North Carolina State Wolfpack vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Odds & Game Pick (2021)

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons lost a potential perfect season after a heartbreaking defeat to the North Carolina Tar Heels last week, 58-55. The Demon Deacons struggled to score in the fourth quarter and allowed North Carolina to come back from down 18 points in the fourth quarter.

Now they’ll take on a North Carolina State team that is red hot, winning four of their last five games of the season. The Wolfpack are known for their defense, while Wake Forest has one of the best offenses in the nation.

Between two ranked opponents in the ACC, this game has both teams playing for a better shot at the ACC Championship game. Here are our picks and predictions between Wake Forest and North Carolina State.

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Details

• Opening Line: Wake Forest -2.5, O/U 66.5
• Current Line: Wake Forest -2, O/U 66.5
• Last meeting: September 19, 2020, North Carolina State 45, Wake Forest 42

Overview 

Wake Forest is easily one of the best offensive teams in the nation. It would’ve been fun to watch this team face a defense like Georgia’s, but after losing to UNC, the College Football Playoff dream for Wake Forest is likely over. Still, the offense gets to prove themselves against one of the more challenging defenses in the ACC.

North Carolina State is allowing just 16 points per game along with only 321.4 yards per game. They’ve dominated against the run, allowing just over 100 yards, and have been solid in coverage with a reliable pass rush. What’s more important is that the Wolfpack have tackled exceptionally well, holding teams from getting big chunk plays this season.

Wake Forest is scoring 44.7 points per game and is the only team to score 35 or more points in every game this season. Unfortunately, scoring 55 points wasn’t enough last week, but in reality, this offense is tremendous, despite a poor fourth quarter last week. In addition, the offensive line has excelled this season and has kept Sam Hartman away from damage.

The Demon Deacons, however, allow 435.3 yards on defense per game and 27.7 points per game. So if you take away last week’s game against North Carolina, Wake Forest hasn’t been bad on defense.

If Wake can score 35 or more points in this game, Wake should come out on top. North Carolina State is led by Devin Leary, who has thrown for 25 touchdowns this season. However, he’s the best thing they got at North Carolina State. Hiss playmakers around him don’t compare to Wake Forest.

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Trends 

• Wolfpack are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-0 in Demon Deacons last 4 games in November.
•  Over is 4-0 in Demon Deacons last 4 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.

Bottom Line 

I think the best of Wake Forest’s defense is long gone. The defense looks fatigued and will have another stiff test against Devin Leary, who has found many ways to contribute under center for North Carolina State.

Wake Forest has struggled against the run a bit, allowing 216 yards per game this season. Although the Wolfpack are only rushing for 136.8 yards, the offense has a terrific offensive line that has done well blocking this season. If North Carolina commits to the run, they’ll get some significant gains in this one.

Meanwhile, Wake Forest can take on any defense and score points. This team has scored 35 or more points in every game this season and will likely continue. However, I still don’t know if I trust Wake Forest to win this game. That would mean North Carolina State scores in the high 30’s as well.

Therefore, I’ll take the over in this ACC matchup.

Pick: Over 66.5 (-115)

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Jason Radowitz is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him @Jason_Radowitz.