Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions September 7th 2024

Virginia Aims for a Strong Start in Must-Win ACC Showdown Against Wake Forest

Two ACC teams hungry for redemption after tough 2023 seasons are gearing up for a key early-season showdown this Saturday night. Virginia heads to Winston-Salem, N.C., to face Wake Forest, and both squads are looking to build on impressive season openers. With each team hoping to notch its first ACC win of the year, this clash could be pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of their seasons.

The Struggles of 2023 Set the Stage for 2024

Last season was a rough ride for both teams. Wake Forest landed at the bottom of the ACC with a 1-7 record, while Virginia wasn’t far ahead at 2-6. Both teams are coming into 2024 looking to turn things around, and their first ACC matchup of the year is the perfect chance to make a statement. After all, a win in this game could provide the momentum both teams need to shake off last season’s disappointments.

Promising Starts Offer Hope for Both Teams

The good news? Both teams kicked off the season in style. Wake Forest cruised past North Carolina A&T with a commanding 45-13 win, while Virginia handled Richmond, winning 34-13. Now, they’re ready to see how they stack up against each other in conference play.

For Virginia, this game is a chance to go 2-0 under head coach Tony Elliott, who’s entering his third season at the helm. Elliott knows the challenge ahead isn’t easy. Wake Forest, led by head coach Dave Clawson, is known for being a disciplined and well-coached team.

Virginia’s Offense is Picking Up Speed

Virginia’s offense looked electric in their opener. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea put on a show, completing 17 of 23 passes for 297 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and even running one in himself. Colandrea’s dual-threat abilities give Virginia a dynamic weapon under center.

But it wasn’t just Colandrea shining on offense. Running back Kobe Pace was a force, racking up 144 total yards and adding a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Malachi Fields also stood out, grabbing five passes for 100 yards. With such a balanced attack, Virginia’s offense could give Wake Forest’s defense a serious headache, especially if the Demon Deacons don’t tighten things up on that side of the ball.

Virginia’s Defense Shows Major Improvement

The Cavaliers’ defense also made a strong statement against Richmond. They held the Spiders to just 13 points, collected seven tackles for loss, forced a fumble, and held Richmond to converting only 3 of 15 third-down attempts. If Virginia’s defense can keep up that intensity, they’ll put a lot of pressure on Wake Forest’s offense—a unit known for its explosiveness in recent seasons.

Wake Forest Shakes Off Early Stumbles

While Wake Forest ended up with a comfortable win in their opener, the game didn’t start as smoothly as the final score might suggest. They actually trailed North Carolina A&T 10-7 early in the second quarter before finding their groove and rattling off 31 unanswered points.

Quarterback Hank Bachmeier led the way, throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Demond Claiborne added 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Taylor Morin was everywhere, racking up 100 yards on six catches and scoring on a 73-yard punt return. These offensive weapons make Wake Forest dangerous, but they’ll need to avoid a slow start if they want to hold off a hungry Virginia squad.

Defensive Woes for Wake Forest

Despite their offensive fireworks, Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson wasn’t thrilled with his team’s defense, particularly their tackling.

Missed tackles could be a real problem for Wake Forest, especially against a Virginia team that’s proven it can move the ball effectively both on the ground and through the air.

A Lopsided Rivalry in Wake Forest’s Favor

One of the major talking points heading into this game is Wake Forest’s recent dominance over Virginia. The Demon Deacons are 3-0 against the Cavaliers since Clawson took over as head coach in 2014. In fact, Wake Forest has won the last five meetings between the two teams, with Virginia’s last win coming way back in 2007. This game offers the Cavaliers a chance to snap that streak and gain some early-season momentum.

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What to Watch for on Saturday

As these two teams prepare for what could be a season-defining game, a few key factors are likely to determine the outcome:

• Virginia’s Offensive Execution: If Colandrea can continue his hot start, especially against a Wake Forest defense that has shown some vulnerabilities, Virginia could light up the scoreboard.
• Wake Forest’s Defensive Adjustments: Coach Clawson will be focused on fixing the missed tackles and other defensive issues from their opener. If Wake Forest can clean things up on defense, they’ll stand a much better chance of keeping Virginia at bay and extending their winning streak.
• Third-Down Efficiency: Virginia’s defense was lights-out on third downs against Richmond, while Wake Forest struggled a bit on that front. If the Cavaliers can keep Wake Forest’s offense off the field, they’ll be in a good position to control the tempo and pace of the game.

Final Thoughts

This showdown between Virginia and Wake Forest is shaping up to be a critical early-season test for both teams. Virginia’s improving defense and balanced offense will face off against Wake Forest’s explosive playmakers and a defense that’s still finding its footing. While Wake Forest has history on its side, Virginia looks ready to turn the tide and start their ACC campaign with a bang.