After a dominant Week 1 for the Boston College Eagles against Florida State, expectations and adrenaline are running high for the football team. Even better, is that the BC Eagles get the Duquesne Dukes this week in what should be an easy win. You know what they say, “Don’t count your money before it’s in the bank”, but this might be as close to a direct deposit as any matchup BC has this year.
Don’t just take my word for it though. ESPN has this one as a 99% chance for BC to win. There is no active spread or money line on all the major betting outlets because of how much BC is favored. It should make for a fun game for BC fans.
Boston College vs. Duquesne Match History
BC and Duquesne have never faced each other before. The last time an ACC team played against Duquesne was in 2022 when FSU dominated them 47-7. Duquesne has faired poorly against FBS teams with one win in 10 games, taking a nail-biter against the Ohio Bobcats 28-26 in 2021. Duquesne was also just trounced by Toledo 49-10 in Week 1.
On the other side of the ball, BC has not lost a game to an FCS opponent this millennium, with 19 straight wins dating back to 1999.
Duquense is a good program though and could play BC tough. They were last years NEC champion and have had a very good program with three NEC championships since 2015.
Boston College has also had a slow start to their week. Outside of it being a short week coming off a Monday game, BC also had a delayed flight that made their return to Boston later than expected. Coach Bill O’Brien is not taking Duquesne lightly in the short time they have to prepare, either.
“Duquesne does a lot of things that are very, very difficult to defend and very, very difficult to go against offensively,” started O’Brien. “So you know, we’ve got to have a really good couple [of] days here.”
The week 1 “Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week” will have his players working overtime to prepare for the game.
Key Players for Boston College
Treshaun Ward – Running Back
Ward looked excellent last week as he acclimated to the offense. Ward had 12 carries for 77 yards adding a team-high three receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. His acceleration and burst were on full display. In a game expected to be close to over by halftime, the running back is going to be key to controlling the ball while scoring.
Ward will find the sledding a lot easier this week after facing a tough FSU defensive line. As long as Ward and this next guy get going BC will cruise to a win and have their starters shut down and preparing for next week in short order.
Kye Robichaux – Running Back
Just like last week, Robichaux is going to be key to getting the win. This backfield powered BC over FSU last week; and while Ward stole the show, Robichaux was respectable as well while leading the backfield. Robichaux had 19 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown while adding only four yards through the air on one reception. He struggled in the first half but found a gap for a massive run as the game was winding down.
Robichaux will need to be more consistent this week in order to drive BC to the finish line. As with Ward that should be easier this week. This backfield should combine for at least 200 yards on the ground if not more. 300 combined rushing yards is within reach.
Key Players for Duquesne
Gianni Rizzo, Linebacker
If Duquesne wants any chance to win this game they will need to make big plays on defense. No player was bigger for them last year than Rizzo. He led this team in sacks, was second in forced fumbles and tackles, and was third in passes defended against. If Rizzo can disrupt the BC offense early Duquesne may be able to stay competitive.
Taj Butts, Running Back
Butts is the foundation of this team. After finishing second on the team in rushing last year he is poised to take full control with Eddie Robinson at Southern Illinois now. Butts had a solid Week 1 going 5 for 39 in limited work. If Duquesne wants to win they need to work their running game more and take pressure off Darius Perrantes. Perrantes simply is not talented enough a passer to push BC. Butts might be a good enough runner to apply some pressure.
How Boston College Wins This Football Game
Boston College will win this football game if they simply limit mistakes. This is a free square on their schedule. Losing this week after upsetting FSU last week would be shocking. As long as they play their game, run the ball well, and don’t turn the ball over and give the Dukes a chance to stay in this game, BC wins. It really should be that easy this week.
Spencer Buckley
Hi Everyone! I'm happy you read this far to see my bio. I am a full time football and baseball enthusiast who would have "100% made the show if I didn't get injured...". Also do some Lawyer stuff in my free time.