There might not be many wins on the schedule for either the Wake Forest Demon Deacons or the Virginia Cavaliers, which makes Saturday’s clash all the more important for both sides. Or there may be plenty of winnable games remaining for each team.
The truth is, we don’t know a ton about the ACC yet this year, so the next few weeks will give us crucial info about the teams in that conference.
Virginia vs. Wake Forest Betting and Fantasy Preview
Led by one of the most consistent coaches in the nation, Wake Forest hasn’t yet settled its quarterback controversy, while the Cavaliers went with the higher-upside Anthony Colandrea, who played one of his most consistent games to date last week.
Before you bet on this game, check out our Virginia vs. Wake Forest prediction, which includes predictions on the spread, total, and daily fantasy thoughts.
All Virginia vs. Wake Forest odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 7.
- Spread
Wake Forest -1 - Moneyline
Wake Forest -112, Virginia +100 - Over/Under
57 points - Game time
7 p.m. ET - Location
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C. - Predicted Weather at Kick
73 degrees, 8 mph winds, sunny - How to Watch
FuboTV, ESPN2
The line on this game opened at Wake Forest -2.5 and has slowly crept down, but I’m not sure bettors know what to do with it.
These are two highly volatile teams with a wide range of outcomes, so this game will come down to limiting mistakes and hitting big plays.
Despite not getting the start last week against North Carolina A&T, Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier came off the bench and threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns.
Bachmeier probably won the starting job, but you never know with Dave Clawson. In fact, Clawson mentioned that Michael Kern will also play, but how much remains to be seen.
On the flip side, Colandrea played in eight games last season, finding success as a runner despite not having a touchdown on the ground. However, he was far too careless with the ball, fumbling four times and throwing nine interceptions to just 12 touchdowns.
Against a solid FCS Richmond team, though, Colandrea was excellent, completing nearly 75% of his passes. He also threw three touchdowns and scored his first career rushing touchdown.
Colandrea has been prone to back-breaking interceptions, but the early returns are good. Can he lead the Cavaliers to an “upset” victory on the road, or will Wake Forest recreate some of that stability we’re used to seeing?
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Anthony Colandrea, Virginia ($7,800)
- QB Michael Kern, Wake Forest ($5,900)
- QB Hank Bachmeier, Wake Forest ($5,700)
- RB Kobe Pace, Virginia ($5,100)
- RB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest ($4,900)
- RB Jack Griese, Virginia ($4,000)
- RB Tate Carney, Wake Forest ($3,500)
- WR Malachi Fields, Virginia ($8,300)
- WR Trell Harris, Virginia ($6,100)
- WR Suderian Harrison, Virginia ($5,500)
- WR Taylor Morin, Wake Forest ($5,500)
- WR Jaden Gibson, Virginia ($5,100)
- WR Sage Ennis, Virginia ($4,800)
- WR Horatio Fields, Wake Forest ($4,500)
- WR Donovan Greene, Wake Forest ($4,100)
- WR Deuce Alexander, Wake Forest ($3,600)
While the spread might not be my top pick, I really like the over in this game, and high-scoring matchups are perfect for DFS lineups.
If you’re playing DraftKings’ nine-game night slate, this game offers a great opportunity to load up on players, as I expect plenty of scoring. Plus, there are several pricing discrepancies you can take advantage of. For instance, Taylor Morin is Wake Forest’s top receiver and has averaged nearly 16 yards per target in his previous matchups against Virginia—albeit from 2020 and 2021.
Last week, he caught all six of his targets for 100 yards, yet he’s only the 22nd-most expensive wide receiver on the slate, making him a great value play.
When Hank Bachmeier took over at quarterback, he frequently targeted Donovan Greene and Deuce Alexander, both of whom are priced similarly to bench players from other teams. These two offer excellent upside at bargain prices.
On the Virginia side, I expect them to put up points as well. Freshman quarterback Anthony Colandrea and running back Kobe Pace are both priced affordably, making them strong DFS options.
Demond Claiborne is another solid choice at running back for Wake Forest, and if you’re in need of a cheaper option, backup Tate Carney could see some valuable goal-line carries. Claiborne and Pace should be the primary backs to consider.
As for Bachmeier, I’d avoid him unless you need to spend elsewhere and want a low-cost starting QB. While he has potential for a big game, he’s likely to share snaps with Kern, making him a riskier play.
Prediction for Virginia vs. Wake Forest
First of all, I personally am abstaining from the spread in this one as I think the range of outcomes is too great and there are other betting opportunities.
That being said, I like the over, as I think both offenses should be able to move the ball against questionable defenses.
Wake Forest will try to establish the run and move the Virginia front to allow its patented “slow mesh” offense to work wonders, while Virginia will try to hit on quick strikes and big plays.
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If Colandrea protects the ball, I think the Cavaliers probably put themselves in the driver’s seat. That being said, Morin and the Wake Forest passing attack should grow in this game.
My favorite play here is the over, as I think this could turn into a high-scoring thriller. I lean towards the Cavaliers, but not enough to play it.
Prediction: Virginia 41, Wake Forest 38
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