College Football Pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at #2 Clemson Tigers
Demon Deacons Face First Nationally Ranked Opponent
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-1 Overall, 1-1 ACC) are at the #2 Clemson Tigers (5-0 Overall, 3-0 ACC) today for a noon kickoff. The Demon Deacons are off to a strong start that includes four straight wins at the top of the season. The team experienced its first loss of 2017 when they met Florida State last week. In that game, the Seminoles won by seven points 26-19. This is the first time this year that the Demon Deacons are meeting a nationally ranked team. On the other hand, the Clemson Tigers have faced and beaten three teams from the top 25. Last week, they took down #12 Virginia Tech 31-17. Our Wake Forest plays Clemson 2017 college football pick has the Tigers at -21.0 and the totals at 47.5.
Wake Forest Pluses and Minuses
Wake Forest has yet to meet an opponent like Clemson. QB John Wolford (63.2 COMP%, 8 TDs, 1 INT) is both a solid passer and efficient runner. In 66 carries, he’s gained 332 yards and run for four scores while averaging 5.0 YPA. Also coming out of the backfield is RB Arkeem Byrd who is averaging 5.6 YPA. Top pass catchers on the team are WR Greg Dortch (30 REC, 11.7 AVG, 5 TDs) and TE Cam Serigne (9 REC, 18.2 AVG, 4 TDs).
On defense, Wake Forest has defended two-dozen passes and made five picks. They have more than 40 TFL and 10 sacks. DE Duke Ejiofor comes to this game with three sacks and 10.5 TFL. DB Cameron Glen has snagged two interceptions, has three PD, and has caused and recovered a fumble.
The team has put up some good numbers, including scoring 34.0 PPG and allowing just 14.4. They are averaging 419.0 YPG in offense with 192.0 on the ground. On a less promising note, the Demon Deacons are giving up a little over 316 yards per game to opponent offenses, which includes 132.4 YPG on the ground.
Demon Deacons Summary
- Fine offense that uses ground and air
- Very solid D
- Have not played a really tough opponent yet
Clemson Pluses and Minuses
Kelly Bryant (66.2 COMP%, 3 TDs, 3 INTs) is a rushing quarterback who also passes. He’s averaging 4.3 YPA and has seven rushing TDs. RB Travis Etienne has carried the ball 31 times and is averaging 10.0 YPA. He’s scored three TD. Five different players on offense have at the minimum two rushing touchdowns. Pass catchers Ray-Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow each have over 20 receptions with McCloud averaging 12.0 YPC and Renfrow 9.6.
The Tiger D is one of the best in the nation as they are holding teams to 10.8 PPG and have recorded 17 sacks, 35 TFL, and six INTs. They have also defended 16 passes. DE Austin Bryant, who has five sacks and 8.5 TFL, is a huge talent. Look for LB Dorian O’Daniel (2.5 SCKs, 5 TFL, 2 INTs), who has scored twice, to have big game.
Clemson is scoring 36.4 PPG and generating 475 yards of offense per game, while holding teams to 250 yards per game of offense. Teams are averaging just 92.0 YPG on the ground. Our Wake Forest plays Clemson 2017 college football pick finds that the Tiger defense against the ground attack could be significant.
Tigers Summary
- Primarily a rushing offense
- Defense keeps opponents out of end zone
- Very tough vs. the rush
Top Three Takeaways
- Clemson has been tested by noteworthy opponents, while Wake Forest has not
- Both teams can score and offer stingy defenses
- Clemson D is very tough versus run, while Wake Forest D is less so
Free College Football Pick
Our Wake Forest plays Clemson 2017 college football pick like the Tigers at -21.0 and the over at 47.5. The quality of the opponent the Demon Deacons are about to experience is overwhelming.
Take Clemson at -21 and over 47.5
