Army Black Knights vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Preview, TV, Streaming, Start Time, Betting Line

The Black Knights of the Hudson haven't given their fans much to be excited about so far in this young season.

Army was outplayed by in their first contest by a FCS and Patriot League conference member in Fordham University. Then they were dominated by the UConn Huskies last weekend.

Next on the docket, Army's first Power Five opponent, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Wake is 1-1 after beating Elon University in their first contest then last to Syracuse 30-17 after taking a 17-14 lead into the half.

So this is the week right? Wake's confidence is shaken after blowing that game against the Orangemen and they'll be a big upside coming the Cadets' way? No, that's not happening.

What to watch

Army has struggled mightily in pass coverage. Guess where Wake Forest has been excelling in their first two games of the season?

Demon Deacons sophomore quarterback John Wolford leads the eighth best passing offense in the country. He's piled up a significant amount of yardage in his first two games with 323 passing yards, three touchdowns and a 211.2 quarterback rating against Elon in the first week. Then he amassed 373 yards and a 130.3 rating against the Orangemen.

Wolford's three picks against Syracuse are the young quarterback's only blemishes and it'll be tough for Army's secondary to contend with a kid who is averaging a 170.75 quarterback rating.

They couldn't stop Wolford last season, when he threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns as the quarterback led a fourth quarterback rally to beat Army 24-21 as a freshman.

The Wake Forest wide receivers, senior K.J. Brent and freshmen Chuck Wade, will have big days against the Black Knight. Brent's 6'4 frame will give Chris Carnegie fits while no one else will be able to cover Wade, who's averaging 76 yards per game.

Army's only hope will be if they can get pressure on the quarterback. Wake Forest has surrendered seven sacks so far this season and Andrew King was able to put together a few sacks last week against UConn.

The Demon Deacons are also 26th in the nation in run defense only allowing 100 yards per game. Meanwhile, quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw is the entire ground attack for Army. He's run for over 100 yards in the first two games this season while no other Cadet has over 62 total rushing yards.

Only one Army slotback or fullback has run for over 50 yards in a single game this season - Jordan Asberry ran for 56 yards on five carries against Fordham. For a team like Army, that's not just bad that's disastrous.

No one else has provided the support needed to have a balanced rushing game. The Deacons will be able to just focus on Bradshaw and completely snuff out the Army triple option offense.

All of those things make the outcome in this one look very bleak for the Black Knights.

How to watch

The game will be broadcast from Blaik Field at Michie Stadium on CBS Sports Network at 12 p.m. Saturday.

Fans can also listen to the action on the Army Sports Radio Network on the flagship station, WBNR 1260AM, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 134 and XM Satellite Radio Channel 201.

Knight Vision will also carry a stream of the CBSSN broadcast since the Cadets are back home. Remember, active servicemembers have free access to Knight Vision.

Prediction

Army is a six-point underdog and the game has an over/under of 48.5.

The Black Knights will not be able to stop the Demon Deacons. Wake's ability to move the ball effectively through the air plays directly against the Cadets' biggest weakness.

If Bradshaw can put together another 100-yard rushing performance, and really it's going to need to be much more than just over 100 yards, the Army offense may be able to keep abreast with the Deacons for a little bit.

Ultimately, Wolford, Brent, and Wade will be too much for the Army defense to bear and Wake Forest will prevail easily.

Wake Forest 35, Army 17