Virginia Tech Football: Winners and Losers from Hokies' Win vs. Boston College

The Virginia Tech Hokies followed a familiar script on Saturday, overcoming a slow start to defeat a stingy Boston College team 30-14.

After trailing 7-6 at halftime, the Tech offense ignited in the second half, scoring 24 points and cementing an ACC win on homecoming.

Virginia Tech has four games remaining to determine its postseason fate. The Hokies control their own destiny in the ACC Coastal race. 

Can Tech secure a rematch with Clemson?

First things first. Here is a recap of the Boston College game.

 

Winner: Danny Coale

Wide receiver Danny Coale is the best Tech pass-catcher in history at making receptions along the sideline.

He makes it look so easy.

On Saturday, Coale made 118 yards on eight receptions look easy against the Boston College Eagles.

In doing so, No. 19 moved past Antonio Freeman and Ricky Scales on the all-time yards receiving list, moving into second place.

First place? Fellow receiver Jarrett Boykin.

It will be interesting to follow the race between active Hokie receivers for the all-time crown.

For now, the winner award belongs to Coale. 

Loser: Bruce Taylor

Bruce Taylor leads the Hokies out of the tunnel every Saturday at Lane Stadium.

Fitting, since Taylor is the unquestioned leader on the field as well.

As fellow Hokie defenders seemingly fall by the wayside on a weekly basis, Taylor has become the rock that keeps Bud Foster's unit formidable. Despite the losses of players like Jayron Hosley and James Gayle, Taylor anchors a defense ranked first in the ACC in points allowed per game.

Taylor added two more sacks against the Eagles, giving him five for the season. He set up shop in the backfield, constantly pressuring Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig. 

But, all is not well for Taylor and the Hokies. No. 51 had to leave the game in the third quarter with a sprained foot. He needs to be healthy before Tech faces Georgia Tech in a week and a half.

Until then, however, the replacement... 




 

Winner: Barquell Rivers

It is been a long trek for linebacker Barquell Rivers back into the lineup. 

Since tearing his right quadriceps in a weight room accident, Rivers has played just 44 defensive snaps for Virginia Tech.

Rivers was slated to be the next stud linebacker for defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Rivers had 96 tackles in 2009 as the starting middle linebacker.

On Saturday, he made arguably the biggest play of the game. With Virginia Tech up by six points in the third quarter, Boston College was driving en route to retaking the lead. Rivers pressured quarterback Chase Rettig, forcing an ill-advised pass that was intercepted by fellow linebacker Tariq Edwards.

Rivers ended the day with four tackles. If Bruce Taylor is injured for a significant period of time, Rivers may be the man in the middle once again for the Hokies.  

Loser: Michael Branthover

Just when Tech fans thought the punting woes were remedied, the old shank reared its ugly head once again. 

In the first quarter, after a three-and-out by the Tech offense, punter Michael Branthover kicked a nine yard punt. The mishap directly led to Boston College's opening touchdown.

Right now, it is not necessarily the mediocre 30-yard punts that are hurting the Hokies. It is the nine yard punts and the 11-yard punts that are plaguing Virginia Tech.

Whether its Scott Demler or Branthover, the Hokies can ill-afford to give up free points because of awful punt attempts. 

Winner: Uniforms

Consider Virginia Tech a less-talked-about version of the Oregon Ducks.

The Hokies seemingly come out in different uniform combinations every week.

This week's version? Orange with white numbers and stripes on the shoulder pads.

Look, count me as one of the Hokie fans who want to see the color orange used sparingly as a primary color. However, these uniforms are my favorite with burnt orange as the primary color.

The orange mixed with the white well and stood out well on a beautiful fall afternoon in Blacksburg.

Let's just not make it a habit, okay Nike? 

Loser: First Quarter Starts

In the first quarter of Virginia Tech's last two games, the Hokies have been outscored 17-3 against Wake Forest and Boston College.

What will happen against the likes of Georgia Tech and North Carolina? Tech better hope it doesn't have to find out.

Virginia Tech has to come out in attacking mode against better teams. Logan Thomas compared Tech's starts to a boxer "feeling out his opponent."

Well, if the Hokies don't start throwing punches sooner, Tech will not get a second chance at the marquee bout with Clemson.