Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Field, Winston-Salem, NC
Odds: Clemson favored by 20.5 points, Total Points: 61
Team Overview:
Wake Forest, meanwhile, has been inconsistent. The Demon Deacons score 27.0 points per game but allow 35.5, a concerning trend against a high-powered Clemson squad. Defensively, Wake Forest has struggled, allowing 491.3 yards per game, ranking 125th nationally. Their vulnerability in defending both the run (165 rushing yards per game allowed) and the pass (326.3 passing yards allowed, ranked 131st) puts them at a significant disadvantage.
Key Matchups:
- Clemson's Ground Game vs. Wake Forest's Rushing Defense: Clemson’s potent rushing attack, averaging 6.1 yards per carry (7th nationally), will look to exploit Wake Forest’s defense, which is allowing 4.9 yards per rush.
- Clemson's Passing Attack vs. Wake Forest's Secondary: Wake Forest’s secondary has struggled, allowing 71.9% completions and 8.5 yards per attempt. Clemson’s efficient passing game, led by a 63.25% completion rate, will likely target Wake Forest’s defense early and often. The Tigers should find success through the air against the Demon Deacon defense.
- Turnover Battle: Clemson has been exceptional at taking care of the football, ranking 12th nationally in giveaways per game (0.6). Wake Forest has been decent at generating takeaways (1.5 per game), but Clemson’s discipline with the football should allow them to control the pace.
Prediction:
Wake Forest’s defensive struggles will likely be their undoing in this matchup. Clemson’s ability to attack both on the ground and through the air, combined with their solid defense and efficient third-down performance, gives them the upper hand. Wake Forest may be able to move the ball through the air against Clemson’s secondary, but they’ll need to score consistently to keep up.
Final Score Prediction: Clemson 45, Wake Forest 20.
Jeremy:
Clemson’s defense should still prove too strong for Wake Forest, likely limiting their ability to get much going offensively. Cade Klubnik and the offense will aim to exploit Wake’s defensive vulnerabilities with a balanced attack. If Clemson can minimize mistakes and capitalize on big plays, they should control the game and come away with a solid win.
Final Score Prediction: Clemson 31, Wake Forest 14.
Evan:
Wake Forest has struggled defensively this season, allowing 30 or more points in four of their five games. As a result, I think Cade Klubnik and Clemson's offense will cause major issues for the Demon Deacons. However, Wake Forest does have a good offense, and they have scored at least 30 points in four of their last five games, as a result I think Wake Forest will have similar production on Saturday.
Final Score Prediction: Clemson 42, Wake Forest 24
