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But don’t discount Wake Forest’s ability to score here as long as Hank Bachmeier is healthy. Bachmeier exited last week’s game against North Carolina early in the second half, and while it was reported that he was healthy enough to give it a go, the coaching staff held him out with plenty of quarterback runs in the game plan.
The Demon Deacons’ offense, with a healthy Bachmeier, hasn’t been the issue this season, and I think they can score on Miami’s defense. The Hurricanes defense isn’t just bad for a playoff contender, it’s below average for all FBS schools.
Even average ACC offenses (see Duke) have had season-best outings against the Hurricanes. While it doesn’t bode well for potential playoff matchups, it also means that no matchup is truly an automatic win for the Hurricanes.
Cam Ward is still Cam Ward, and if this was a normal year of college football, he’d probably win the Heisman Trophy. I just don’t see the Demon Deacons’ defense matching up well with the skill players or forcing Ward off his game.
However, I’m not sure Miami’s defense can slow Wake Forest enough to cover a 24-point spread. Miami has held only Florida State under 28 points in ACC play, and if the Demon Deacons reach that mark, the Hurricanes would need 53 to cover.
That’s probably not going to happen.
Miami should score enough to win, Wake Forest should score enough to cover, and the combination of those should be enough to send this over the total.
Prediction: Miami 42, Wake Forest 27
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