The Virginia Tech Hokies are going to be down a man Thursday night when they visit the Boston College Eagles.

Junior wide receiver Josh Hyman, currently second on the Hokies with 13 receptions, was reportedly suspended by coach Frank Beamer for an undisclosed violation of team rules. That suspension could be the tipping point in what promises to be a close ACC battle. Virginia Tech went into Wednesday as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 42. That line held firm after reports of Hyman’s status first hit the wire.

The Hokies and Eagles share 4-1 records straight up, and both teams sit at 2-2 against the spread. But many bettors are looking at Virginia Tech’s amazing 10-1 ATS streak on Thursday night ESPN telecasts. The one loss, however, was to Boston College, and Hyman’s absence might be enough to make it two once the dust has cleared at Chestnut Hill.

Fortunately for Hokies supporters, their team is blessed with a deep and dangerous receiving corps. Supporting top wideout Eddie Royal are three other players with double digits in receptions: David Clowney (18), Justin Harper (11) and Josh Morgan (10). This strength in numbers has been crucial to Virginia Tech’s success in the wake of Marcus Vick’s early departure - sophomore Sean Glennon has taken over at quarterback with reasonably good results.

Matching that success against one of the best pass defenses in the ACC would be a major boost to the Hokies’ conference title hopes. Stud linebacker Brian Toal is expected to be near 100 percent after some issues with a sore shoulder; the extended rest since B.C.’s Sept. 30 win over Div. 1-AA Maine has also helped receiver Brandon Robinson, safety Jamie Silva and offensive lineman Justin Bell round into form in time for Thursday’s matchup.

The Eagles have their own suspension issues to contend with, although this could be a case of addition by subtraction. Kicker Ryan Oligher (11-of-14 on extra points this year) is on the sidelines indefinitely after getting into a fight outside a local bar; his job could be taken for good by sophomore Steve Aponavicius, a walk-on who played soccer and baseball in high school. His presence may prove pivotal in a matchup where the line is under a field goal.

Kick-off from Alumni Stadium is at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Morning showers are expected to taper off well in advance.

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