First look: Top story lines, betting odds for Clemson vs. Wake Forest football game
Clemson is in a position to end ACC play on a high note when Wake Forest comes to town this Saturday. The Demon Deacons’ last win over the Tigers came in 2008, a 12-7 victory in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Clemson leads the series 68-17-1, though Wake will look to challenge in a year where they’ve only lost one game heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.
CLEMSON VS. WAKE FOREST GAME, TV INFO
Who: Clemson (7-3, 5-2 ACC) vs. No. 13 Wake Forest (9-1, 6-0)
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson
When: Noon Saturday
TV: ESPN
VEGAS ODDS: CLEMSON-WAKE FOREST BETTING LINE
Clemson opened as a 4-point favorite, according to VegasInsider.
LAST CHANCE
Through all of the adversity Clemson has faced this season, the Tigers have a chance to keep their slim ACC Atlantic Division title hopes alive and extend their home winning streak to 34 games. Historically, they’ve done well against Wake Forest — winning 12 in a row in the series — and haven’t lost a meeting since 2008.
The Tigers had shown improvement on offense over the last few games, though it seemed the group took a step back against UConn in addition to losing wide receiver Justyn Ross to a leg injury.
Clemson will use this week to regroup in preparation for the Demon Deacons. The Tigers will also honor their seniors on Saturday.
HISTORIC SEASON FOR WAKE
Wake Forest is having a historic season and is in the best position to represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC championship game. Their only loss on the year was Nov. 6 to North Carolina in what was scheduled as a nonconference game. Wake Forest beat N.C. State 45-42 Saturday night, putting a perfect ACC record on the line when they come to Death Valley this week.
The Deacs need just one more ACC win to remain in first place. They travel the following weekend to play a Phil Jurkovec-led Boston College team.
THREE DEMON DEACONS TO WATCH
Sam Hartman, QB: For having an off game with three interceptions against N.C. State, Sam Hartman still managed to put together a strong outing with 290 yards and three touchdowns on 20 for 47 passing.
Nick Sciba, K: All but one of Clemson’s ACC games have come down to a score, so Nick Sciba will be key if a field goal is needed late for the Deacs. The Lou Groza Award semifinalist leads the ACC in field goals made with 16 in 18 attempts entering Week 10, two more than Clemson kicker B.T. Potter.
A.T. Perry, WR: As Hartman’s top target, A.T. Perry caught five passes for 73 yards of the Demon Deacons’ game against N.C. State, including a 24-yard touchdown pass during the first quarter. He’s among the top five receivers in the conference with 991 receiving yards on the year.
THREE TIGERS TO WATCH
Myles Murphy, DL: With injuries plaguing the Tigers’ defensive line, Myles Murphy has managed to stay healthy and been an anchor for the group. He had three tackles, 1½ quarterback sacks and a forced fumble over the weekend.
Trenton Simpson, LB: The sophomore has continued to show improvement and has turned up the heat during the latter stages of the season. Against UConn, he totaled four tackles and a quarterback sack.
D.J. Uiagalelei, QB: While Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney said D.J. Uiagalelei wasn’t struggling with a knee injury sustained against Louisville, the sophomore scuffled early against UConn but managed to throw for 241 yards with an interception and a touchdown.
This story was originally published November 14, 2021 at 2:15 PM.
