Clemson looks to continue their quest for a perfect season Saturday as they host Wake Forest in Death Valley. Television coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
How to watch Wake Forest vs. Clemson: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Will Wake Forest shock the world in Death Valley Saturday?
Streeter Lecka
After a hard-fought 38-35 win over Georgia in the opener, the Tigers cruised to a 52-13 victory over South Carolina State in their next game. In Week 4 (after a bye week), they were able to defeat NC State on the road without much trouble, handing Dave Doeren his first-ever home loss, 26-14.
Wake Forest started the season with a 31-7 win over Presbyterian (after trailing 7-0) and lost on the road to Boston College the next week, 24-10. A failed two-point conversion in Week 3 saw the Demon Deacons fall to visiting Louisiana-Monroe, 21-19, but Wake was able to recover with a 25-11 win at Army in Week 4.
The game is not expected to be a close one, as it appears to be a contest between one of the top teams in the ACC against one of the bottom teams in the conference.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Clemson is ranked third in the AP Poll and fourth in the Coaches’ Poll, while Wake Forest did not receive votes in either poll. The Tigers hold a 60-17-1 all-time lead in the series and have won the last four contests between the schools.
Vegas: Clemson is a 29-point favorite. The over/under is 58.5 points. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A high of 76, partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain.
Three names to know
Tajh Boyd. Clemson's Heisman candidate has nine total touchdowns on the year but has not yet managed a true breakout game. That could be very possible against Wake Forest's defense.
Vic Beasley. The junior Tiger is fourth in the nation in sacks with five and will likely be chasing Tanner Price around the field on Saturday.
Nikita Whitlock. The senior noseguard has done it all for Wake Forest on the defensive line, with 30 tackles, eight for a loss, three sacks, a pass broken up, two quarterback hurries, a fumble forced and a punt blocked. If he can make big plays, Wake may stand a chance.
Two things at stake
Clemson will look to enter their mid-October clash with fellow Atlantic hopeful Florida State 6-0, and this appears to be the easiest of the three games between now and then.
After a truly uninspiring start to the season, a win for Jim Grobe’s Wake Forest program would lift the school’s spirits immeasurably.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Further reading
For previews, analysis and more from the Clemson side of things, check out Shakin’ the Southland. For the Wake Forest perspective, head to Blogger So Dear.
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