2008 Eagle Bank Bowl Preview
The college football bowl season will officially kick-off with the Eagle Bank Bowl between Navy and Wake Forest in a rematch of a game played on Sept. 27. In the first meeting, Wake Forest was favored by 17 points and the total was 53, as Navy pulled off the stunner, winning the game 24-17.
The line on the Eagle Bank Bowl is Wake Forest -3 and the total has climbed from 41.5 points to 43.
In the first meeting between the two teams, Wake Forest had six turnovers and trailed 17-0 at halftime before making a game of it in the fourth quarter, scoring with just over a minute remaining to pull within a touchdown. Navy recovered the onsides kick to seal the victory.
With the line at 17 points in the opening game, there is definitely a bit of value in looking at Wake Forest in this game. The same would hold true towards the over.
Navy has fared well in recent bowl games, which is a bit of a surprise, as you would think opposing teams would do well in stopping the running game of the Midshipmen given the extra practice to to prepare.
Wake Forest averages yards of total offense per game, compared to 362 for Navy, while WF has the advantage on defense, allowing 300 yards compared to 342 for Navy. It's important to note that Wake Forest played a more difficult schedule, so the stats will be a little skewed in Navy's favor.
Essentially the winner of this game will come down to Wake Forest's ability to slow down the Navy rushing attack. The two teams also met last year, so the Deacons should be familiar with Navy's offense, although that didn't help in the first meeting between the two.
Still, preparing for the Navy attack for the third time in two seasons and having additional practice time to gear up for the Midshipmen is enough to give the slightest of leans to Wake Forest.
1.5* Wake Forest -3
1* Over 43
