Duke and Wake Forest are set for another thrilling showdown in college football. In their last encounter, Duke made a remarkable comeback to secure a 23-17 victory. This time, the stakes are high for both teams as they face off once again.
Duke’s Path to the ACC Championship
Duke enters the game with a record of 6-5 and still harbors hopes of reaching the ACC title game in Charlotte. To secure a spot, they must win against Wake Forest and rely on several other outcomes:
- Pittsburgh must lose to Miami.
- SMU must lose to California.
- Alternatively, a win for Duke followed by losses from Virginia, Pittsburgh, and either Syracuse or NC State would suffice.
Wake Forest’s Season Performance
Wake Forest currently stands at 8-3 overall and is unable to reach the conference championship despite a solid season. The Demon Deacons have averaged 26.4 points and 381.9 total yards per game, ranking 11th in the ACC.
Their strong running game averages 159.6 rushing yards per game, which places them 4th in the conference. Star running back Demond Claiborne has accumulated 849 rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Robby Ashford adds another dimension with 460 rushing yards.
Duke’s Offensive Threats
Duke’s sophomore quarterback, Darian Mensah, has thrown for 3,182 yards this season, with 26 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Despite some struggles, his ability to lead the team is critical for their success against the Demon Deacons.
Key Players for Wake Forest
Wake Forest’s passing offense is led by Chris Barnes and Carlos Hernandez. Barnes has 37 catches for 523 yards, while Hernandez has gained 445 yards on 28 receptions and has performed particularly well in recent games.
Hernandez has recorded 297 yards and three touchdowns over the last two games, making him a crucial target for Ashford.
Defensive Matchup
Wake Forest has a reliable pass defense, allowing just 193.5 passing yards per game, ranking 4th in the ACC. Nick Andersen, with 89 tackles, anchors their defense and is complemented by slot corner Davaughn Patterson, who has 69 tackles and nine pass deflections.
Injury Report for Duke
Duke will miss key players, including receiver Andrel Anthony and cornerback Landan Callahan, due to injuries. However, linebacker Tre Freeman is available, which is a boost for the Blue Devils going into this important matchup.
This encounter is anticipated to be another closely fought battle. Both teams have something significant on the line; Duke is aiming for bowl positioning and Wake Forest seeks to finish the season strong.
