Collegiate Times

The more things change, the more they stay the same for Virginia Tech and Boston College football.

The more things change, the more they stay the same for Virginia Tech and Boston College football.

Despite the Hokies losing 13 players to the National Football League and the Eagles losing five -- including potential offensive rookie of the year Matt Ryan -- both teams turned in 2008 campaigns just good enough to meet for the second consecutive year in the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game.  

Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski appreciates the position the Eagles are in considering the team's low preseason expectations.

"It's been very gratifying as a coach to see this team come together, especially when no one gives you a chance to do what we've done so far," Jagodzinski said. "This is better because no one said that we could do this. Last year it was expected; this year no one expected it and it still happened."

 Tech head coach Frank Beamer shares the same sentiment.

"We've had to do some coaching here, but I've enjoyed the players, their attitude, how they work. This is just a very gratifying, very thankful time that we're able to get back to the championship game with all the things that this football team has been through," Beamer said.

Both Tech and Boston College reached the championship game through the same philosophy -- hard-nosed defense.

The Hokies and Eagles rank one and two in total defense, respectively.

Boston College's rushing defense has been especially potent -- allowing 87.3 yards per game, largely in part because of massive All-ACC defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace as well as All-ACC linebacker Mark Herzlich.

"I remember that crowd, that crowd up front, those inside people, 94, their linebacker," Beamer said. "We didn't have a lot of success against them up there.  They're a hard crowd to beat."

Tech did gain 150 rushing yards against the Eagles in October, but 110 of those came from sophomore quarterback Tyrod Taylor. On 23 carries between redshirt freshmen Darren Evans and Josh Oglesby, the Hokies managed only 40 yards, good for 1.7 yards per carry.

Running the football will be critical this time around for the Hokies.

"They're very, very good up front, and I still think you got to be able to run the football," Beamer said. "And we didn't do a great job of that last time we played them; and when you can run it, it helps you pass it."

Many teams turn to the pass because of a stagnant running game against Boston College, but the Eagles are deadly in coverage, leading the nation in interceptions with 25, returning five for touchdowns. In addition to having the most interceptions, the Eagles have allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the ACC.

The Boston College defense also seems to be taking notes from the Tech defense, scoring a defensive touchdown in six consecutive games to cap the regular season.

"It's like Virginia Tech," Jagodzinski said. "They've won a lot of ball games that way."

"It's extremely satisfying," said BC senior strong safety Paul Anderson.  "I'm real proud of the way our defense is playing this year. This is the sixth week in a row where we've scored on defense, and when we're out there, we not only see it as an opportunity to stop the offense from scoring but an opportunity for the defense to score as well."

Because of a weak running game against Boston College in October, Taylor only managed 90 passing yards and an interception, but the receivers as well as Taylor have progressed since then.  

Still, the Tech offensive line gave up 37 sacks this regular season, good for last in the ACC, while the Eagles' defense produced the second most in conference with 32.  

Even if the Tech offense can protect its quarterback and develop a running game, the Hokies must score once they get inside the Eagles' 20-yard line.  

"I think getting points when you're down there is always critical, and it'll be critical again this week," Beamer said. "Every play counts in this ball game: Every kicking play counts, every offensive play counts and every defensive play counts, so that certainly is a point of emphasis."

The Eagles rank first in the ACC in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score 70.4 percent of the time on just 27 opportunities inside their 20, giving up only 13 touchdowns and six field goals.

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