The Wake Forest Demon Deacons play host to the Boston College Eagles on Saturday afternoon from Truist Field in a crucial ACC showdown. The Demon Deacons have only dropped one game this season, as they continue to have their eyes set on a return trip to the ACC Championship. For Boston College, it has been a disappointing start to the season but with winnable games coming up, they'll be hoping to change their fortunes starting this weekend. Wake Forest has won two straight in the series and will be favored to make it three-straight on Saturday.
Boston College hits the road on Saturday as they continue to search for their first road win of the season. At 2-4 overall, with wins only against Maine and Louisville, it has been a disappointing start for a program that usually finds itself right in the thick of the bowl race. Having to take to the road, especially against Wake Forest, isn't likely to help things get any easier for this group. Not only is confidence and momentum low, but the lack of urgency when playing on the road also continues to lead to questions about the direction of the Eagles. After a week off last week, the Eagles will be hoping the reset came at the right time.
One piece of good news is that Boston College at least doesn't have a lengthy injury report as they head into the weekend. George Takacs (undisclosed) remains questionable for the weekend and as the team's third-leading receiver, is likely to be their biggest absence if he's unable to go. With a pair of offensive linemen already ruled out as well, the offense could continue to struggle, unfortunately.
Eagles prepare for second half and begin focus on first trip to Wake since 2018.
— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) October 19, 2022
On the offensive side of the ball, Boston College continues to be one of the most disappointing teams in the ACC. They rank 118th nationally in total yards and after being a staple in the running game for years, have drifted back to 129th in the country in rushing yards per game. While Wake Forest is far from the elite in its own right on defense, Boston College will certainly struggle to keep pace with its offense. Phil Jurkovec (10 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) will need to find a way to be a threat with his legs in this one and if he can't become more versatile, the offense will cotninue to struggle.
As if the offensive woes weren't bad enough, the defense is likely to have its hands full on Saturday as well. The Eagles have the nation's 85th-ranked scoring defense, which is likely to have its own fair share of struggles against the Demon Deacons. The key will be how the pass rush and secondary hold up through the air, whi le the linebacking core will need to be strong. Vinny DePalma (47 tackles) and Kam Arnold (41 tackles) are the cogs in the middle of the field and the more they can get involved, the better news it'll be for the Eagles.