Following a mutual bye week, Atlantic Coast Conference rivals will clash when Virginia Tech hosts Boston College in a primetime Thursday game in Blacksburg, Va.

The Hokies (3-3, 1-1) return to action for the first time since defeating new ACC member Stanford 31-7 in their first-ever regular-season game in California on Oct. 5.

“Thursday night, a sold-out crowd, ESPN national television, Orange Effect — there’s a lot to be excited about,” Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry said.

Pry’s team will face the challenge of Boston College (4-2, 1-1), which last allowed 24 unanswered points in a 24-14 loss at Virginia and is seeking its first win in Blacksburg since 2018.

Kyron Drones had a three-touchdown game and Bhayshul Tuten ran for his league-leading ninth score of the season against Stanford, but Virginia Tech ran away thanks to a stout defensive effort that included five different players recording sacks.

Among them was first-year Kaleb Spencer, who has racked up eight tackles (four for loss), one sack, a forced fumble and an interception in the last two games.

“He hunts the ball, he’s got good instincts,” Pry said. “He hustles, he’s got a nose for it, he plays physical. I’ve got a lot of respect for the way he’s playing.”

Defense has also been a calling card of Boston College’s game.

Despite losing for only the third time in program history when leading by 14 or more points, the Eagles have still allowed the fewest points per game in the ACC (17.2) this season.

First-year coach Bill O’Brien knows his team will be ready to bounce back in a big-time game.

“You should embrace it. This is what college football is all about,” he said. “It’s a big, big challenge to go down there … but our guys should be very excited, and I believe they are.”

Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku has led the Eagles’ defensive effort, entering the week with an ACC-best nine sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.

Thomas Castellanos found two different receivers for first-half touchdowns at Virginia, but he turned the ball over three times and finished the game with negative rushing yards for the first time in his Eagles career.

“I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of being a quarterback,” Castellanos said. “I do feel like I haven’t been as dangerous as last year, and explosive, but it comes with me trying to show … I can throw the ball.”

Castellanos will be the focus of a Virginia Tech defense that is tied for the ACC lead with 20 sacks.

–Field Level Media