-handedly produced the sudden burst of production as he totaled 470 yards of offense and five total touchdowns. Crane's performance was so good that he totaled more yards in a single game than Matt Ryan ever had in his career.
"He really established himself as the quarterback," Jagodzinski said. "The N.C. State game helped him step out of Ryan's shadow."
But don't get too caught up with this performance. First fans must note that the explosion of offense was against the worst scoring defense in the ACC, allowing around 31 points per game. Secondly Crane's combined total stats for the first four games of the season consisted of a disappointing two touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Eagles will look to forget those previous four games and, most importantly, will look to avoid turning the ball over.
"Key to the game is don't turn the ball over and, secondly stop the big play on offense," Jagodzinski said.
The Hokies certainly caught notice of the new revamped Eagle's offense and will expect to see more passing from Crane this Saturday.
"They can throw the ball and run the zone read running play out of the shotgun very well," said senior defensive end Orion Martin. "I'm not saying (Crane) is Matt Ryan, but he's doing a great job."
If the Eagles decide to spread the ball around the field with the passing game, the Hokies' defensive line must find a way to get pressure on the quarterback.
Boston College's offensive line is currently tied for the ACC lead in total sacks allowed at five on the season. Forcing the Eagles into long third-down conversions will be vital for the Tech defense.
The temperature for game time is expected to be around 46 degrees -- the first cold weather environment for both teams this season.
Both teams have had their reasons for marking down Saturday's date and don't need to be reminded just how important it will be.
"Year in and year out, this is the game you look forward to," Marshman said.