North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/11/2025 7:30 PM EDT

We have your North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons prop betting and game preview needs covered as the North Carolina State Wolfpack hit the road to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Game Info

Date: 2025-09-11
Time: 7:30 PM EDT
Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
TV: ESPN

North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview

This Thursday night ACC showdown features two undefeated teams, both sitting at 2-0 to start the 2025 season. The visiting North Carolina State Wolfpack are coming off a hard-fought 35-31 victory over Virginia, a game where they trailed for much of the contest before a strong second-half comeback. Quarterback CJ Bailey has been a revelation for the Wolfpack, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with five total touchdowns, including an NCAA-leading three rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. He's thrown for 518 yards and two scores, while adding 65 yards on the ground. Running back Hollywood Smothers also contributed significantly with 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their last outing. However, the Wolfpack defense showed some vulnerabilities against Virginia, allowing 514 total yards and struggling on third downs, with the Cavaliers converting 13 of 19 attempts.

The home team, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, enter this rivalry game after a dominant 42-10 win against Western Carolina. First-year head coach Jake Dickert, a defensive-minded strategist, has quickly established a clear offensive identity centered around star running back Demond Claiborne. Claiborne exploded for 193 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries last week, earning ACC Running Back of the Week honors. Despite suffering an apparent rib injury in Week 1, he is expected to be on a normal practice schedule. Quarterback Robby Ashford has also contributed to the offense, completing 33 of 50 passes for 445 yards and a touchdown, alongside 108 rushing yards and two scores. Defensively, Wake Forest has impressed, with Coach Dickert noting their "elite" ability to prevent explosive plays and highlighting the strong pass rush, particularly from Langston Hardy.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The rivalry between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons is one of the ACC's longest-running, dating back to 1910. In recent history, the series has been tightly contested, with the two schools splitting their last four matchups. NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren holds a 6-6 record against Wake Forest during his tenure. The most recent encounter in 2024 saw Wake Forest secure a 34-30 victory at home, overcoming a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Wolfpack. This particular loss was described as a "deflating" moment for NC State in what was a disappointing season.

Looking at a broader historical perspective of recent matchups where Wake Forest was the home team:

In 2024, Wake Forest defeated NC State 34-30.
In another home game, Wake Forest defeated NC State 26-6.
Wake Forest secured a 45-42 victory over NC State at home.
Wake Forest dominated NC State 44-10 in a home game.
Wake Forest won 30-24 against NC State at home.
NC State defeated Wake Forest 35-17 in a game played at Wake Forest.

These results indicate a competitive series with Wake Forest often performing well on their home turf.

Pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons +7

While both teams enter this game with unblemished 2-0 records, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at home, receiving seven points, present a compelling pick. NC State's narrow escape against Virginia, where they were outgained by 100 yards and ran significantly fewer offensive plays, raises concerns about their overall performance despite the win. Virginia seemingly controlled much of that game, suggesting the Wolfpack might be vulnerable against a more disciplined opponent.

Wake Forest, under new head coach Jake Dickert, is building its identity around the explosive running of Demond Claiborne. His 193 yards on just 10 carries last week highlight his game-breaking ability. The Demon Deacons will likely lean on their ground game to control the clock and limit NC State's possessions, aiming for a low-scoring, ground-and-pound affair. This strategy plays directly into the Demon Deacons' strengths and could exploit NC State's defensive struggles seen against Virginia. Given the rivalry aspect and Wake Forest's home advantage, taking the points with the Demon Deacons seems like a smart play.

Top Player Prop Picks

Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest RB) - Rushing Yards Over

Demond Claiborne is poised for another big game. Last week, he rushed for an astounding 193 yards on just 10 carries, showcasing his explosive potential. Coach Jake Dickert has made it clear that the Wake Forest offense will be built around Claiborne, emphasizing a ground-and-pound approach. This aligns perfectly with NC State's defensive struggles against the run, as they allowed 143.5 rushing yards per game (ranked 86th nationally) and 4.7 yards per rush (ranked 103rd nationally). Expect Wake Forest to feed Claiborne early and often to control the tempo and exploit the Wolfpack's defensive vulnerabilities on the ground.

CJ Bailey (North Carolina State QB) - Total Touchdowns Over

NC State quarterback CJ Bailey has emerged as a true dual-threat playmaker for the Wolfpack. He has accounted for five total touchdowns through two games, including an NCAA-leading three rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. His ability to extend plays with his legs and find the end zone makes him a constant threat. Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert has specifically noted Bailey's "sophomore surge" and that he's "driving the car" for NC State's offense. Even against a Wake Forest defense that aims to limit explosive plays, Bailey's knack for making plays, especially in critical situations, suggests he will find ways to contribute to the scoreboard.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons - Team Total Points Over

Despite NC State's reputation for defense, their performance against Virginia revealed some cracks, as they allowed 31 points. Wake Forest's offense, while still finding its rhythm under a new coach, showed significant scoring potential last week by putting up 42 points. With Demond Claiborne leading a potent rushing attack and Robby Ashford contributing through the air and on the ground, Wake Forest has the tools to put up points. Their focus on a strong ground game can wear down the NC State defense, creating opportunities for scoring drives. Given NC State's recent defensive struggles and Wake Forest's offensive strengths, the Demon Deacons are in a good position to exceed their projected team total.