The Clemson Tigers will look to continue their undefeated run in ACC play as they visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams sport offenses that have little trouble scoring, but they both have issues on the defensive side of the football, which is why I’ll be taking the Over in my Clemson vs. Wake Forest predictions.
See my full analysis of this matchup below in my free college football picks for Saturday, October 12.
Clemson vs Wake Forest prediction and best bet
My best bet
Over 61.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
Outside of a humiliating loss against the Georgia Bulldogs to start the season, the Clemson Tigers have been humming along just as they did during their relatively recent championship runs. The Tigers have scored an average of 48.5 points in their last four games, with only the Florida State Seminoles holding them under 40 points during that stretch.
Clemson is a team that can move the ball in multiple ways, averaging a total of 7.1 yards per play and 465.6 yards per game. But the running attack has been especially successful for the Tigers. They’re averaging 6.1 yards per rushing attempt, with running back Phil Mafah (496 yards, 7.3 per carry) and quarterback Cade Klubnik (168 yards, 6.0 per carry) being the primary weapons out of the backfield. Klubnik has also thrown for 14 touchdowns and 1,219 yards on the year, providing balance to the Clemson offense.
That should play well against a Wake Forest Demon Deacons defense that hasn’t stopped anyone from doing anything this year. Opposing teams are averaging 460.2 yards per game against the Demon Deacons, who rank 100th or worse in most defensive categories, including yards allowed per rush (4.7) and per passing attempt (8.2). That’s resulted in Wake Forest allowing 31 points per game on the year, with all of its FBS opponents scoring at least 30 points.
That porous defense has let down a Wake Forest offense that should be capable of winning some games. The Demon Deacons have scored at least 30 points in four of their five contests this season. While they’re not spectacular at anything, a solid 6.0 yards per play is more than enough to move the ball. Senior quarterback Hank Bachmeier has been dependable and safe with the ball while running backs Demond Claiborne and Tate Carney have combined to rush for 10 touchdowns on the season.
That ground attack should remain effective for Wake on Saturday, as Clemson is allowing 4.7 yards per rush this season. I have more confidence in the Tigers to play defense than the Demon Deacons, but this isn’t an elite unit that’s going to shut down a capable offense.
This is a game where Clemson could score 50+ points and still not be certain of covering the spread until the final minutes. That’s why I think the Over is the better play on Saturday, as these teams should blow past the total.
Clemson vs Wake Forest same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 61.5
Clemson -20.5
Cade Klubnik anytime touchdown
The points will be flying on Saturday, and Clemson is the side that should do most of the scoring. That makes for a natural same-game parlay, as I’ll pair the Over with a bet on Clemson to cover the hefty 20.5-point spread. The Tigers have had little trouble blowing out teams with lesser talent, and Wake Forest has already shown it can’t hang with elite teams, losing 40-6 to the Mississippi Rebels earlier this season.
I’ll also take Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik to score a touchdown at some point during the game. Along with his big passing numbers, Klubnik also has four rushing touchdowns this year. I’m expecting plenty of touchdowns from the Tigers, and Klubnik should pick up at least one of them with his feet.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Clemson vs Wake Forest odds
Clemson vs Wake Forest live odds
Clemson vs Wake Forest opening odds
- Clemson vs. Wake Forest spread: Wake Forest +20.5
- Clemson vs. Wake Forest moneyline: Clemson -1,400, Wake Forest +800
- Clemson vs. Wake Forest Over/Under: 61.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Clemson vs Wake Forest spread and Over/Under analysis
- Clemson is 3-2 against the spread this season. Wake Forest has a 1-3-1 ATS record this year.
- The Demon Deacons have covered in seven of their last 10 meetings against the Tigers.
- The Over is 4-1 in Wake Forest’s games in 2024, while the Under has the 3-2 edge in Clemson’s games.
- The Tigers are playing to an average total of 62.6 ppg, with the Demon Deacons coming in with an average total of 61.1 ppg.
Clemson vs Wake Forest betting trend to know
The Over is 6-1 in Wake Forest’s last seven games overall. Find more college football betting trends for Clemson vs Wake Forest.
Clemson vs Wake Forest game info
| Location: | Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-12, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
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