Clemson @ Wake Forest preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Wake Forest 28, Clemson 31

After turning in one of its finer defensive performances of the season Saturday, No. 13 Clemson will attempt to remain in the thick of the ACC Atlantic Division race Thursday when it travels to Wake Forest. Ever since their 70-33 humiliation against West Virginia in last season’s Orange Bowl, the Tigers have struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard even as their offense has thrived. However, Clemson allowed a season-low in points to an FBS school and forced four turnovers in last weekend’s 38-17 home triumph over Virginia Tech and can move into a tie with Florida State in their division with a victory. The Demon Deacons, 3-1 at home this season, snapped a two-game slide with a 16-10 road win over Virginia.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Clemson -13

ABOUT CLEMSON (6-1, 3-1 ACC): There is still much room for improvement under new defensive coordinator Brent Venables as the Tigers still surrendered 406 yards to the Hokies, but his charges have forced 15 turnovers this season. Jonathan Meeks recorded his first two interceptions of the season – taking one back for a touchdown – to help offset a 295-yard outing from the offense, more than 230 yards below Clemson’s season average entering the contest. One slight concern for Clemson has to be the five sacks it surrendered to Virginia Tech after allowing only 10 over the first six games.

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (4-3, 2-3): The Demon Deacons, who had allowed 31 points and more than 206 rushing yards per game prior to their open week, turned in their best defensive performance of the year by holding the Cavaliers to 10 points and 48 yards rushing, both of which were season-best totals for the defense. Although not known as a particularly explosive or quick-strike offense, Wake Forest needed only 6 and 17 seconds on its first two scoring drives against Virginia. Leading receiver Michael Campanaro (hand) is not expected to return until at least Nov. 3 against Boston College.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Clemson leads the all-time series 59-17-1 and has won the last three meetings.

2. The Tigers rank no worse than 40th in total, rushing, passing and scoring offense while the Demon Deacons rank no better than 80th.

3. Wake Forest has allowed opponents to score on 26 of 28 red zone opportunities, including 19 touchdowns.

PREDICTION: Clemson 41, Wake Forest 24