Pick details
| MATCHUP | Miami (FL) Hurricanes | Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| Spread | -20.5 -110 | +20.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | -1350 | +800 |
| Total | Over 55.5 (-115) | Under 55.5 (-105) |
| Where | Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC | |
| When | Friday, September 18, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
The Miami Hurricanes and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will meet Friday night in an ACC matchup at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective.
Miami Hurricanes Betting Preview
The Miami Hurricanes enter Friday night’s matchup with an undefeated 2-0 overall win-loss record after posting dominant victories over the Stanford Cardinal and the Florida A&M Rattlers to begin the 2026 season.
The Miami offense has been explosive in 2026. Let’s dive into the relevant team data to better shed light on my previous statement. The Hurricanes have amassed a massive 45 points per game this season which ranks 12th in the nation. Miami has averaged 549 yards per contest (6th in country), including 428 passing yards (2nd in FBS) and 121 rushing yards.
Turning our attention to the defensive side of the football, Miami has been equally impressive. The Hurricanes are allowing just 6 points per game while surrendering 299 total yards per contest, including 221 passing yards and only 78 rushing yards which ranks 21st in the nation.
Junior quarterback Darian Mensah has played exceptionally well to open the season. Through two games played, Mensah has amassed 653 passing yards, eight touchdown passes and a 65.9 completion percentage. Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney has emerged as one of Mensah’s favorite targets, compiling 16 receptions, 330 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions.
The Miami rushing attack has also received a significant boost from talented running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who has accounted for 173 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons enter Friday night’s contest with a 2-0 overall record after defeating Akron and Purdue to begin the 2026 season. Wake Forest has exceeded expectations early in the season and will look to build on the team’s recent quality play in Friday night’s matchup with the Miami Hurricanes.
The Wake Forest offense has performed well through two games played this season. The Demon Deacons are averaging 38 points per game (20th in MLB) while producing 485 total yards per contest. Wake Forest has generated 290.5 passing yards and 194.5 rushing yards per game, illustrating the team’s focus on a balanced attack.
Wake Forest has allowed 26 points per game this season. The Demon Deacons are surrendering 380 total yards per contest, including 242.5 passing yards and 137.5 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Gio Lopez has started the 2026 season well, compiling 575 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Lopez has also contributed to his team running the football, accumulating 97 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Carlos Hernandez has emerged as a top playmaker with 253 receiving yards through two games.
Why the Miami Hurricanes will win.
• Offensive production. The Miami Hurricanes are averaging 45 points per game which ranks 12th in the nation.
• Defensive excellence. The Hurricanes have allowed only 6 points per game this season.
• Elite quarterback play. Darian Mensah has thrown for 653 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception.
• The Miami Hurricanes are 13–5 ATS in the team’s last 18 games.
Why the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will win.
• Home field advantage. The Demon Deacons will play in front of their home crowd in Winston-Salem.
• Strong quarterback play. Gio Lopez has compiled 575 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, 97 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
• The Wake Forest Deamon Deacons are 9–6 ATS in the team’s last 14 games.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prediction
In my opinion, the way to go in this matchup is the total rather than a side. Why? The Miami offense has been explosive in 2026, amassing a whopping 45 points per game which ranks 12th in the country. Similarly, Wake Forest has been exceptional on offense, compiling 38 points per contest which ranks 20th in the nation. I envision a contest where both teams find offensive success. With that said, I am backing over 54.5 points in this game.
