Boston College received the ball to start the game and immediately went to their workhorse, A.J. Dillon. The 245-pound running got the Eagles off to a quick start, but their opening drive stalled quickly after two incomplete Anthony Brown passes. Boston College struck first with Dillon reaching for a touchdown. The Hokies responded with a 65-yard scoring drive that found Ryan Willis hitting Damon Hazelton for a 26-yard TD. The Hokies and Eagles traded punts and the first quarter finished in a 7-7 tie. Willis looked sharp going 6 of 8 for 68 yards and the TD.