UNC football at Wake Forest game preview, info, prediction and more
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With two straight wins in their back pockets, the North Carolina Tar Heels are finally playing a brand of football many fans expected.
UNC withstood a late Stanford rally last weekend, winning 20-15 in a defensive-minded performance. North Carolina (4-5, 2-3 ACC) generated a season-best nine sacks, highlighted by three apiece from Tyler Thompson and ACC sack leader Melkart Abou-Jaoude.
The Tar Heels stay in their home state this coming weekend, making the short trip west on I-40 to visit Wake Forest, for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday. UNC and Wake (6-3, 3-3 ACC), the latter being a conference surprise this season, will play for the sixth time in seven seasons.
The Deacs upset a ranked Virginia squad, 16-9, in Charlottesville last weekend. Wake kept the Cavaliers (8-2, 5-1 ACC) from scoring a touchdown, limiting them to three field goals despite allowing 327 yards.
It’s fair to say North Carolina has Wake’s number, with the boys in Carolina Blue winning each of their past four matchups, including 2024’s bowl-clinching, 31-24 victory. The Tar Heels don’t have Omarion Hampton this year, but they do have a stellar defense and steadily-improving offense.
After beating Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC) last weekend, both Bill Belichick and several UNC players said they’re focused on the game ahead. Jordan Shipp said he and his teammates have bowl eligibility in the back of their minds, but they have to be Wake to make that dream possible.
Keep reading below for our game preview, which includes North Carolina’s key to victory, something to watch, odds, statistical leaders and a season schedule.
Key to Victory
Finish the game.
The Tar Heels looked well on their way to a multi-possession victory, leading Stanford 20-3 heading into the fourth quarter. UNC took its foot off the gas, allowing the Cardinal to score 12 unanswered points and get the ball back for a potential, game-winning drive with just under a minute remaining.
There’s no question North Carolina’s defense played great for most of the day, though. The Tar Heels’ offense also played too conservative on their final drive, yet it’s understandable trying to run the clock out.
Wake’s defense isn’t anything special, but it’s significantly better than Stanford’s. The Deacs have just enough offense to finish a game-winning drive – that is, if UNC isn’t careful.
Something to Watch
Who starts at quarterback for Wake.
The Deacs rolled with Charlotte transfer Deshawn Purdie against Oregon State and SMU. Purdie rewarded Wake with 453 passing yards, four touchdowns, just two interceptions and – most important – two wins.
Robby Ashford, the former Auburn Tiger and South Carolina Gamecock, is not that guy. Ashford has just 139 passing yards, one interception and no touchdowns in Wake’s past two games.
Stat leaders
Passing
UNC: Gio Lopez 117 of 182, 1,224 yards, 8 TD, 5 INT
Wake Forest: Robby Ashford 114 of 199, 1,344 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT
Rushing
UNC: Demon June 67 carries, 420 yards, 2 TD
Wake Forest: Demond Claiborne 131 carries, 714 yards, 8 TD
Receiving
UNC: Jordan Shipp 40 receptions, 467 yards, 4 TD
Wake Forest: Chris Barnes 34 receptions, 504 yards, 3 TD
What you need to know
WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (4-5, 2-3 ACC) AT Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-3, 3-3 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, November 15 at 4:30 p.m.
WHERE? Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
TV? The CW
RADIO? SiriusXM (Channels 202 and 383)
WEATHER? 70 degrees, partly sunny
LINE? Wake Forest -6.5
ALL-TIME: UNC leads, 71-33-2
LAST MEETING? UNC 31, Wake 24 on 11/16/24 in Kenan Stadium
PREDICTION? UNC 20, Wake 17
2025 UNC Football Schedule
Sept. 1: vs. TCU (L, 48-14)
Sept. 6: at Charlotte (W, 20-3)
Sept 13: vs. Richmond (W, 41-6)
Sept. 20: at UCF (L, 34-9)
Oct. 4: vs. Clemson (L, 38-10)
Oct. 17: at Cal (L, 21-18)
Oct 25: vs. Virginia (L, 17-16
Oct 31: at Syracuse (W, 27-10)
Nov. 8: vs Stanford (4:30 p.m.)
Nov. 15: at Wake Forest (4:30 p.m.)
Nov. 22: vs. Duke
Nov. 29: at NC State
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Football at Wake Forest: Preview, info, prediction and more
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