KEYS TO THE GAME

1. DEFEND THE RUN / MAKE TAYLOR PASS
As was the case with NC State's Russell Wilson and Georgia Tech's Josh Nesbitt, Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor is more of a threat with his legs than he is with his arm (Taylor has only thrown one TD pass this year).

Meanwhile, as heralded as the BC front 7 has been against the run, our d-backs (including Freshman Donnie Fletcher who will be starting ahead of deleon Gause) have been remarkable allowing only 153 yards through the air per game which is 7th best in the nation. Look for BC to stack the box with 7 and 8 defenders in an effort to slow down the Hokies elusive QB. As with GT and NC State, maintaining "contain" on the edges will bve crucial.


2. RED ZONE OFFENSE/QB PLAY
While our red zone offensive production was much improved in the October 4 win over NC State, this Virginia Tech team presents a much more diificult challenge. In fact, the biggest obstacle to red zone prodcutivity this week may be getting that deep into Hokie territory.

Rest assured, Chris Crane won't have the time and space to make reads and get comfortable in the pocket while looking for open receivers as he did against the Wolfpack. Fans may remember last year's match-ups against Virginia Tech in which star QB Matt Ryan struggled for the better part of both games. In the October 25 night game at Lane Stadium, Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster and his crew brought pressure all night, while in the ACC Chamionship game on December 1, the defense showed pressure and dropped 6, 7, and even 8 defenders into coverage.

This year, Chris Crane will have All-ACC Corner Back Victor "Macho" Harris (3 INT's) to worry about in the defensive secondary while the offensive line will try to keep tabs on a loaded defensive front four that includes Virginia Tech Sophomore Defensive End Jason Worilds out of Carteret, New Jersey. As always, Crane's effectiveness through the air will rely primarily on both the O-line's ability to give him time, and perhaps more importantly, the ability to establish a ground game which will likely be led by true freshman Montel Harris. Look for Fullback James McCluskey also to get more involved in this week's offensive gameplan with both he and Harris cathcing passes out of the backfield.

As noted by BC Offensive Coordinator Steve Logan, Crane has taken a step in the right direction, but we'll find out Saturday whether he can parlay that into success against a Top 20 opponent or whether Domonique Davis will be called on in relief.

3. SPECIAL TEAMS
More than anything else, Virginia Tech is known for its superior special teams play. Given that close games are often decided by field position and field goal efficiency, this will be a huge factor in the saturday night showdown. BC can ill-afford to have any blocked punts, field goals or long punt returns by "Macho" Harris. Memo to Ryan Quigley: kick it quickly, high, long, and/or out of bounds. Johnny Ayers will be missed as the true freshman Quigley will surely be put to the test. Look for Billy Flutie to take a punt or two in key situations...

As noted earlier this week, the Hokies have lost two starters to season-ending injuries -- rover Davon Morgan (torn ACL) and tailback Kenny Lewis Jr. (ruptured Achilles tendon). This will effect the Hokies' kick-off return plans as this tandem had combined for all but three of Tech's 18 returned kickoffs in the first six games. Meanwhile, Jeff Smith has been steady, if not spectacular, in his role as kick returner so far this year. Will he break off a big return on Saturday night in primte time?


4. COACHING
This will doubtless be a close game. As noted in ESPN's game preview, all of the Hokies game's - including their season opening lone loss to East Carolina - have been close. In fact, each of Virginia Tech's games against i-A opponents have been decided by five points or less. In close games, the results typically come down to coaching and execution.

Head Coach Frank Beamer and Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster are two of the best in the business.

Meanwhile, the honeymoon appears to be over for offensive guru Steve Logan who has come under a bit of criticism for his play-calling - particularly in the September 6 loss to Georgia Tech.

On a positive note, BC averages just under four penalties per game (18 total) which is 3rd best in the country (as an aside, TOB's NC State crew has amassed 41 penalties).

5. THE UNKNOWN FACTOR: CROWD NOISE
As noted earlier in the weak, Alumni Stadium has developed a reputation, at least among Virginia Tech players and coaches, of being a difficult place to play. Of course, it can be - especially during a nationally broadcast night game. However, the team must give the crowd something to cheer about. I was at the ACC home opener against FSU in 2005 and was awe struck with the roar of the crowd as BC ran onto the field. Unfortunately, less than a minute later, BC QBQuinton Porter threw a pick-6 interception and the air was let of the balloon.

Hopefully the handsitters will either sell their tickets to younger fans or drink a few single malts before the game and start feeling "frisky" by kick-off. !


PREDICTION: I think BC continues its three game win streak against ranked opponents at home by winning a close one against the Hokies 20-17.