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Boston College Eagles 2017: Game day preview vs. Wake Forest

By Jason Haskins

DEKALB, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: Boston College Eagles players celebrate after a win against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Huskie Stadium on September 1, 2017 in DeKalb, Illinois. Boston College won 23-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DEKALB, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: Boston College Eagles players celebrate after a win against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Huskie Stadium on September 1, 2017 in DeKalb, Illinois. Boston College won 23-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ACC play opens for the Boston College Eagles as they play host to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Fresh off a road victory over Northern Illinois, the Boston College Eagles (1-0) aim to start conference play on a positive note.

Standing in their way is Wake Forest, a team who steamrolled Presbyterian 51-7 in their season opener last week.

Boston College revealed in last week’s 23-20 victory they are going to keep the tempo going on offense. They ran 92 plays as they kept attacking yet only totaled 339 yards.

Even more disconcerting was their running game–the strength of the Eagles–ran the ball 50 times for 148 yards. Getting things going against the Demon Deacons will be imperative and tough, as Wake Forest goes six deep with an experienced defensive line.

However, Wake allowed 207 rushing yards in last week’s victory. This can be partially attributed to the fact Presbyterian only attempted nine passes. For a team returning only five starters on defense, numbers like this can be expected in the early going.

Boston College defeated Wake Forest 17-14 last November.

Time, location and where to watch

  • Location: Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA.
  • Time: 1 pm (EST)
  • TV: ACC Network Extra or Fubo TV

Boston College: 3 players to watch

Redshirt freshman quarterback Anthony Brown was handed the reins to the starting position last week, responding with a decent debut game.

DEKALB, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: Anthony Brown
DEKALB, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: Anthony Brown /

Head coach Steve Addazio said he had plan heading into the game. While figured it would be a two-quarterback approach, coach Addazio had other ideas in going with Brown.

Brown responded by going 26-42 for 191 yards. He tossed two touchdowns against one interception, but failed to connect on any deep balls. Brown will be facing a sophomore heavy–yet very talented–secondary of Wake Forest as looks for win number two.

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A huge reason the Eagles held on in Week 1 was thanks to the kicking of Colton Lichtenberg. Lichtenberg went a perfect five for five on the day, booting through two extra point and three field goals, including the game winner. With the offense not quite firing on all cylinders and a solid defense, special teams points will hold extra importance.

On the defensive side, look for junior defensive back Will Harris to be tested. Harris had ten tackles in the opener and Wake Forest has two experienced quarterbacks leading the charge.

Wake Forest: 3 players to watch

Senior quarterback John Wolford has been a starter for four years now. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, but won a fall battle over Kendall Hinton.

Hinton has battled injuries as well and no matter who’s back there the offense seems to struggle. In 2016, the Demon Deacons ranked 118th in scoring offense.

Related Story: Boston College Eagles: 2017 college football preview

They dropped 51 points and both quarterbacks fared well. Wolford was 11-15 for 107 yards and three touchdowns (plus one more on the ground). Hinton relieved him, going 7-8 for 124 yards and two scores.

A variety of running backs and receivers contributed to the win, but it was freshman Arkeem Boyd who paved the way. He carried only seven times but scampered for 75 yards and will be a focal point to the Wake Forest offense.

And as part of the aforementioned defensive line, end Duke Ejiofor is one to watch. He had 10.5 sacks last season and began 2017 with one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss.

Prediction

Look for this to be another low scoring affair. While I like what the Eagles are trying to accomplish with their up-tempo offense, it’s not quite a fluid machine yet.

Next: New England Patriots need to address their pass rush issues

Harold Landry and the defense–who were held without a sack last week–will need to wreak havoc. Wake Forest has allowed at least 39 sacks in each of the last three seasons, giving a window for Landry to get on the sack board.

Another squeaker, but the Boston College Eagles defend their house: Boston College 20 Wake Forest 17.

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