Wake Forest is third nationally in scoring at 44.7 ppg but NC State's defense is by far the best the Deacons have seen thus far as the Wolfpack are No. 3 nationally in third-down defense, No. 6 in scoring and No. 10 against the rush. All nine of NC State's opponents scored less than their season average and a handful by a wide margin. The Wolfpack also lead the ACC with 10 picks.

Wake Forest owns a 5-0 record during ACC play while North Carolina State is 4-1. The winner of the Atlantic Division battle becomes the favorite to play in the conference championship game. The Wolfpack's defense ranks 20th in yards allowed per play, but I have it rated as the fourth-best defense. The unit allows just 16 points per game.