We have a weekday ACC clash airing on ESPN, as Duke is set to face Wake Forest on Thursday, Nov. 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET, and Duke enters this game as 12.5-point favorites with the total set at 44.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Duke vs. Wake Forest predictions below.
Duke vs. Wake Forest Odds
- Spread: Duke -12.5
- Total: 44.5
Game Info
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 2
- Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Location: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
- TV: ESPN
Can Duke QB Riley Leonard Recapture His Form?
The Duke Blue Devils, currently standing 6th in the ACC with a 5-3 record, have had a mixed bag of performances this season. Their most recent outing resulted in a disappointing 23-0 loss to Louisville, which has raised questions about their offensive capabilities. Despite this setback, Duke has shown resilience in previous games, notably securing a victory against the 9th-ranked Clemson early in the season.
The Blue Devils’ offense, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, has been a key talking point this season. Leonard has thrown for 1,102 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make crucial plays. However, his recent ankle injury has raised concerns about his mobility and overall performance. The quick turnaround for the upcoming game against Wake Forest might not be in his favor, adding another layer of complexity to Duke’s offensive strategy.
On the ground, Jordan Waters has been the standout performer for Duke, rushing for 488 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. His performance will be crucial in breaking down Wake Forest’s defense. However, Duke’s red zone woes, ranking 120th in the country in red zone efficiency, could be a potential stumbling block in their quest for points.
Defensively, Duke has shown some resilience, but the inconsistency in their performances could be a cause for concern. They will need to step up their game to contain Wake Forest’s offensive threats.
Can Wake Forest Take Advantage?
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, currently 13th in the ACC with a 4-4 record, have had a challenging season so far. Despite their recent loss to the 4th-ranked Florida State, the Demon Deacons have shown their ability to compete against top-tier teams, notably securing a victory against Pittsburgh.
Wake Forest’s offense, led by quarterback Mitch Griffis, has been a significant factor in their performances this season. Griffis has thrown for 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make crucial plays. However, Griffis’ performance has been inconsistent, and his ability to step up against Duke’s defense will be a key factor in this game.
On the ground, Demond Claiborne has been the standout performer for Wake Forest, rushing for 493 yards and scoring five touchdowns. His performance will be crucial in breaking down Duke’s defense. However, Wake Forest’s ability to convert in the red zone could be a potential stumbling block in their quest for points.
Overall, while Wake Forest is the underdog according to the bookmakers, their recent performances and resilience suggest that they could upset the odds. The Demon Deacons’ performance in this game could be a defining moment in their season, potentially setting the tone for their remaining games.
Duke vs. Wake Forest Predictions
After a thorough analysis of both teams, their recent performances, key players, and current betting odds, it’s time to make a definitive pick against the spread.
While Duke is favored by the bookmakers, their recent loss to Louisville and the potential impact of quarterback Riley Leonard’s injury raise some concerns. On the other hand, Wake Forest, despite their recent loss to Florida State, has shown resilience and the ability to compete against top-tier teams.
Wake Forest’s quarterback Mitch Griffis and running back Demond Claiborne have been key contributors to their offense, and their performances will be crucial in this game. If they can exploit Duke’s defense and navigate their red zone challenges, Wake Forest could potentially upset the odds.
Considering all these factors, the pick here is Wake Forest to cover the 12.5-point spread. While Duke may still come out on top, the margin of victory is likely to be closer than the spread suggests. This game promises to be a closely contested battle, and Wake Forest’s recent performances and resilience make them a viable underdog bet.
The Pick: Wake Forest +12.5 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook