The Boston College Eagles have not done very well in ACC play, but will look to remain undefeated out of conference in a Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bulls.
Boston College is 2-2 so far this season after an up-and-down start that included a shutout loss to Virginia Tech in Week 3 and a blowout win over Wagner last week. Now in Week 5, the Eagles will try get above .500 for the first time, coming in as the clear favorites at home.
The Bulls are 1-2 right now. The team finally got its first win last week, defeating Army by a field goal in overtime. Buffalo would love to pull the upset but it will be a tough task.
This is the first meeting between the two schools since 2006 and only the second time since 1970 that Boston College and Buffalo will play each other.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 5 game is set for Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 10 a.m. ET at Alumni Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Buffalo +17.5
Boston College -17.5
Odds Analysis
The bettors like the action on the Bulls in this one. Even though Buffalo has struggled early in the season, the spread has been deemed too high since only 29 percent of the money is on Boston College to cover.
Matchup to Watch
Buffalo running game against the Boston College rush defense -- This is what could determine how close this one ends up. The Bulls are averaging 181.3 rushing yards per game on the season, led by Jordan Johnson.
He has 50 carries for 218 and a touchdown on the season and will look for running room in this one. It won’t be the easiest task, as Boston College is only giving up 91 yards per game on the ground in 2016. The team’s defensive front is solid, and forcing Buffalo to throw the ball is definitely something that could be a key to success.
Player to Watch
Connor Strachan -- The Boston College linebacker has stepped up his game this season. He is third on the team with 20 tackles while adding 2.5 sacks, which is tied with Zach Allen for the team lead.
Strachan has seen his playing time steadily increase during his time with the Eagles and is now one of the leaders of the defense. He has one forced fumble this year after picking off two passes a year ago, and if he can make an impact play or two in this one it could be a real boon to Boston College.
The defense is the strength of the team and Strachan is one of its best players.
Free ATS Pick
Boston College has not been good enough offensively to pick up a win in conference play, but its defense has led the way in a pair of non-conference wins. That formula could be followed again as the Eagles hope to hold another foe to 10 points or fewer.
This team’s potential will only be fleshed out against the best competition on the schedule, but for a team taking aim at a bowl game, a win in this one as a heavy favorite is a requirement. As long as Boston College’s defense shows up, it should be fine.
Buffalo has had some standout athletes at its school in recent years, highlighted by current Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack, but the overall talent level isn’t at the point where it can compete with big schools week in and week out.
The Bulls would love to pull the upset but may not be able to score enough in this one. Even though it’s a high spread, expect Boston College to roll to the win.
College Football Odds: Boston College 27, Buffalo 9
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