California Golden Bears at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/8/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your California Golden Bears at Wake Forest Demon Deacons prop betting and game preview needs covered as the California Golden Bears hit the road to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

California Golden Bears at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: California Golden Bears -278 (Caesars) / Wake Forest Demon Deacons +222 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: 7.5 - California Golden Bears -100 (FanDuel) / Wake Forest Demon Deacons -122 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 54.5 - Under -105 (ESPN BET) / Over -115 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 11/8/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium (Winston-Salem, NC)
TV: ACC Network

California Golden Bears at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview

The California Golden Bears and Wake Forest Demon Deacons are set to clash in a pivotal ACC matchup, both teams entering with identical 4-4 records. The Golden Bears, fresh off a commanding 44-7 victory over the Oregon State Beavers, are looking to build on their recent success. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was instrumental in that win, showcasing his precision with 364 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 75% of his passes. His performance, coupled with a strong defensive showing, has positioned Cal as a formidable opponent.

Cal's defense, praised by Wake Forest's coach Dave Clawson, is among the best in the conference. They boast the top scoring defense in the ACC, allowing just 17 points per game, and have been exceptional at forcing turnovers, ranking fourth nationally in turnover margin. This defensive prowess will be crucial as they seek their first ACC victory.

On the other side, the Demon Deacons are riding a two-game winning streak, having narrowly defeated the Stanford Cardinal 27-24 in their last outing. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier led the charge with 245 passing yards and three touchdowns. However, Wake Forest has struggled against top-tier defenses, as evidenced by their losses to Ole Miss and Clemson, where they were held to a combined 20 points.

Wake Forest will need to find a way to penetrate Cal's stout defense, particularly with the Bears' secondary being highlighted as one of the best Clawson's team has faced. The Demon Deacons' running game, led by Demond Claiborne, who rushed for 127 yards against Stanford, will be key in trying to balance their offensive attack.

As the game approaches, the status of Cal's wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes remains uncertain. Their potential return could add a much-needed deep threat to Cal's offense, which ranks sixth in the ACC in passing but has struggled overall. Meanwhile, the return of key defensive players like Cade Uluave and Ryan McCulloch could further bolster Cal's already impressive defense.

With both teams vying for a crucial win to improve their standings, this matchup promises to be a tightly contested battle. The Golden Bears' defensive strength and recent offensive momentum give them a slight edge as they head into this Friday night showdown.

California Golden Bears at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick: California Golden Bears Moneyline

The California Golden Bears are poised to secure a victory against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and the moneyline pick for Cal is supported by several compelling factors. First and foremost, the Golden Bears are coming off a dominant 44-7 win over the Oregon State Beavers, a performance that showcased their offensive and defensive prowess. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was exceptional, throwing for 364 yards and two touchdowns with a 75% completion rate, demonstrating his ability to lead the offense effectively.

Cal's defense, which has been lauded by Wake Forest's coach Dave Clawson, stands as one of the best in the ACC. They lead the conference in scoring defense, allowing just 17 points per game, and have been adept at forcing turnovers, ranking fourth nationally in turnover margin. This defensive strength is a significant advantage as they face a Wake Forest team that has struggled against top-tier defenses, as seen in their losses to Ole Miss and Clemson.

While the Demon Deacons have shown resilience with a two-game winning streak, their offense has been inconsistent, particularly against strong defensive units. Cal's secondary, highlighted as one of the best Clawson's team has faced, will be a formidable challenge for Wake Forest's passing game. Additionally, the potential return of key defensive players like Cade Uluave and Ryan McCulloch could further solidify Cal's defensive front.

Although the status of Cal's wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes remains uncertain, their possible return could provide a much-needed boost to the Bears' passing attack. Even without them, Cal's offense has been productive enough to complement their stellar defense.

Given these factors, the California Golden Bears have a slight edge in this matchup. Their recent form, combined with a robust defense and the potential for offensive reinforcements, makes them the favored choice to emerge victorious in this crucial ACC showdown.

California Golden Bears at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Top Player Prop Picks

Fernando Mendoza Over 280.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Fernando Mendoza has been a standout performer for the California Golden Bears, particularly in their recent 44-7 victory over the Oregon State Beavers. In that game, Mendoza threw for an impressive 364 yards, completing 75% of his passes. His ability to efficiently distribute the ball and exploit defensive weaknesses makes the over on 280.5 passing yards an attractive proposition. Given Wake Forest's struggles against top-tier defenses, Mendoza is poised to capitalize on any lapses in their secondary, further bolstered by the potential return of key offensive players.

Hank Bachmeier Over 1.5 Passing TDs -120 (bet365)

Hank Bachmeier has been a reliable force for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, as evidenced by his three-touchdown performance against Stanford. Despite facing a formidable Cal defense, Bachmeier's ability to find the end zone remains a critical component of Wake Forest's offensive strategy. With the Demon Deacons needing to penetrate Cal's stout defense, Bachmeier's passing prowess will be essential. His track record suggests he can deliver multiple touchdowns, making the over on 1.5 passing TDs a compelling choice.

Jack Endries Over 5.5 Receptions -120 (FanDuel)

Jack Endries has emerged as a key target in Cal's passing game, particularly in the absence of their top wide receivers. Over the past three games, Endries has accumulated 23 receptions, showcasing his ability to consistently get open and make plays. With the uncertainty surrounding the return of Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes, Endries is likely to remain a focal point in the Bears' aerial attack. His recent form and the necessity for Cal to maintain offensive momentum make the over on 5.5 receptions a strong pick.