College football Week 4 games to watch

LOCAL GAMES

Virginia Tech at Boston College

Players to watchJacquizz RodgersPlaymaking brothers James and Jacquizz of No. 22 Oregon State will try to do what hasn’t been accomplished since 2001 — beat Boise State in a regular season game on the Broncos’ blue turf. Since Kellen Moore took over as QB in 2008, No. 5 Boise has gone 28-1. (Sat., 8 p.m., ABC)Andrew LuckNotre Dame has been on the losing end of dramatic finishes the last two weeks, making stars out of Michigan QB Denard Robinson and Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio. Luck and No. 17 Stanford get a chance in the national spotlight this weekend in South Bend. (Sat., 3:30 p.m., NBC)Wayne DanielsSMU (2-1) took a giant step under June Jones, improving from one win in 2008 to eight in 2009. How will the Mustangs’ run-and-shoot offense fare against the innovative 4-2-5 defense of No. 6 TCU, led by disruptive DE Daniels? (Fri., 8 p.m., ESPN).Chester StewartStewart (DeMatha) has provided a passing threat at No. 25 Temple to go along with hard-charging RB Bernard Pierce (301 yards). This weekend at Penn State, the Owls get the ultimate test against the premier football power in Pennsylvania, which leads the series 35-3-1. (Sat., 3:30 p.m., BTN)Brandon HoganThe West Virginia CB (Osbourn) has been reinstated after a DUI arrest and is likely to start at No. 12 LSU, which also has a stellar CB in Patrick Peterson. The only blemishes in WVU’s 31-17 win over Maryland were a pair of long TD passes against Hogan’s replacement. (Sat., 9 p.m., ESPN2).

Where » Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
When »
Saturday, noon
TV/Radio »
ESPN3/106.7 FM

Since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, no team has handed the Hokies more losses (three) than Boston College. Tech (1-2) solved its offensive woes in a 49-27 romp over East Carolina. For BC (2-0), this is the first major test after wins over Weber State and Kent State. Tech will try to stop BC junior back Montel Harris (48 carries, 195 yards).

Florida International at Maryland

Where » Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium
When »
Saturday, noon

TV/Radio » ESPNU/980 AM

After a 31-17 loss at West Virginia, Maryland (2-1) looks to rebound vs. a team it has beaten twice in the last four years. FIU (0-2) of the Sun Belt hopes for a signature victory after playing Rutgers, 19-14, and Texas A&M, 27-20, tough. The Terps will start redshirt freshman OT Pete DeSouza for Justin Gilbert (torn ACL).

VMI at Virginia

Where » Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Va.
When »
Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
TV/Radio »
ESPN3/570 AM

In their 82nd overall meeting, the teams renew an old rivalry, playing for the first time in 19 years. For Virginia (1-1), this should be little more than a formality as it preps for Florida State. FCS VMI (1-1) has not had a winning season since 1981. It’s last win over Virginia came in 1978. The Cavaliers lead the series 55-23-3.

Holy Cross at Georgetown

Where » Multi-Sport Field
When »
Saturday, 2 p.m.

Coming off a heartbreaking 40-35 loss at Yale, in which it surrendered a quarterback sneak touchdown on the final play, GU (2-1) has much to prove in its home opener. Last year, while Holy Cross (1-2) won the Patriot League title, GU was winless. Holy Cross has won the last 10 meetings and leads the series 15-7.

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