'Wake' Up!

The light college football menu today features an ACC contest that, quite honestly, showcases two teams that could both struggle to get into a bowl game at season's end.

And anymore, it's getting harder and harder not to go.

So wins will be at a premium for both teams when Wake Forest visits Boston College tonight with the Eagles laying a field goal at Bovada.  

Both squads were victorious last week, as Wake knocked off Presbyterian, 31-7 while Boston College came from behind to defeat Villanova, 24-14. Against that caliber of competition, it could be difficult to compare the two teams' performances; however, checking out some of the facts about their season openers can help make a very good case for the road dogs to cover here.

Much of the case will be built on defense, or in Boston College's case, the lack thereof.

Head to the Home page and click the Bovada data tool to check out some of the evidence.

While Wake held Presbyterian to a total of 151 yards of offense, Boston College gave up more than that both on the ground (197 yds) and through the air (158 yds). That may not bode well for the Eagles, with experienced quarterback Tanner Price calling the signals for the visiting Demon Deacons.

Price didn't put up gaudy numbers last week (219 yards, 1 TD), but didn't need to in the blowout win. He also didn't have his favorite target with him in second-team all ACC wideout Michael Campanaro, who sat out with an injury, but he will probably go tonight. Without him, Wake Forest's offense still racked up over 400 total yards. Their defense pitched in by forcing 6 turnovers.

It was not quite as pretty for Boston College. The Eagles did knock off the Wildcats but were trailing 14-7 at the half before surging ahead for good in the final two quarters. The Eagles also racked up over 400 yards of offense, but this one will boil down to defense, and that's where Wake will have the edge.

No one will be sending this game's mementos to the Smithsonian, and aside from those of us with vested interest in it, it may not keep viewers glued to their seats. But Wake has won the last two meetings staight up, and they are the better of two mediocre (at best) teams. Take Wake and the three and head into Saturday on a winning note.

My pick:  Wake Forest   +3

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UPDATE:

Result ... Boston College 24 Wake Forest 10     Golden Eagles cover

Steve Soprano is the founder and handicapper at www.premierticketsports.com.