The college football showdown between the Miami Hurricanes and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on November 23, 2024, is set to be a crucial game for both squads as they work through their journeys in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The action will unfold at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, with the game kicking off at 12:00 PM ET.
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are rolling into this game with a solid 9-1 record. They just faced a tough loss against Georgia Tech (28-23), which ended their impressive seven-game winning streak. Even with this hiccup, Miami is still in the race for the ACC Championship and could snag a spot in the College Football Playoff. Their offense is on fire, averaging 45 points per game, the best in the ACC. Quarterback Cam Ward, who’s in the running for the Heisman Trophy, has been a key player, racking up over 3,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns this season. His chemistry with standout wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who’s broken school records for catches and touchdowns, will be vital for this game.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake Forest is having a tough time with a 4-6 record and is currently on a two-game losing streak. They really need a win to keep their hopes of bowl eligibility alive. The Demon Deacons’ offense puts up an average of 27.7 points per game, but they’ve struggled against tougher teams this season. Their quarterback, Hank Bachmeier, has had some standout moments, but he’s been pretty inconsistent lately, especially with turnovers hurting their chances. To turn things around, Wake Forest will be counting on running back Demond Claiborne, who’s been solid on the ground with over 700 rushing yards this season.
Current Performance and Previous Encounters
Miami has had the upper hand in this matchup, boasting an 8-3 record against Wake Forest over the years. The last time these teams faced off was in 2013, where Miami came out on top. This season, the Hurricanes have shown they can take advantage of teams like Wake Forest, effectively targeting the gaps in the Demon Deacons’ defense.
Key Players to Watch
Cam Ward (Miami): Ward, being one of the top quarterbacks in college football, is going to play a crucial role. People are counting on him to throw for several touchdowns and possibly make some plays with his legs too.
Xavier Restrepo (Miami): Restrepo’s ability to reach the end zone could really shift the game; Ward is probably going to look for him a lot.
Hank Bachmeier (Wake Forest): If he can cut down on errors and make the most of his offensive skills, he might just keep Wake Forest in the game.
Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest): His speed on the field will be key as Wake Forest tries to create a well-rounded offensive strategy.
Game Analysis
Miami is clearly the team to beat in this matchup, as the betting lines show them favored by 24 points. Experts believe that the Hurricanes’ offense will overpower Wake Forest’s defense, which has been having a tough time against stronger opponents, giving up a lot of yards and points.
Miami is likely to go with a quick offensive approach, taking advantage of Ward’s strong arm and Restrepo’s skills in running routes. On the other hand, Wake Forest should concentrate on controlling the ball and reducing turnovers to stay competitive in the game.
Considering how both teams have been playing lately and their overall skills, it looks like Miami is set to grab a solid win:
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Miami Hurricanes 41 – Wake Forest Demon Deacons 24
This score shows how strong Miami’s offense is, but it also recognizes that Wake Forest can put points on the board against a Hurricanes defense that isn’t exactly top-notch. With playoff stakes for Miami, they’re likely to hit the field with intensity and determination in their last home game of the regular season.