Virginia Tech football vs. Boston College: Preview, betting odds, how to watch

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The Virginia Tech Hokies look to improve to 4-0 on Saturday for the first time since 2017 as they face the Boston College Eagles (2-1) in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Tech is coming off an impressive 35-26 win over the Maryland Terrapins, snapping a 15-game road losing streak against nonconference Power Four teams. The final score doesn’t suggest Virginia Tech dominated from start to finish. The Terrapins made it a little more interesting in the second half, but the outcome was truly never in doubt.

Boston College was a 38.5-point favorite over Maine last week and escaped with a 6-point win. That win improved the Eagles to 2-1. BC’s only loss came in Week 1 to Cincinnati.

Something to watch for Saturday, besides the miserable weather that will certainly impact the game and could slow down Virginia Tech’s potent passing game, is the offensive line injuries. Redshirt sophomore Justin Terry was injured in the first half of last week’s win over Maryland. It was a lower-leg injury. He was on crutches later. Head coach James Franklin hasn’t updated us on Terry’s status. He’s listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.

A surprise on Thursday’s availability report was right guard Montavious Cunningham. He’s now listed as questionable. Logan Howland will likely replace Terry, and redshirt senior Brody Meadows would likely fill in for Cunningham if he can’t play on Saturday.

We previewed Boston College by the numbers. Now, it’s time for our full preview ahead of Saturday’s ACC opener for both teams.

3 Eagles to watch

• QB Mason McKenzie: McKenzie is the type of quarterback that has traditionally given the Hokies fits. However, Tech did a good job of limiting ODU quarterback Quinn Henicle in Week 2. Henicle was known for his scrambling ability, and the Hokies limited him. McKenzie leads BC in rushing with 225 yards in three games. If Virginia Tech can keep him in the pocket, especially considering the weather, that limits his impact. He has thrown five interceptions, so there are opportunities for takeaways.
• RB Evan Dickens: Dickens is Boston College’s top running back. He is second on the team with 205 rushing yards and has scored three touchdowns. Dickens is coming off his best game, where he rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown against Maine. A transfer from Liberty, Dickens is one of the ACC’s most underrated offensive players.
• LB Anthony Palano: Palano has had a strong start to this season, recording 34 tackles, two interceptions and one sack. He’s everywhere. You can bet Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer will have his eyes on Palano before every snap. He’s on pace for an All-ACC type season.

3 Hokies to watch

• RB Marcellous Hawkins: When the weather is expected to be nasty, you lean on your running game. Fortunately for the Hokies, they have two high-level starters in Hawkins and Jeff Overton Jr., and both will be heavily involved. Could the sloppy weather limit Overton’s chance at a big play? Hawkins can make big plays, too. Both players can do everything. Hawkins is the type of back built for this type of game. The Hokies should lean heavily on their running game Saturday.
• TE Luke Reynolds: America’s best tight end. Don’t believe? Look at the stats. This is a homecoming for Reynolds, who is from Westford, Massachusetts, about 36 miles from Chestnut Hill. Reynolds should have plenty of family at the game. And while the weather could limit the Hokies’ terrific passing game, that shouldn’t affect Reynolds, VT’s most-targeted player. He should still thrive in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
• DE Aycen Stevens: Stevens leads the Hokies with 3.5 sacks. He’s had at least one in each game. Tech’s edge players must keep contain this weekend. While getting sacks is massive because it creates negative plays, keeping McKenzie contained really limits Boston College’s offense. Stevens, Mylachi Williams, and Cortez Harris have all played well, and this is another opportunity for them.

3 keys to a Virginia Tech victory

• Establish the run early: In a weather-affected game, get that running game going. Barring an unforeseen disaster, the Hokies will still pass. They’ve done a good job mixing things up early each week to keep defenses off balance.
• Don’t let McKenzie escape the pocket: We keep harping on this, but it’s the key to the game for the defense. If McKenzie is forced to remain in the pocket as a traditional passer, he struggles. It creates opportunities for sacks and/or turnovers. For BC to win, it needs McKenzie to make plays with his legs. The Hokies cannot allow that because it could allow the Eagles to hang around.
• Limit the mistakes: Virginia Tech has done a great job of limiting turnovers thus far this season. But they’ve made mistakes, including penalties. When you’re expected to have rough weather, that alone can create more unforced errors. If the Hokies play a reasonably clean game, they should be just fine.

How to watch, betting odds

• When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
• Where: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
• Time: Noon ET
• TV: ACC Network
• Announcers: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Madison Fitzpatrick (sideline)
• Radio: Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio. You can find a list of affiliates here.
• Streaming options: fuboTV [try it free]
• Series history: The Hokies lead the all-time series 22-11. Virginia Tech has won the past three meetings, all by 17 points or more, including a 42-21 win on October 17, 2024.
• Odds: Virginia Tech is a 14.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.

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