Boston College Wake Forest Preview

Boston College plays their final game of the regular season on Saturday when they take on Wake Forest in Winston Salem.  The Eagles need a victory to become bowl eligible and to avoid their second straight losing season.  The Demon Deacons come in with a 6-5 record and are 3.5 point favorites.

What to Watch When BC has the Ball:  The Boston College offense struggled again in the first quarter last weekend.  However, they started to move the ball when they used Patrick Towles more aggressively.  Towles responded with his best game of the season.  Look for BC to try to do this again.  They will most likely throw more in the first quarter and on first down they have previously this season.  BC has scored just 20 points in the first quarter all season, and will need to come out aggressively, they can’t afford to sit back and wait to slowly get things going.  The Eagles did a good job last weekend getting Jeff Smith the ball in different ways, and look for this to continue again.  BC should be able to run the ball against an average Wake Forest defensive front, and the offensive will be able to give Towles all the time he needs.   It will be interesting to see who gets the carries for BC on offense.  Jon Hiliman struggled last weekend, and due to this Davon Jones received his most carries since mid-October.   Jones has been more efficient than Hilliman this season, and deserves the carries he is getting.

What to Watch When Wake Forest has the ball: Wake Forest is lead by dual threat Quaterback John Wolford, brother of BC fullback Bobby Wolford.  Wolford did not play last weekend with an injury and it will be interesting to see if he plays and if he is effective by it.  Wolford is a dual threat QB who often leads Wake Forest in rushing, While Wolford is an efficient passer, he does not throw it deep, and does not create the big play.  This is key for the Eagles, as they have struggled stopping the big play through the air this season.  The offensive line for Wake Forest is not particularly good at pass blocking, and BC defensive line should be living in the backfield.  Look for Harold Landry to have a big game. 

Overall: Wake Forest is a similar team to BC talent wise.  The Eagles are 1-2 so far this season against ACC teams were not ranked.  BC’s defense has done a great job against these teams, but the offense has struggled. The first quarter will be key for BC to get things going, and to not fall behind.

Prediction: Boston College 24, Wake Forest 13