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Virginia Tech vs. Boise State Preview
In the final game of the first college football weekend this season, the Boise State Broncos will travel cross country to face the Virginia Tech Hokies in a top 10 showdown. The game will take place at FedEx Field in Washington DC, and while this is considered a neutral site game, that will hardly be the case with this matchup practically right in Tech’s backyard. Boise State returns 21 of 22 starters. Experience will certainly be on their side as Virginia Tech is replacing 7 starters from their defense. This is the first ever meeting between the two schools, and everyone can expect it to be a tightly contested game.
When Boise State has the ball: Expect Kellen Moore to prove he is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Moore will be on the big stage in arguably the most significant game of his career thus far. He is a very smart passer who limits his mistakes and throws a great deep ball. Moore will have plenty of options to throw the ball to in the dynamic duo of Austin Pettis and Titus Young. It is safe to say that Boise is loaded on offense, and it will be tough to slow them down.
When Virginia Tech has the ball: Expect a heavy dose of Ryan Williams. While Darren Evans has made a great comeback and seemed to regain 2008 form, Williams is still the go-to-guy on offense for the Hokies. In what was a record breaking season for Williams in 2009, he carried the offense for most of the season and led the Hokies to another 10 win season. If Virginia Tech wants to leave this game victorious, Williams will need to have a great game by his standards.
Key to the game for Boise State: Score early and often. If Boise State can jump out on the inexperienced Hokie’s defense, there will be plenty of cause for concern for Virginia Tech. Boise has the offense to put up plenty of points, and if they get into a shootout with the Hokies, expect them to come out with the win.
Key to the game for Virginia Tech: Run effectively and control the clock. The longer Kellen Moore is on the sideline, the better for Virginia Tech. The Hokies need to run the ball effectively and keep the clock rolling. Also, they must keep 3rd downs manageable and not put themselves in any 3rd and long situations where the Broncos could capitalize on mistakes.
It is unfortunate that one team’s national title hopes will be dashed in the first week of the season, but that is the scenario here. Expect both teams to come out and play like this is their national championship. Boise State has made a living off trick plays and the element of surprise. Opponents can’t prepare for that, and Peterson is a great coach who has fared well in big games. Virginia Tech is a team who plays solid defense, but with the defense a cause for concern right now, it will be up to Tyrod Taylor to be the leader of the Hokies on Monday night. Frank Beamer has full confidence in Taylor, and he will look to have a great start to his senior season.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 24 Boise State 20.