Boston College (7-5) battles Iowa (7-5) in the Pinstripe Bowl. Both teams like to run the ball down hill and they play a physical brand of defense. 

For Boston College to win this game, the Eagles are going to need to win the line of scrimmage. The Eagles are certainly capable of doing that but it will not be easy.

Here are three keys for the Eagles in this game. 

1. Darius Wade Must Be Effcient and Protect the Ball: Eagles quarterback Darius Wade must play well in this game. He needs to be effcient in the passing game and he must take care of the ball. Iowa’s defense is good and they will get pressure on Wade. He must get the ball out quick and not force anything if it is not there. 

2. Own the Line of Scrimmage: You don’t beat a team like Iowa if you can’t win the line of scrimmage. The Hawkeyes are physical on both sides of the ball. Boston College has to match that physicality. If they don’t, they will have trouble running the ball and stopping Iowa running back Akrum Wadley. This is a game of body blows. B.C needs to land more body blows if they want to win.  

3. Win the Turnover Battle: Turnovers usually determine games between teams that are similar in ability and style. Iowa is one of the best teams in the country at generating turnovers thanks to linebacker Josie Jewell and cornerback Josh Jackson. Boston College has to protect the ball, particularly Darius Wade. They cannot lose the turnover battle and win this game. 

Final Thoughts: I think this has the potential to be one of the best bowl games of the season. Both teams have a blue collar mentality and they carry that mentality into games with them. Expect a back and forth affair with the game being decided by one score or less.