Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears Picks and Predictions November 8th 2024

Wake Forest, Cal Battle for Fifth Win in First-Ever Matchup

Wake Forest and California will each vie for their fifth win of the season when they clash for the first time Friday night in Winston-Salem, N.C. This game, holding significance for both squads, marks a chance for one of them to secure a winning record moving deeper into the November schedule.

Both teams have rebounded from early-season struggles, with Wake Forest (4-4, 2-2 ACC) riding a two-game winning streak and Cal (4-4, 0-4 ACC) coming off a dominant 44-7 victory over former Pac-12 rival Oregon State. With each side well-rested after not playing since Oct. 26, they’re expected to bring energy and resolve to this first-ever meeting.

Wake Forest’s Positive Momentum

Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson sees his team as moving in the right direction. “This feels like a 4-4 team that is ascending,” he said, highlighting the team’s upward trajectory following a close 27-24 win over Stanford.

Clawson believes the game with Cal will be closely contested, with both teams evenly matched in key areas.

“Whatever team executes best is going to win,” Clawson noted. “This should be a very competitive game.”

Wake Forest’s recent success is due, in part, to the play of transfer quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who has given the Demon Deacons an extra dimension with his mobility. His ability to extend plays has been critical, particularly as Wake Forest has navigated a season filled with both fortunate and challenging moments.

“Some of the plays he has given us with his feet have really helped,” Clawson said. “We could be sitting here 6-2 or we could be sitting here 1-7.”

Cal’s Resilience Amid Narrow ACC Losses

Cal has faced significant challenges in the ACC, dropping four conference games by a combined total of just nine points. Despite the slim margins, head coach Justin Wilcox is proud of his team’s resilience.

“There are people out there that would have crumbled and not been able to bounce back,” Wilcox said. “I’m really, really proud and pleased with our guys for battling back.”

In their win over Oregon State, Cal benefited from a standout performance by redshirt sophomore quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw for a career-high 364 yards. Kicker Derek Morris also tied a single-game program record with five field goals in the victory, showcasing Cal’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Wilcox added that linebacker Cade Uluave is expected to return from injury, bolstering Cal’s defense ahead of their matchup with Wake Forest.

Third-Quarter Dominance and Defensive Edge

Cal has shown a remarkable ability to adjust after halftime, outscoring opponents 61-8 in third quarters this season. This edge in the second half has kept them competitive, even in their close ACC losses. Wake Forest, for its part, also holds a third-quarter scoring advantage, though to a lesser degree, at 55-45.

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The Demon Deacons are prepared for a tough challenge against Cal’s strong defense, which Clawson ranks among the best they’ve faced.

“I would put these guys defensively right up there with the Ole Miss-es and Clemsons of the teams we’ve faced,” Clawson remarked, underscoring his respect for Cal’s defensive capabilities.

Keys to Victory for Both Teams

• Wake Forest’s Quarterback Play: Hank Bachmeier’s ability to make plays with his feet could be a deciding factor if Cal’s defense shuts down Wake Forest’s passing game. His versatility adds a layer of unpredictability that may keep Cal’s defenders off balance.
• Cal’s Defensive Consistency: Cal’s defense will need to maintain focus throughout the game, particularly in the third quarter, where they’ve dominated. If they can neutralize Wake Forest’s offense in the second half, it could give Cal a clear path to victory.
• Special Teams Impact: With Cal kicker Derek Morris coming off a stellar performance, special teams may play a critical role. If Morris can convert field goals when Cal’s offense stalls, it could give the Bears a crucial scoring advantage.

The Road Ahead

Both teams face tough conference schedules as the season nears its conclusion, and a win in this matchup could provide valuable momentum. The game promises to be a closely fought battle, with each team looking to tip the scales in their favor as they aim for a winning season.