{"id":32332,"date":"2024-11-08T09:31:30","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T14:31:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=32332"},"modified":"2024-11-08T09:31:34","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T14:31:34","slug":"cal-vs-wake-forest-cfb-predictions-and-picks-november-8-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football\/cal-vs-wake-forest-cfb-predictions-and-picks-november-8-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Cal vs Wake Forest – CFB Predictions and Picks For November 8, 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This Friday, the California Golden Bears and Wake Forest Demon Deacons face off in a prime-time ACC matchup with exciting offensive potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Cal navigates another cross-country trip in a season packed with travel challenges, Wake Forest looks to capitalize on home-field advantage. Here\u2019s a full game breakdown, including insights into both teams’ form and betting predictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Game Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong> Friday, November 8, 2024
Time: <\/strong>8:00 PM ET
Broadcast:<\/strong> ACC Network
Location<\/strong>: Truist Field, Winston-Salem, North Carolina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spread<\/strong>: Cal -7 | Total:<\/strong> 56.5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Team Overview and Season Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cal Golden Bears (4-4)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tough Travel Schedule<\/strong>: Cal is facing its fourth cross-country trip of the season. With their schedule taking a toll on players, especially on short rest, Cal could struggle with endurance against Wake Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strength in Offense<\/strong>: Despite challenges, Cal\u2019s offense has been reliable, especially after scoring over 40 points last week against Oregon State. They\u2019ve shown they can capitalize on weaker defenses, which aligns well for them against a Wake Forest defense that has struggled this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-4)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inconsistent Defense<\/strong>: Wake Forest\u2019s defense ranks among the lowest nationally, especially against the pass. Teams like NC State and Louisiana have exploited their secondary, and while recent games against low-scoring opponents might paint a better picture, Cal\u2019s stronger offense will test Wake Forest\u2019s defensive limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Edge in the Running Game<\/strong>: Wake\u2019s running back Deontay Clayborn has returned to form, posting 127 yards against Stanford. Cal has a stronger pass defense than run defense, which could give Wake Forest\u2019s ground game an advantage, allowing them to control the tempo and keep up with Cal\u2019s scoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Matchup Analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scoring Potential and Defensive Weaknesses<\/strong>: Both teams have shown weaknesses on defense that could lead to a high-scoring game. Cal\u2019s offense can stretch the field, especially against Wake Forest\u2019s vulnerable pass defense, while Wake\u2019s running game should also find success against Cal\u2019s defensive front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel and Preparation Advantage for Wake<\/strong>: Cal\u2019s fourth East Coast trip and short preparation time give Wake Forest a slight edge, which could be crucial in a game with close scoring margins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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