The Vanderbilt Commodores and Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Preview
The Vanderbilt Commodores are fresh off wins over Hawaii and Alabama A&M, and now look for their first 3-0 start since 2017. This will be Vanderbilts first road game of the season. AJ Swann is completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 452 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. Jayden McGowan and Will Sheppard have combined for 272 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while London Humphreys has 2 receptions. The Vanderbilt Commodores ground game is averaging 127 yards per contest, and Sedrick Alexander leads the way with 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Vanderbilt is allowing 20.5 points and 334.5 yards per game. CJ Taylor leads the Vanderbilt Commodores with 15 tackles, Nate Clifton has 2 sacks and De’Rickey Wright has 2 interceptions.
Vanderbilt Commodores Team Facts
- Vanderbilt has won three of its last four September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Vanderbilt has covered the spread in each of its last seven road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Vanderbilt has lost the first half in eight of its last 10 road games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of Vanderbilt’s last eight games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons beat Elon in their season opener and look for a third straight 2-0 start to a season. Wake Forest has won 12 of its last 14 home games. Mitch Griffis is completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 329 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Jahmal Banks and Cameron Hite have combined for 199 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Wesley Grimes has 3 receptions. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons ground game is averaging 98 yards per contest, and Demond Claiborne leads the way with 70 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Wake Forest is allowing 17 points and 251 yards per game. Malik Mustapha leads the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with 9 tackles, Jacob Roberts has 1 sack and DaShawn Jones has 1 interception.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Team Facts
- Wake Forest has won each of its last 13 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Wake Forest has covered the spread in four of its last five September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Wake Forest has won the first quarter in each of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
- Wake Forest has won the first half in each of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
- Seven of Wake Forest’s last eight September home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wake Forest ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (9.3).
- Wake Forest ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.692).
- Vanderbilt was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.500) than home winning percentage (.333) last season (min. 8 games).
- Vanderbilt ranked 17th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (8.8).
Randy’s Pick
The Vanderbilt Commodores may be 2-0 SU on the season, but I’m not impressed. Hawaii had its chances to beat Vanderbilt in the season opener, and Alabama A&M only trailed 12-3 at halftime last week. Now, Vanderbilt plays real competition on the road, and I’m concerned for the Commodores. Wake Forest beat Vanderbilt by 20 points on the road last year. I’m just not all that high on Vanderbilt, probably the worst team in the SEC. At home and with an explosive offense, Wake Forest should roll the Commodores just like last season.