Boston College vs. Duke Prediction, Game Preview

The Duke Blue Devils (3-1) entertain the Boston College Eagles (3-1) for homecoming in Durham this Saturday. Check out the Boston College vs. Duke prediction and game preview.

Boston College vs. Duke Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3

Game Time: 3:30 ET

Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Boston College and Duke are two of the solid, steady ACC programs, but both are looking for more. League contention, for instance.

The Blue Devils are in line to compete for the Coastal now that they’ve defeated the division favorite, Georgia Tech. Last week’s 34-20 victory over the Yellow Jackets was crucial, particularly since Duke had fallen to Northwestern just a week earlier. While Boston College drifted into the Atlantic Division backdrop after losing to Florida State two weeks ago, this remains one of the programs the rest of the league least likes to face.

Why Boston College Will Win

The defense is a brick wall that’s allowing just 7.8 points per game and 1.6 yards per carry. Opponents are having no luck running on a front wall being locked down by LB Steven Daniels and linemen Harold Landry, Connor Wujciak and Mehdi Abdesmad. And that’s a major problem for a Duke offense that struggled to convert on third downs and move the ball in recent games with Georgia Tech and Northwestern.

Why Duke Will Win

The Blue Devil D has been no slouch, allowing just 11.5 points per game. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just 44% of their passes on Duke. In other words, BC and backup QB Troy Flutie will have little shot of moving the ball on a secondary comprised of CB Breon Borders and safeties Jeremy Cash, Deondre Singleton and DeVon Edwards. But unlike the Eagles, the Devils have an established quarterback, Thomas Sirk, and a decent set of receivers.

Player Who Matters

Duke can forget about running the ball on BC. Success for the Devils hinges on the ability of Sirk to deliver occasional strikes through the air on third-and-long. He’s average on intermediate throws, but won’t stretch out a defense on long balls. Duke will earn every point it gets on Saturday, a common theme for BC’s opponents.

What’s Going To Happen?

Not much separates Duke and Boston College, a couple of teams winning with defense and methodical offenses. But the Blue Devils are in better shape behind center and on special teams. And in a low-scoring game that could hinge on field goals, PK Ross Martin will provide the difference for the Devils.