Wake Forest (4-5, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) is set to compete against North Carolina (5-4, 2-3) this Saturday at 8 p.m. EST, broadcasting on the ACC Network.
According to betting odds from BetMGM, North Carolina is favored to win by 10.5 points.
Historically, UNC holds the advantage in their series, leading with a record of 72-36-2.
The stakes are high for both teams. A victory for North Carolina will secure their eligibility for a bowl game, an opportunity solidified by their recent dominant performances against Virginia and Florida State, followed by a week off to regroup.
Conversely, Wake Forest is striving for bowl eligibility as well and needs to secure two more wins, especially coming off a disappointing defeat to California at home.
A critical matchup to watch will be the performance of Wake Forest’s offensive line in countering UNC’s revitalized pass rush.
After dealing with inconsistent defensive plays earlier in the season, the Tar Heels have found their rhythm with 17 sacks across their last two games, currently ranking fourth in Bowl Subdivision with an impressive average of 3.56 sacks per game.
Notably, defenders Beau Atkinson and Jahvaree Ritzie are tied for 19th nationally, each recording 6.5 sacks.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest ranks alarmingly low, tied for 120th nationally by permitting 3.22 sacks per game, making it critical for the Demon Deacons to protect quarterback Hank Bachmeier.
Among players to keep an eye on is Wake Forest’s wide receiver, Taylor Morin, who has proven to be a reliable option, achieving over 100 yards receiving in two of his last three games, including a remarkable nine catches for 110 yards against California.
For North Carolina, running back Omarion Hampton stands out, having surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in eight of nine games this season.
He has matched a school record with seven consecutive games reaching this milestone, highlighted by a phenomenal 172-yard, four-touchdown performance against Florida State, along with a touchdown catch worth 93 yards.
In terms of statistics, Wake Forest has boasted a flawless road record this season, with victories at UConn, N.C. State, and Stanford in ACC competition.
The Tar Heels will look to continue their recent dominance in the series, having won the last three matchups, including a decisive victory last year that secured their spot in the ACC championship game.
Notably, these teams have had a history of exciting finishes, with UNC pulling off significant comebacks in games from 2020 and 2021.
Wake Forest’s last win against UNC was in 2019, a narrow 24-18 decision at home, adding to the competitive nature of this intrastate rivalry that dates back to their first meeting in 1888.
Additionally, in a tribute to their late teammate Tylee Craft, who recently passed away due to cancer, a different UNC receiver will don the No. 13 jersey for each remaining game this season.