XFactor: Duke football vs Boston College

After rebounding from their first loss of the season with a 34-20 victory against Georgia Tech, the Blue Devils look to continue their winning ways Saturday when they take on Boston College at 3:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Eagles enter 3-1 on the season with their lone blemish being a hard-fought loss against No. 11 Florida State. Every week throughout the football season, we will break down a player on each team who could be the difference-maker in the upcoming contest:

Duke: wide receiver T.J. Rahming 

The freshman has been one of the team's top offensive options thus far this season having recorded 14 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown. Rahming has shown the ability to excel in the flats and make people miss on screen and bubble passes. On occasions, the freshman has also flashed his game-breaking speed and beat defenders deep. 

The Powder Springs, G.A., native will have an even bigger role Saturday as Johnell Barnes—the team leader in receptions and receiving yards—will be forced to sit out for a half due to his targeting penalty and ejection a week ago. Rahming has appeared to be the target quarterback Thomas Sirk has the most rapport with, but expect that to be tested this weekend. The Eagles boast one of the top defenses in the country and have allowed only an average of 72 yards through the air per game. But if Rahming can begin to find space on the edges and possibly open up the game for fellow wide receivers such as senior Max McCaffrey, the Blue Devils stand a strong chance of using their passing game to set up the run. 

Boston College: defensive tackle Harold Landry

The sophomore defensive lineman has made huge strides in his second year at the college level and is the leader of a stout Boston College defense that has yet to give up more than 14 points in a game. On the season, Landry has racked up 8.0 tackles for loss and forced two fumbles. 

In order for the Fayetteville, N.C., native to win in his return back home, the defender must play a key role in containing Duke's running attack. The Blue Devil running game has been widely successful and is led by senior running back Shaquille Powell. But Landry and his teammates have showed their might against some of the nation's best and recently shut down the Seminoles' Dalvin Cook. Against Duke, expect the Eagle defense to be keyed in on stopping the Blue Devils myriad of options out of the backfield. 

The defensive tackle will also play a huge role in Boston College's ability to rush the passer and make Sirk uncomfortable in the pocket. If Landry can force the ball into Sirk's hands, the Eagles have a shot to come away with the victory this weekend.