Wake Forest vs Old Dominion 9/3/21 College Football Picks, Odds, Predictions

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet the Old Dominion Monarchs Friday in week 1 college football action at Truist Field. Old Dominion will see their coaching debut of Ricky Rahne, as they play their first game since the 2019 season when they finished 1-11. Wake Forest is coming off a disappointing 4-5 season, the fewest wins since 2015.

The Old Dominion Monarchs averaged 16.3 points and 273.8 yards per game in the 2019 season. Old Dominion allowed an average of 29.8 points and 371.1 yards per game in the 2019 season. Stone Smartt returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,000 yards and one touchdown. Smartt also rushed for nearly 200 yards and five touchdowns, proving he’s a legit playmaker. Aaron Moore and Nigel Fitzgerald are also a back, a wide receiver duo that combined for 600 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Jordan Young returns after 86 tackles with ODU, Marcus Haynes had 3.5 sacks and Will Brocchini had one interception. Old Dominion has its quarterback and some playmakers on defense, so there’s potential here. However, it’s going to be interesting to see any potential rust after such a long layoff for the program. 

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons averaged 36 points and 444.4 yards per game last season. Wake Forest allowed an average of 32.8 points and 435.8 yards per game last season. Sam Hartman returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. Christian Beal-Smith is back after rushing for 700 yards and five touchdowns while Jaquarii Roberson and Donavon Greene are a wide receiver duo that combined 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Nick Andersen returns after 63 tackles with Wake Forest, Miles Fox had 3.5 sacks and Ja’Sir Taylor had two interceptions. Wake Forest has to figure things out defensively and it won’t be easy with the loss of Ja’Cquez Williams. The good news is Wake Forest has an explosive offense led by a quarterback who has over 5,000 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.

The Old Dominion Monarchs are one of the few teams that didn’t play in 2020 and that long layoff is sure to create some issues early this season. Wake Forest must improve on the defensive side to be a factor in the ACC this season, but there’s enough offensive firepower to blow lesser competition out of the wire. Until proven otherwise, ODU is lesser competition. Thick, thick line, but it’s the Wake Forest Demon Deacons or pass in this season opener.