[3:00 PM] Boston College @ Wake Forest

Who will WIN this matchup?

Boston College Eagles (5-6)

@ Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-5)

 

• There is quite a bit on the line Saturday when Wake Forest faces visiting Boston College in an ACC game. For the Demon Deacons, there is the chance to lock up their first winning season since 2008, while a bowl game awaits the Eagles if they are victorious.

• The Demon Deacons are hopeful that John Wolford will be back at quarterback for his 32nd career start after redshirt freshman Kyle Kearns was under center for last week’s 35-13 loss to Clemson. Wolford, who took over for injured sophomore Kendall Hinton during the season’s second game, is dealing with injuries of his own, including a sore shoulder, ankle and knee, but is unlikely to miss a chance to play for a winning season after the team went 3-9 in each of his first two years.

• The Eagles took advantage of a late non-conference game by shutting out Connecticut 30-0 last week and gave themselves a chance to qualify for a bowl for the third time under coach Steve Addazio. A close game should be expected as the teams have met every year since 2003 with the Eagles winning seven of the 13 matchups.

• Getting Jeff Smith the ball will be critical for the Eagles as the sophomore has big play ability as a receiver and a runner. Smith leads the team in yards per carry (6.8) and is among the leaders in yards per reception (16.9). Sophomore Jon Hillman sees the most action out of the backfield, carrying 149 times for 455 yards and five touchdowns, but freshman Davon Jones (4.2 yards per 81 carries) is the more effective runner.

• The key to success for the Demon Deacons is in the running game with Wolford, freshman Cade Carney and sophomore Matt Colburn, but that could prove difficult against Boston College’s No. 8 rushing defense, which has limited opponents to 103 yards per game. In its victories, Wake Forest averaged 202 rushing yards compared to 80.8 yards in its five loses.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Confidence: 4/10

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