Wake Forest Football

BSD Staff Predictions for Rice

The staff is pretty much unanimous in this one

By Edward Foster and Blogger So Dear Staff Sep 28, 2018, 12:00pm EDT

NCAA Football: Boston College at Wake Forest

Ahead of the Wake Forest versus Rice game on Saturday, the BSD staff gives their predictions, and everyone is in agreement on the result this time.

Elijah (3 correct-Tulane, Towson & Notre Dame, 1 incorrect-BC)

Wake Forest 35-Rice 21

The Deacs look to get back on track after losing two in the row to tough opponents. With Kendall Hinton moving to wide receiver full time, the offense will continue to be the Sam Hartman show as he looks to rebound after a tough game against the Fighting Irish. The defense continues to search for answers, especially in the secondary as it seems Ja’Sir Taylor will take over for Amari Henderson while freshman Zion Keith continues to climb the depth chart quickly. Look for the Deacs to make Family Weekend a good one with a strong performance by both sides of the ball.

Andrew (3 correct-Tulane, Towson & Notre Dame, 1 incorrect-BC)

Wake Forest 42-Rice 20

This is the week where everything should click on both sides of the ball for Wake. Their running back tandem should have an impactful game as Rice has given up more than 100 yards on the ground in each of their four games played. This should also be a great performance for Sam Hartman, assuming he starts, because the Owls aren’t as effective in stopping the pass either. For the Wake defense, they’ll finally be able to play at the level in which they hoped to all season. Going up against a shaky offense puts the unit in great position to make plays, especially in the secondary. Expect a blow out win incoming.

Grumpy (3 correct-Tulane, Towson & BC, 1 incorrect-Notre Dame)

Wake Forest 41-Rice 20

The best recipe for a Wake Forest team that has lost 2 games in a row is a Rice team that is one of the worst in FBS. Wake is a 24.5 point favorite, and I think that’s a pretty good line. I expect that Wake Forest will be able to put up points at will, but the real question will be surrounding the defense. I’m curious to see how we respond after the dismissal of Jay Sawvel. Look for Wake to rest some players and try to get a bit healthier this week. Deacs by a lot, and I’m hoping that the second half is boring.

Adam (4 correct, 0 incorrect)

Wake Forest 34-Rice 17

Rice has won 1 game this year, and that if I recall correctly was a late game field goal against an FCS team. The Deacs offense shouldn’t have any trouble moving the ball up and down the field on a team that gives up 500 yards per game. The big question for me will be how many points the Wake Forest defense will give up.

Rafael (1 correct-Tulane, 1 incorrect-BC)

Wake Forest 42-Rice 17

Wake Forest enters this game with a lot of questions on defense, including the firing of its defensive coordinator. Yet, due to the big talent disparity, I would expect a fairly easy game for the Deacs. This team has a good opportunity to regain some of the confidence on both sides of the ball against a very inconsistent opponent. If this team has another poor performance, especially on defense, this will be a major red flag entering the meat of the ACC schedule. Expect Dortch and our starting running back duo to put up huge numbers again.

Riley (3 correct-Tulane, Towson & BC, 1 incorrect-Notre Dame)

Wake Forest 48-Rice 17

I think the Deacs come out focused, crisp, and execute the way the staff wants it to in a game that is never close from the start. While the defense won’t be fixed in a week, this is a good time to get back to basics against a team that is overmatched against a Power 5 team.

Bart (4 correct, 0 incorrect)

Wake Forest 48-Rice 24

Wake looks to bounce back after a rough couple of weeks and get above .500. The good news for the Deacs is that Rice provides a tasty little snack to get healthy and find some momentum heading towards the second half of the year. The Owls are one of the worst teams in the FBS and nearly lost to Prairie View A&M in their opener. The Wake defense will still struggle at times but this won’t be close in the second half.

Samurai (2 correct-Tulane & Towson, 2 incorrect-BC & Notre Dame)

Wake Forest 42-Rice 17

Sam has a much better day, leading to an abundance of explosive plays and the defense, while still giving up the occasional explosive play, starts off the new era on a much better note, and Wake coasts to a win.

Ned (1 correct-Tulane, 1 incorrect-Notre Dame)

Wake Forest 38-Rice 14

Deacs take care of business on Saturday in a game that allows for plenty of testing for roles of players (Hinton) and coaches (With no DC). The D holds Rice to just two scores and shows signs of progress, but it’s hard to measure just how much against one of the weaker teams in FBS. At the end of the day, all W’s count the same as Wake looks to get back to its 3rd straight bowl game.

Rob (4 correct, 0 incorrect)

Wake Forest 45-Rice 21

Cam (2 correct-Tulane & Towson, 2 incorrect-BC & Notre Dame)

Edward (4 correct, 0 incorrect)

Wake Forest 51-Rice 20

Wake should have no trouble against a Rice team that has one win, which came on a last second field goal against FCS opponent Prairie View A&M. Greg Dortch, Sage Surratt, Alex Bachman, and the rest of the receiving corp should have a field day with Sam Hartman being given the opportunity to develop some confidence. Also look for Cade Carney and Matt Colburn II to have big holes to run through most of the day. Defensively, Wake should have a chance to regroup and simplify things after the firing of defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel. This is a great opportunity for them to regain some confidence in their abilities and showcase who is going to step up the rest of the season. Expect a blowout by halftime, and a lot of. backups and younger players getting opportunities in the second half.

How do you think the Deacs will do? Comment below.