Wake Forest (3-4, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) is set to face Stanford (2-5, 1-3) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on the ACC Network. The odds from BetMGM give Wake Forest a favorable position, with the team favored by 2.5 points. Historically, both teams are tied in their series record at one win each.
This game holds significant importance as Wake Forest embarks on its first journey across the country in the newly extended ACC. Both teams are striving to stay in the hunt for bowl game eligibility as October progresses. Stanford has faced difficulties recently, suffering four consecutive losses, with an average margin of defeat of 30.5 points per game.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the familial connection between Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier and Stanford wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier. Although they won’t directly compete against one another on the field, the game presents a unique brotherly rivalry. In his transfer season from Louisiana Tech, Hank has amassed 1,713 passing yards and nine touchdowns. Meanwhile, Tiger has recorded five receptions this season, including a punt return touchdown.
Key players to keep an eye on include Wake Forest’s running back, Demond Claiborne, who ranks seventh in the ACC for rushing yards, averaging 83.4 per game. He has also scored eight rushing touchdowns, which ties him for second in the conference, trailing only Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten, who has 12. Claiborne has had two impressive performances this season, rushing for over 130 yards in each.
On the Stanford side, freshman quarterback Elijah Brown recently stepped in for Ashton Daniels and showcased his capabilities when he played his most extended time of the season. In that game, he completed 16 of 32 passes for 153 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, and he could earn the starting role for this upcoming game.
In terms of historical context, Wake Forest won the initial matchup in 2009 with a score of 24-17 at home, while Stanford dominated the return game in 2010, claiming a 68-24 victory with standout performances, including four touchdown passes by Andrew Luck who later became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This season, Wake Forest has proven successful on the road, winning both of its away games.
Moreover, this contest marks the first of two consecutive games for Wake Forest against teams from California, as they will meet California after a bye week on November 8. Meanwhile, Stanford has struggled at home, losing 10 straight games against FBS opponents and winning only one of their last 17 home games. In their previous matchup with SMU, the Cardinal recorded a season-high of three takeaways and three sacks; the last time they accomplished this feat in the same game was against Northwestern in 2019.