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Spread Betting Preview: North Carolina A&T Aggies vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prediction

The 2024 college football season continues with a matchup between the North Carolina A&T Aggies and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The game will take place at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a 4:00 PM EST kickoff. Wake Forest is looking to start their season strong as they face off against an FCS opponent in North Carolina A&T. The Demon Deacons are heavy favorites, with the spread set at -35 points. However, North Carolina A&T, under the guidance of a new head coach, is aiming to keep the game competitive.

 

Game Information

• Date: August 29, 2024
• Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
• Time: 4:00 PM EST
• TV Coverage: ESPN+ / ACC Extra
• Line: Wake Forest -35

North Carolina A&T Aggies: Aiming to Compete Against FBS Opponent

The North Carolina A&T Aggies enter the 2024 season with a renewed sense of optimism under first-year head coach Vincent Brown. The Aggies finished last season with a 7-4 record, showing potential on both sides of the ball. As an FCS team, North Carolina A&T faces a significant challenge when stepping up to compete against an ACC opponent like Wake Forest. However, the Aggies have the talent and experience to keep this game within the large spread, especially if they can execute a disciplined game plan.

Offensively, the Aggies are led by quarterback Zach Yeager, who threw for 2,134 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2023. Yeager is a dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays with his legs and has shown the ability to make accurate throws downfield. Running back Bhayshul Tuten, who rushed for 1,011 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, is a dynamic playmaker who can make a difference in both the running and passing game. Tuten’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be crucial in helping the Aggies sustain drives and keep Wake Forest’s offense off the field.

The Aggies’ receiving corps is headlined by wide receiver Zach Leslie, who caught 54 passes for 788 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Leslie’s size and athleticism make him a matchup problem for opposing defenses, and he will be a key target for Yeager, especially on third downs and in the red zone. The offensive line, which returns four starters from last season, will need to provide Yeager with protection against a Wake Forest defense that is known for its aggressive pass rush.

Defensively, North Carolina A&T is anchored by linebacker Jacob Roberts, who led the team with 108 tackles and 4 sacks last season. Roberts is a high-motor player who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. The Aggies’ defense allowed 22.3 points per game in 2023, ranking among the top defenses in the Big South. The secondary, led by cornerback DJ Crossen, is a solid unit that will need to be at their best against Wake Forest’s high-powered passing attack. If the Aggies can generate pressure on the quarterback and limit big plays, they will have a good chance of keeping the game within the spread.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Heavy Favorites at Home

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are coming off an 8-5 season in 2023, including a 4-4 record in ACC play. Head Coach Dave Clawson has built Wake Forest into a competitive program, known for their explosive offense and opportunistic defense. The Demon Deacons enter this matchup as heavy favorites, and they will be looking to dominate from the outset against North Carolina A&T. However, with a spread set at -35 points, Wake Forest will need to execute flawlessly to cover such a large number.

Wake Forest’s offense is led by quarterback Mitch Griffis, who threw for 3,412 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Griffis is a strong-armed quarterback with good mobility, capable of making plays both inside and outside the pocket. The Demon Deacons’ passing game is the focal point of their offense, and they will look to attack North Carolina A&T’s secondary early and often. Wide receiver Donavon Greene, who recorded 1,098 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, is Griffis’ primary target and one of the most dangerous playmakers in the ACC. Greene’s speed and route-running ability make him a threat to score on any given play.

The running game is led by running back Justice Ellison, who rushed for 842 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. Ellison is a shifty back with good vision and the ability to make defenders miss in space. The offensive line, anchored by center Michael Jurgens, is a veteran group that excels in pass protection but has been inconsistent in run blocking. If Wake Forest can establish the run early, it will open up their play-action passing game and make their offense even more difficult to stop.

Defensively, Wake Forest is known for their aggressive style and ability to create turnovers. The Demon Deacons allowed 28.4 points per game in 2023, ranking near the middle of the ACC. The defensive line, led by defensive end Rondell Bothroyd, is capable of generating pressure without the need for heavy blitzing, which allows the secondary to play tighter coverage. Linebacker Ryan Smenda Jr., who led the team with 94 tackles last season, is a key playmaker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. The secondary, anchored by cornerback Caelen Carson, is a talented unit that is adept at forcing turnovers and limiting big plays.

Advanced Metrics and Statistical Breakdown

North Carolina A&T Aggies

• Offensive Efficiency: North Carolina A&T ranked 53rd among FCS teams in Offensive Efficiency last season, according to SP+. The Aggies averaged 5.8 yards per play and were effective in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 60% of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
• Defensive Efficiency: The Aggies ranked 47th in Defensive Efficiency, allowing 340.2 yards per game. Their ability to generate pressure and force turnovers was a key strength, as they recorded 22 sacks and 15 interceptions last season.
• Turnover Margin: North Carolina A&T finished the 2023 season with a +5 turnover margin, ranking 28th among FCS teams. The Aggies were able to protect the football and create takeaways, which helped them win close games.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

• Offensive Efficiency: Wake Forest ranked 18th in the FBS in Offensive Efficiency last season, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). The Demon Deacons averaged 6.4 yards per play and excelled in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 68% of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
• Defensive Efficiency: Wake Forest ranked 64th in Defensive Efficiency, allowing 401.5 yards per game. The Demon Deacons struggled at times to stop the run, giving up 176.3 rushing yards per game, which ranked near the bottom of the ACC.
• Red Zone Performance: Wake Forest scored touchdowns on 64% of their red zone trips, while their defense allowed touchdowns on 58% of opponents' red zone opportunities, ranking in the bottom half of the ACC.

Coaching Analysis

Vincent Brown (North Carolina A&T)

Vincent Brown is in his first season as the head coach of the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Brown, a former NFL linebacker and defensive coordinator at several FCS programs, brings a wealth of experience and a defensive mindset to the Aggies. Known for his ability to develop talent and build strong defenses, Brown will be tasked with elevating North Carolina A&T to new heights. His defensive background will be critical in preparing the Aggies to face a high-powered offense like Wake Forest.

Offensively, Brown has retained many of the Aggies’ key playmakers from last season and has emphasized the importance of ball control and minimizing mistakes. Brown’s coaching philosophy is centered around physicality, discipline, and playing sound, fundamental football. In this matchup, Brown will look to keep the game within reach by controlling the clock and limiting Wake Forest’s explosive plays.

Dave Clawson (Wake Forest)

Dave Clawson is entering his 11th season as the head coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Clawson has built Wake Forest into a consistent winner in the ACC, known for their innovative offensive schemes and disciplined play. Under Clawson’s leadership, the Demon Deacons have been bowl eligible in each of the last seven seasons, and they have consistently ranked among the top offenses in the conference.

Clawson’s offensive philosophy is based on a high-tempo, spread attack that looks to exploit mismatches in the defense. His teams are known for their ability to score quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses. Defensively, Clawson emphasizes aggression and creating turnovers, but the Demon Deacons have been susceptible to giving up big plays. In this matchup, Clawson will look to use his team’s speed and playmaking ability to overwhelm North Carolina A&T.

Recent Performance

North Carolina A&T Aggies

North Carolina A&T finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record, including a 4-1 mark in Big South play. The Aggies showed improvement on both sides of the ball, particularly in their passing game. North Carolina A&T’s season was highlighted by a 31-28 victory over Campbell, in which Zach Yeager threw for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Aggies also recorded a 38-24 win over Charleston Southern, showcasing their balanced offensive attack.

In their final game of the 2023 season, North Carolina A&T defeated Hampton 27-20, with Yeager throwing for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. The win provided a positive end to the season and momentum heading into 2024. The Aggies have struggled in recent matchups against FBS opponents, but they have been competitive in many of those games, often keeping the score closer than expected.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest ended the 2023 season with an 8-5 record, including a 4-4 mark in ACC play. The Demon Deacons’ season was highlighted by a 45-35 victory over Syracuse, in which their offense exploded for 512 total yards. Wake Forest also recorded wins over Boston College and Duke, showcasing their high-powered passing attack. However, the Demon Deacons also suffered some tough losses, including a 48-27 defeat to Clemson and a 41-28 loss to Notre Dame.

In their final game of the 2023 season, Wake Forest lost to Wisconsin 35-28 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with the Demon Deacons’ defense struggling to contain Wisconsin’s running game. Mitch Griffis threw for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns, but Wake Forest was unable to overcome their defensive lapses. Despite the loss, Wake Forest’s offense remains one of the most explosive in the ACC, and they will look to start the 2024 season with a statement win.

Head-to-Head Comparison

This game marks the first-ever meeting between North Carolina A&T and Wake Forest, adding an element of intrigue to the matchup. Wake Forest, as an ACC program, enters the game as a heavy favorite against an FCS opponent in North Carolina A&T. The key to this game will likely be Wake Forest’s ability to exploit their advantages in speed and depth, particularly on offense. If the Demon Deacons can score quickly and often, they should be able to build a comfortable lead.

North Carolina A&T’s best chance to keep the game close will be to control the clock with their running game and take advantage of any mistakes by Wake Forest. The Aggies will need to play with discipline and avoid turnovers if they hope to stay within the spread. While the talent gap between the two teams is significant, North Carolina A&T has shown the ability to compete against stronger opponents, and their defensive playmakers could help keep the game closer than expected.

Betting Stats and Trends

• North Carolina A&T Aggies: The Aggies are 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games against FBS opponents. They have been competitive in many of these matchups, often covering large spreads.
• Wake Forest Demon Deacons: The Demon Deacons are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games as favorites. They have struggled to cover large spreads, particularly in non-conference games.
• Head-to-Head: This is the first meeting between North Carolina A&T and Wake Forest, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.

Weather and Venue Considerations

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, provides a familiar environment for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The weather forecast for August 29th calls for temperatures in the high 70s with partly cloudy skies, ideal conditions for a late summer game. These conditions are not expected to significantly impact the game, but the energy of a season-opening crowd could provide a boost for Wake Forest.

The home-field advantage of Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, combined with the experienced leadership of Dave Clawson, will be a factor in favor of Wake Forest. However, North Carolina A&T will be looking to prove themselves against an ACC opponent, and they are expected to bring a strong contingent of fans to support them. The venue’s intimate setting and passionate fan base make it a challenging place for visiting teams, but the Aggies will be up for the challenge.

Prediction