BSD Staff Predictions: Army Black Knights

After a week off, the Deacs are back in action to defend their unblemished 6-0 record against an out of conference opponent in the Army Black Knights. Once again, everyone correctly predicted that Wake Forest would win in their last game against Syracuse, so everyone remains—like the Deacs—a perfect 6-0.

Game Info

• Opponent: Army Black Knights
• Spread: Wake -3
• Over/Under: 52.5

Adam: Wake 28—Army 24| Wake -3 | Under

In the past two games, the Deacs have had a lot of trouble stopping their opponents running game; Louisville and Syracuse combined ran the ball 101 times for 567 yards and 5 touchdowns. As anyone who watches college football probably knows, running the ball is pretty much all Army does, and they do it well. The Black Knights’ triple option attack has them as the second best team in nation in rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns per game. In their last two games, however, Army has looked pretty pedestrian running the ball. The Black Knights only managed 213 yards on the ground with 3.5 yards per carry against Ball State and 179 yards rushing with 3.6 yards per carry against Wisconsin. It should not be a shock that Army lost both of those games.

I’m not worried at all about Wake’s offense being able to score on the Black Knights defense when they get the ball, but, I am worried about how many opportunities they will have to do so. Army leads the nation in time of possession this season and can string together ridiculously long drives—like a 14 play, 80 yard touchdown drive against Ball State that took up 9 minutes or an 18 play, 99 yard touchdown drive that took almost 12 minutes against Miami (Oh). If the Deacs can’t get off the field on defense, the offense may not get too many chances to score the ball. Typically having a bye week helps a defense prepare for the unique triple option attack, so hopefully the Deacs will be up to the challenge.

As Army has basically no passing game whatsoever, the key to this game is whether or not the defense can consistently put Army behind the sticks and get off the field on 3rd down. I am not super confident in Wake’s run defense at the current moment, but I think they get just enough stops to pick up a win.

Elijah: Wake 31—Army 17 | Wake -3 | Under

The Deacs had a bye last week, hopefully using it to get players healthy and refocused on the season goals for the rest of the year. Undefeated and all the goals ahead of them, Wake Forest can continue to build on their strong start against Army.

Army always presents a unique challenge with their unorthodox style. Let’s not forget, the Deacs have lost to military academies in recent history so this matchup, any matchup, should not be taken lightly.

After a couple of high scoring games, this game could be a good one to get the Deacs defense back on track to the earlier portion of the season. Look for Wake Forest to try to get a big lead and hold on as they get a reprieve from the ACC season. Deacs win 31-17.

Cam: Wake 35—Army 20 | Wake -3 | Over

Wake 35 army 20. Army’s defense strikes me as not good. They’ve played 1 good rushing team and one good passing team. The rushing team lit them up for 200 yards and 3 tds last week with Wisconsin. The passing defense gave up 35 points and 400 yards to Western Kentucky(good passing offense I swear!) this just feels like a spot where Wake has the right tools with the scout offense to prep and then takes care of business

SF: Wake 31—Army 21 | Wake -3 | Under

31-21 Deacs. I think the Deacs will have trouble stopping the Army rushing attack, but I think Army will have even more trouble stopping Wake Forest. Also, I think we can count on forcing at least one Army turnover.

Average: Wake 32—Army 21 | Wake -3 | Over