This is an important ACC matchup that could have implications on who wins the division and ultimately advances to the ACC title game.
Wake Forest is the defending division champs, but Clemson is looking to get back on the pedastal. The Tigers would have the upper hand if they handed the Deamon Deacons a loss this weekend.
Let’s run through the odds and offer our favorite Clemson vs. Wake Forest predictions for this highly anticipated matchup.
Clemson vs. Wake Forest Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | -7 (-120) | -265 | O 55.5 (-110) |
| @ Wake Forest | +7 (+100) | +225 | U 55.5 (-110) |
Odds via BetFred Sportsbook as of 4 p.m. on Sept 20.
Game Info
- Date: Saturday Sept.24
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Truist Field — Winston-Salem, NC
- TV: ABC
Clemson vs. Wake Forest Trends
- Wake Forest 8-4 ATS in its last 12 home games.
- Clemson is 4-5 ATS in its last nine games on the road.
- The Over is 11-9 in Wake Forest’s previous 20 games.
- As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 78% of tickets and 66% of the money are on the favorite Clemson against the spread.
- DraftKings also reports that 83% of betting tickets and 86% of the handle have selected Over 55.5 total points.
No Clemson QB Controversy For Now
Clemson has won big in all three games this season, but they’ve yet to face any real competition.
That doesn’t mean QB DJ Uiagalelei has this position locked in. The game script might have some influence, but they’ve leaned heavily on the run game, and RB Will Shipley has been amazing with 9.3 yards per carry and six touchdowns in the first three games.
Will Shipley has a chance to breakout in 2022. Clemson will need to lean heavily on their rushing attack this season. pic.twitter.com/rcQILS4I6c
— Kevin (@Daboys_22) July 5, 2022
If Clemson can move the sticks on the ground and not make Uiagalelei always control the offense, then that top defense can keep them competitive every week. The receiver room is not as good as it’s been in previous years, so it could be trouble if the Tigers can’t build a balance.
Clemson had a down 2021 season after holding the ACC crown for so many years, so if they want to reclaim their stature, this is the game to win.
Wake Forest Offense Continues To Roll
The Demon Deacons were the team out of the Atlantic division to represent the ACC in the conference title game, so right now, they’re the team to beat.
QB Sam Hartman returned in Week 2 and picked up where he left off, anchoring this powerful air attack with 625 yards and seven touchdowns in the first two games. He needed every bit of that as the team could escape an upset from Liberty thanks to a missed two-point conversion.
.@sam_hartman10 really threaded the needle on this TD 🧵 @WakeFB pic.twitter.com/jpLIBq6RBr
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 17, 2022
The Demon Deacons will continue to play in shootouts as this defense does not look like it made any improvements from last season, especially on the front line, as they have not been able to stop the run this season.
Clemson vs. Wake Forest Predictions
Both of these teams have weaknesses that their opponents can exploit.
The Tigers’ front seven is tough, and they can stuff the run game, but that’s not WF’s plan of attack. QB Hartman will move the ball through the air and test a Clemson secondary that’s 86th in passing yards per game this season.
We know Wake Forest can’t play defense, that’s especially true against the run. Shipley has been able to run all over his competition this season, and we should expect a massive game from the sophomore this week. In last year’s game, Wake Forest gave up 333 yards on the ground, so get ready for similar numbers.
Last year, both teams had three turnovers and were still about to combine for 65 points and 949 total yards. Clemson could route them again like last year, but Wake Forest could stay competitive at home.
I’m shocked this total has been set at 55. We’ve seen both teams have the ability to run up the score this year, especially with Wake Forest’s defense being as bad as it is.
Pick: Over 55.5 Total Points | -110 at BetFred Sportsbook