Elon Phoenix (0-0) vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (0-0)
Elon Phoenix vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 8/31/2023 – Last year, Elon finished 6-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association and 8-4 overall. For Elon this season, Matthew Downing, a transfer from Georgia, TCU, and Louisiana Tech, will probably start at quarterback. Jaylen Hampton, who was Elon’s top rusher a year ago and amassed over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, is back. Onuma Dieke, a UMass transfer, and tight end Johncarlos Miller II are Elon’s top receivers this season. For the first three weeks of the regular season, Elon’s defense will be a work in progress as it replaces a number of players who graduated or transferred out.
Under the leadership of Dave Clawson, Wake Forest has achieved four consecutive winning seasons, setting the stage for potential eligibility in the 2023 bowl game. The team’s performance will hinge on the development of quarterback Mitch Griffis and the defensive improvements needed after conceding an average of 28.3 points per game. Griffis will be supported by a skilled receiving unit, featuring the likes of Donavan Greene, Jahmal Banks, and AT Perry. Replacing Sam Hartman, who now plays for Notre Dame, Griffis will lead the offense. Alongside running back Justin Ellison, these experienced players are crucial for Wake Forest’s success. Stay informed with free expert football picks for insightful predictions and analysis.
Phoenix vs. Demon Deacons Game Info
| When: | Thursday, August 31, 2023 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, NC |
| TV: | ACC Network |
| Stream: | N/A |
QB Matthew Downing vs QB Mitch Griffis
Before his stay in Ruston, Downing attended Georgia and TCU before moving on to his fourth program. Due to his lack of clearance for contact, Downing sat out Louisiana Tech’s Spring Game. According to head coach Sonny Cumbie, Hank Bachmeier, a transfer from Boise State, and second-year quarterback Jack Turner will likely compete for the starting quarterback job.
Wake Forest had a 19-8 record the previous two years under Hartman’s leadership, and in 2022, it averaged 36.1 points per game and set a school record with 43 throwing touchdowns. Additionally, all three of the previous Wake quarterbacks—John Wolford (2017), Jamie Newman (2019), and Hartman (2021–2022)—earned All-ACC recognition while they were the team’s starting quarterbacks. Despite three years of experience learning from reliable teammates and a reliable coaching staff, Griffis is still the best candidate to lead the Deacs. Griffis claims that aside from the quarterback change, the offense will mostly carry over from the previous campaign.
Odds/Point Spread: Milwaukee Brewers +120, Total Odds:
Wake Forest will easily defeat Elon on Thursday, but the Demon Deacons will need time to develop as a team since their defense has so many new players, and the Phoenix will perform well enough to cover the spread. Elon won four of its previous five matches and covered the spread, while Wake Forest lost four of its last six matches and 12 of the past 16 matches played in Week 1 without doing so.
Elon Phoenix Betting Trends
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 matches. The total went OVER in 7 of Elon’s last 8 matches. Elon Phoenix is 0-10 SU in their last 10 matches. Elon Phoenix is 0-16 SU in their last 16 matches on the road.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Trends
Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 matches. The total went UNDER in 4 of Wake Forest’s last 5 matches. Demon Deacons are 2-4 SU in their last 6 matches. Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 14-2 SU in their last 16 matches at home. Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 6-1 SU in their last 7 matches played in August.
Elon Phoenix vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 8/31/2023 Betting Picks
The Elon Phoenix have struggled, going 0-7 SU in their last 7 matches against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference. In contrast, their games in week 1 have seen high-scoring action, with the total going OVER in 5 of Elon’s last 5 such matches. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, on the other hand, have had a history of challenges in week 1, going 4-12 ATS in their last 16 matches during that period. While playing on Thursdays, the total has varied for Wake Forest, going UNDER in 4 of their last 6 matches, but going OVER in 4 of their last 6 matches when playing at home. Stay informed with free expert sports picks for well-informed predictions and analysis.
Free Pick and Prediction: Wake Forest Demon Deacons will win 37-33.