OFFENSE: EDGE EAGLES

The Eagles boast the ACC's second-leading rusher in sophomore Montel Harris, who has rushed for 930 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Cavaliers don't have anybody close to the top 10 and rank next-to-last in Division I-A in total offense. Virginia's high in an ACC game is 254 yards in total offense and the Cavaliers haven't topped 201 in the last four games, including three consecutive games in the 100s. BC is 92nd in Division I-A in total offense.

DEFENSE: EDGE EAGLES

Boston College has won two of its last three games against high-powered offenses from N.C. State, Notre Dame and Central Michigan, holding all three of them under 400 yards. The Eagles boast the ACC's second-leading tackler in Luke Kuechly, a true freshman linebacker who picked BC over Virginia. Al Groh's once-proud Virginia defense has given up 447, 424 and 515 yards during its three-game losing streak

SPECIAL TEAMS: EDGE EAGLES

Walk-on Steve Aponavicius recently became BC's leading all-time scorer and has not missed a field goal all season. But, at 7-for-7, his percentage is only slightly better than Rob Randolph's for Virginia (14-for-15). UVa gave up a punt return for a touchdown last Saturday against Miami and had to switch punters at mid-game. The Cavaliers' kickoffs have been a season-long nightmare and the returns nothing special.

INTANGIBLES: EDGE EVEN

The Eagles haven't won a road game all season, but Scott Stadium isn't the most hostile of environments. UVa's last four home crowds have been the four smallest in the past 10 years, although the weather should be better today. BC head coach Frank Spaziani will be returning to Scott Stadium for the first time since he lost his job as Virginia defensive coordinator following the 1990 season.

PREDICTION: BOSTON COLLEGE 24, VIRGINIA 13