After a scare from Liberty last week, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons look to make a statement against the fifth ranked Clemson Tigers. The Demon Deacons have an explosive offense with a very tough defense. Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is looking better this season than he did last season, but he hasn't been tested yet. This will be the first test for Clemson to see if this is the season they can return to the CFP. This will be a grind-it-out type of game that will be decided by one possession. Take the points with the Demon Deacons.

The past is not always prologue but should be here. Over the past decade, Clemson has defeated Wake by 60 points once and 49 twice. The closest margin was 14. The Deacons last won outright 14 years ago. Maybe they were looking ahead last Saturday against Liberty but were still heavily outgained and lucked out with a one-point win. Clemson’s strength (rushing defense) is a lopsided matchup against Wake’s weakness (rushing offense). Wake’s crowd will be frenzied, but here’s guessing some orange-clad fans will squeeze into the compact stadium and reduce any home-field edge.

Clemson has won 13 straight in this series, including every meeting since 2012 by double digits. Wake Forest has been one of the most consistent programs in the division over the last five years, but this regime is still looking for its first win against the Tigers. The primary issue has been Clemson's advantage at the line of scrimmage, especially when Wake Forest is trying to get its explosive offense into a rhythm against an elite Clemson defensive front. The Tigers disrupt timing and force negative plays, and while Clemson's offense has been slow-starting the defense looks up to the task of asserting its dominance again.