Wake Forest returns 14 starters, but only 6 are seniors, their lowest total since 1944. These two teams have met 3 times in the last 3 years and Army is home for the 2nd time overall. Total yards in the series goes to Army who is +7, but is 0-3. Wake Forest certainly has an under rated defense, but they have not been able to keep this triple option in tack over the years, and they struggled with Syracuse who also lacks a passing threat.
Coming into this season Wake Forestâs offensive line was supposed to be much improved, but Iâm doubting it already. There was not a worse offensive line in the country a year ago as they allowed 48 sacks, and only rushed for 40 yards per game (1.3 ypc). This year they have already been sacked 7 times and their QB has thrown 3 interceptions. Army now 0-2, is in a must win situation, and I think Jeff Monken is a very good coach. I donât see the improvement early with Wake Forest and for that reason I can only expect a back and forth game. Army needs win on third down and if they do they win this game. It will be tight and Iâll take the home dog every time in this situation.
Too much value in this line despite a lopsided match up a year ago as Syracuse won 40-3, but a lot has changed as the Orange return only 10 starters with almost everyone on their defense having to be replaced. The MAC has looked extremely good early this season and Central Michigan return their starting QB Cooper Rush who led this offense last year ranking 16th in QB rating and 50th in passing yards per game a year ago which does not look good for the Syarcuse defensive backfield that is extremely green. Syracuse gave up 373 passing yards to an anemic Wake Forest team a week ago.
Syracuse could also be looking ahead here to hosting LSU next week while Central Michigan also has a big road game they know they need to win these type of games. CMU was very respectable against an Oklahoma State team in week 1 that returned 16 returnign starters and actually outgained them through 3 quarters with a lead in the third. Syracuse only returns 10 guys, and already lost their QB. Syracuse has also had major issues in the red zone which have dated back to last season. They were just 40% in red zone TD% a year ago and were 0-3 vs. Wake Forest last week. Central Michigan is much stronger vs. the run returning everyone of note on their defensive line which is where they had struggles a year ago. Overall I see a better performance from the Chippewas. You have to also consider they were just coming off a big road win at Purdue before hosting Syracuse and I expect them to really push Syracuse who has looked better in the box score than they actually are.
