| MATCHUP | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | California Golden Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 5-1 | 3-3 |
| Spread | -10 -112 | +10 -108 |
| Moneyline | -375 | +295 |
| Total | Over 53.5 (-110) | Under 53.5 (-110) |
| Where | California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA | |
| When | Saturday, October 17, 2026 | |
| Time | 10:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
In this article we will formulate a Wake Forest vs California prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 17th at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 7 matchup.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 5-1 (3-1) this season after they defeated NC State by a score of 38-14 in their last game. Wake Forest trailed 14-10 at halftime, but they won the second half 28-0 for the comeback win. The Demon Deacons out gained NC State by a total of 387-258, went 7-13 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Gio Lopez threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns, while Jack Foley caught eight passes for 156 yards and one score. Deuce Lawrence carried the ball eight times for 46 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Prior to that game, Wake Forest defeated Stanford by a score of 57-3 and Louisville by a score of 30-27. The Demon Deacons have scored 36.8 points per game with 290.5 passing yards and 144.8 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 21.5 points against per game this season. Gio Lopez has thrown for 1,680 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception this season.
California Golden Bears Betting Preview
The California Golden Bears are 3-3 (2-1) this year after they defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 25-20 in their last game. California trailed 14-10 at halftime and 20-19 in the fourth quarter, but they scored with 18 seconds left for the win. The Golden Bears out gained VT by a total of 403-401, went 8-16 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Jackson Brousseau threw for 321 yards and one touchdown, while Ian Strong caught five passes for 97 yards. Ashten Emory rushed 19 times for 46 yards and two scores in the game.
Prior to that win, California lost to UNLV by a score of 39-31 and Clemson by a score of 24-10. The Golden Bears have scored 26.7 points per game with 304.3 passing yards and 92.8 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 25.5 points against per game this season. Jackson Brousseau has thrown for 620 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions this year.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- California has won three of its last four games against conference opponents.
- California has covered the spread in each of its last three October games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
Why the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will win
- Wake Forest has won each of its last 11 games as a favorite.
- California has lost each of its last nine October games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Wake Forest has covered the spread in each of its last five games in October.
- California has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games in October.
- California has lost the first half in five of its last six games as a home underdog.
Total Points Facts
- Each of California’s last four October games as a home underdog against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of Wake Forest’s last seven games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
California Golden Bears Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 7, Kingston Lopa leads the league for interceptions (5) this season.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Player Prop Facts
- Carlos Hernandez has recorded 5+ receptions in 10 consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 7.
Matchup/League Facts
- California ranks T9th among FBS teams for interceptions this season (7).
- California ranks 127th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (12.3).
- Wake Forest ranks 18th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (95.3).
- Wake Forest ranks 18th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (290.5).
Wake Forest vs California Prediction
Wake Forest rolls into this matchup on a three game winning streak and they have scored 30+ points in four of their last five. The Demon Deacons have been one of the top offenses in the nation and they have allowed just 17 points in their last two games. California picked up a nice win over Virginia Tech last week, as they were using their backup quarterback. The Golden Bears have been disappointing this year, but Brousseau definitely gave them a spark. I think we will see plenty of scoring in this one, so I like the over here.