SMU vs Wake Forest Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 11 on 11/14/2026

In Week 11 of the 2026 college football season, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, ranked #11 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, head to Dallas to take on the SMU Mustangs. The game is set to take place at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on November 14, 2026, and will be broadcast on ESPN. Wake Forest enters with an impressive 8-1 record and a perfect 4-0 road record.

Meanwhile, SMU, currently ranked #25 in the AP Poll and #23 in the Coaches Poll, boasts a 7-2 record with a strong 6-0 record at home. SMU aims to maintain its home dominance as they welcome a formidable Wake Forest team. The Mustangs are coming off a recent victory against Virginia Tech, winning 51-28.

This matchup features two high-powered offenses with Wake Forest recently demolishing Merrimack College 77-0, and SMU putting up 59 points against California. Both teams are coming off successful stretches with Wake Forest on a five-game winning streak and SMU having won four of their last five games. The game is expected to be a tightly contested battle as indicated by the betting odds, which are evenly split at -110 for both teams on the moneyline.

SMU vs Wake Forest At a Glance (Week 11)

• Game Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM
• Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Wake Forest Record: 8-1 (4-0 on the road)
• SMU Record: 7-2 (6-0 at home)
• Game Odds: Moneyline is set at -110 for both teams; Total Over/Under is 61.5

SMU Mustangs Ready to Charge Forward in Upcoming Game

Offensive Powerhouse

The SMU Mustangs have been a force on offense this season, scoring a total of 333 points, ranking them 18th in the nation. Their passing attack has been particularly effective, with 2,914 passing yards that place them 6th overall.

Kevin Jennings, the starting quarterback, has been a standout performer, throwing for 2,784 yards and 25 touchdowns. His ability to maintain a high level of play will be critical for the Mustangs' success.

Defensive Standouts

On defense, SMU has shown strength in their ability to pressure quarterbacks, accumulating 27 sacks, which ranks them 10th nationally. They also excel in creating turnovers, with 3 interceptions and 4 fumbles recovered, placing them among the top teams in those categories.

Despite some injuries on defense, the Mustangs have managed to maintain a solid unit, capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Their ability to continue this trend will be crucial in their upcoming game.

Recent Game Performances

SMU has a 4-1 record in their last five games, including a dominant 51-28 victory over Virginia Tech. In that game, they showcased their offensive prowess with 350 passing yards and 219 rushing yards.

However, their lone loss came against Syracuse, where they fell 30-27. The Mustangs struggled on the ground in that contest, managing only 70 rushing yards.

Injury Concerns

The Mustangs are dealing with several injuries, notably on the defensive side, with players like Trey Wilson and Xavier Wright uncertain for the upcoming game. Additionally, safety Tyren Polley Jr. is out for the season with a pectoral injury.

These injuries could impact their defensive depth, making it essential for backups to step up and fill the void left by absent starters.

Betting Trends

• SU - After Loss: 13-0 (100.0%) in their last 13 games.
• SU - Home Games: 25-3 (89.3%) in their last 28 games.
• SU - As Favorite: 24-6 (80.0%) in their last 30 games.
• SU - All Games: 23-7 (76.7%) in their last 30 games.
• SU - Totals ≥ 50: 21-7 (75.0%) in their last 28 games.

The Mustangs are favored by 1.0 point in their upcoming home game against Wake Forest. Their recent success at home and as favorites suggests a strong chance of continuing their winning ways.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prepare for an Away Battle

Overview of the Away Team

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are heading into their next game with an impressive 5-0 record in their recent regular season games. Their most recent performance was a dominant 77-0 victory over Merrimack College, showcasing their offensive and defensive capabilities.

In this upcoming game, the Demon Deacons will be playing as 1.0-point underdogs. The total for the game is set at 61.5, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair.

Offensive Strengths

Wake Forest's offense has been a powerhouse, ranking 5th in points scored with 390 so far this season. Their passing game is particularly effective, with 2,807 passing yards placing them 10th in the nation.

Quarterback Gio Lopez has been instrumental in their success, with 2,176 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the team from the front. He is currently listed as questionable with a lower body injury, which could impact their offensive strategy.

Defensive Prowess

The Demon Deacons have been equally strong on defense, allowing only 143 points against them, ranking 61st. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident with 21 sacks, placing them 16th overall.

Wake Forest's defense also excels in creating turnovers, with 5 interceptions and 2 fumbles recovered, both ranking within the top 10 nationally. This defensive tenacity will be crucial in their upcoming away game.

Key Players to Watch

Running back Ty Clark III has been a reliable asset with 416 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, providing balance to their offensive attack. Wide receiver Carlos Hernandez is a standout performer with 945 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.

On special teams, kicker Connor Calvert has been consistent, making 13 field goals and 43 extra points, contributing significantly to the team's scoring efforts.

Betting Trends

• Wake Forest has been flawless against the spread (ATS) in their last 7 games in 2026, with a 7-0 record.
• They have won all their games straight up (SU) as favorites in the last 14 games from 2024 to 2026.
• In games with totals ≥ 50, they have been 6-0 ATS in 2026.
• The Demon Deacons are undefeated in their last 4 away games, holding a 4-0 SU record in 2026.
• They are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games from 2025 to 2026.

SMU vs Wake Forest Week 11 Prediction: Over 61.5

The upcoming game between SMU Mustangs and Wake Forest Demon Deacons offers a high-scoring potential, given the offensive capabilities of both teams. SMU has put up impressive numbers this season, ranking 18th in points for with 333 and 6th in passing yards with 2914. Meanwhile, Wake Forest ranks 5th in points for with 390, showcasing their ability to score heavily in games.

Wake Forest's recent performance, a 77-0 victory over Merrimack College, highlights their explosive offensive potential. This aligns with SMU's recent 51-28 win over Virginia Tech, further indicating a trend towards high-scoring games. Both teams' offensive prowess is likely to overshadow defensive efforts, leading to a high-scoring encounter.

The total for this game is set at 61.5, and both teams have shown the ability to surpass such marks consistently. SMU's home game stats and Wake Forest's away game performance further bolster the expectation of a game surpassing the set total. Trends indicate SMU's ability to perform in high-total games, with a recent trend of 21-7 in totals of 50 or more, while Wake Forest holds a 12-7 record in over/under for all games since 2025.

With both teams demonstrating offensive firepower and a track record of high-scoring games, the pick for this game is the Over at 61.5. A projected scoreline could see Wake Forest edging out SMU with a 38-34 victory, surpassing the over/under mark set by the sportsbooks.

• SMU vs Wake Forest Prediction: Over 61.5
• SMU vs Wake Forest Score: Wake Forest 38 - SMU 34

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