It’s SEC vs. ACC in the Belk Bowl as Texas A&M football takes on the Wake Forest. Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
More: Complete 2017-2018 bowl schedule
Texas A&M is in a transition period between head coaches Kevin Sumlin and Jimbo Fisher. As a result, special teams coordinator Jeff Banks has been promoted to interim head coach and will lead the Aggies into the Belk Bowl against Wake Forest.
On the other side, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are looking to build on what has been a strong year for them. They are 7-5 in a tough ACC and are looking for an eighth win to finish out the season over a daunting SEC opponent.
Here is how you can watch the match up.
Date: Friday December 29
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Charlotte, NC
Venue: Bank of America Stadium
Network: ESPN
Keys to Victory
For Wake Forest, they will need to avoid the pass rush that the Aggies present. The Texas A&M front has been invading back fields all season long and will look to do the same against the Demon Deacons. Quarterback John Wolford has shown his abilities as a passer and a runner. Both should be part of the game plan on Friday afternoon. It will be important to complete big plays down field, not allowing the pressure to change that game plan.
For the Aggies, the team will need to establish their offense early. If they don’t it will be easy for Wake Forest to begin to run away with this game. Nick Starkel will have spread the ball out, not just hitting Christian Kirk or Trayveon Williams. This team has a plethora of play makers on the offensive end and each should be used to the best of their abilities. This team will also have to establish its superiority on defense from the first snap, keeping John Wolford out of rhythm and unable to complete big down field passes.
Prediction
While Wake Forest has had a strong season so far this year, I think it will be the Aggie’s defense that shines and brings home a bowl victory. I predict Armani Watts as the MVP of the game with two picks including one that puts the game on ice late in the fourth quarter. Nick Starkel will solidify his starting position for the 2018 season and put on a clinic in terms of passing. Keith Ford will find the end zone twice, muscling his way past the Demon Deacons.
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Wake Forest quarterback John Wolford will have a strong game. However, it won’t be enough for a victory in his last game in black and gold.
Final Score: Texas A&M 24 Wake Forest 21