Wake Forest vs Miami Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 3 on 9/18/2026

In Week 3 of the 2026 regular season, the Miami Hurricanes, currently ranked #5 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, head to Winston-Salem to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The game will be held at the Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, an outdoor venue that should set the stage for an intense Friday night matchup. Both teams come into this game with undefeated records of 2-0, adding an extra layer of excitement to this early-season contest.

The Hurricanes have been impressive so far, dominating their opponents with a strong offense that scored 77 points against Florida A&M and 45 against Stanford. Their balanced attack has led to high totals in both passing and rushing yards, as evidenced by their 426 passing yards and 430 rushing yards in their most recent game. Miami will look to carry this momentum into the game against Wake Forest, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season.

On the other side, Wake Forest has shown resilience in close games, notably a narrow 38-36 victory over Purdue. The Demon Deacons have demonstrated a solid offensive strategy, with a notable 356 passing yards against Akron in their home opener. Playing on their home turf, Wake Forest will seek to leverage their home crowd advantage and continue their winning streak as they face one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.

Wake Forest vs Miami At a Glance

• Game Details: Miami Hurricanes vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 7:30 PM
• Venue: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC
• Television Broadcast: The game will air on ESPN
• Miami Hurricanes Record: Currently ranked #5, with a 2-0 record this season
• Wake Forest Demon Deacons Record: Unranked with a 2-0 record this season
• Game Odds: Miami is heavily favored with a moneyline of -1730, while Wake Forest stands at +962

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Eyeing Another Victory at Home

Offensive Overview

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have begun their 2026 season with a strong offensive showing. They have scored 76 points over two games, ranking 30th in the nation. Their passing attack has been solid, accumulating 581 yards, placing them 38th nationally.

On the ground, Wake Forest has rushed for 392 yards, earning a 43rd place ranking. They have consistently moved the chains, with 45 first downs, placing them 23rd. This balanced offensive attack is essential as they prepare for their next home game.

Defensive Performance

Defensively, the Demon Deacons have allowed 52 points, ranking 40th. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is evident, with 5 sacks, which ranks 8th. However, their secondary is looking for its first interception of the season.

The defense has been effective in recovering fumbles, ranking 6th nationally. This knack for taking advantage of opponents' mistakes is a critical component of their strategy. Their overall defensive performance will be tested against the upcoming opponents.

Key Players to Watch

Robby Ashford leads the Demon Deacons' offense as the starting quarterback. In 2025, he passed for 2,169 yards and 9 touchdowns. His leadership and experience will be vital for Wake Forest's continued success.

In the backfield, Demond Claiborne is a standout performer. Last season, he rushed for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns, providing a consistent ground threat. The combination of Ashford's passing and Claiborne's rushing makes the Demon Deacons' offense versatile and dangerous.

Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: Last 9 Games (2024–2026) → 9-0 (100.0%)
• O/U - All Games: Last 5 Games (2025–2026) → 5-0 (100.0%)
• SU - Home Games: Last 4 Games (2025–2026) → 4-0 (100.0%)
• O/U - After Win: Last 4 Games (2025–2026) → 4-0 (100.0%)

Injury Updates

As of the latest injury report, wide receiver Ny Carr is questionable with an undisclosed injury. His status is uncertain, which could impact the passing game. The team will need to adjust accordingly if Carr is unavailable for the next game.

Wake Forest is entering their next game as a 21.5-point underdog, with the total set at 56.5. Coming off a narrow 38-36 win over Purdue, they are looking to maintain their momentum and continue their winning streak at home.

Miami Hurricanes Set to Tackle Wake Forest in Upcoming Game

Wake Forest Offensive Overview

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons will look to leverage their offense to challenge the Miami Hurricanes. The offense, led by quarterback Mitch Griffis, has been working on enhancing its aerial attack to compete against top-tier defenses. Griffis's ability to read defenses and make precise throws will be crucial against Miami's formidable secondary.

Additionally, the Demon Deacons have a solid ground game supported by running back Justice Ellison. His agility and speed will be key to breaking through Miami's defensive line, which has shown resilience in their previous games.

Defensive Strategies

On the defensive side, Wake Forest will need to contain Miami's explosive offense, which is currently ranked third in points scored. Defensive end Jasheen Davis will play a pivotal role in putting pressure on Miami's quarterback, Carson Beck, to disrupt their passing game.

The secondary, including standout cornerback Caelen Carson, will be tasked with limiting Miami's deep passing threats. Their ability to keep Miami's wide receivers in check will be a significant factor in the game's outcome.

Special Teams Impact

Special teams can often be a game-changer, and Wake Forest will rely on kicker Matthew Dennis for crucial field goals. Dennis has been consistent this season, and his performance could be pivotal in a closely contested game.

Punter Ivan Mora will also have a vital role in controlling field position, especially against a high-powered Miami offense. His ability to pin the Hurricanes deep in their territory could provide Wake Forest with a strategic advantage.

Team Betting Trends

• Wake Forest is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog.
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wake Forest's last 7 games when playing Miami.
• Wake Forest is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a loss.
• The Demon Deacons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.

Wake Forest vs Miami Prediction: Miami -20.5

The Miami Hurricanes have started the season strong, with a perfect 2-0 record and an impressive victory margin. Ranked #5 in both the AP and Coaches Poll, they have demonstrated a high-powered offense, ranking third in points scored and passing yards. Their defensive prowess is equally impressive, allowing only 13 points across two games, positioning them fifth in points against.

Wake Forest, while also undefeated, has faced less formidable opponents and comes into this game as significant underdogs. Their offense, while effective, has not shown the explosiveness needed to contend with Miami’s high-octane attack. Miami’s ability to control both sides of the ball makes them well-equipped to cover the sizable spread.

Historically, Miami has performed well against teams with similar profiles, especially on the road. The betting trends strongly favor Miami, highlighting their ability to cover spreads in recent games. Considering these factors, Miami -20.5 is a solid pick against the spread for this matchup.

Projecting a final score, Miami’s potent offense combined with their stifling defense suggests a decisive victory. Wake Forest may struggle to keep up with Miami's relentless pace and might find it challenging to penetrate their defense.

• Wake Forest vs Miami Prediction: Miami -20.5
• Wake Forest vs Miami Score: Miami 42 - Wake Forest 17

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