As Week 9 of the 2026 college football season approaches, the Virginia Cavaliers are set to visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC. Scheduled for an afternoon kickoff at 3:45 PM on October 31st, the game will be televised on ESPN. Both teams compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, adding an extra layer of importance to this matchup. Virginia enters this game with a balanced 4-4 record, having found more success at home with a 4-1 record, compared to 0-3 on the road. The Cavaliers are coming off a narrow 19-16 loss to the Duke Blue Devils and will be eager to improve their 2-3 conference standing. Despite recent challenges, their last postseason outing saw them victorious against the Missouri Tigers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Wake Forest, on the other hand, boasts a strong 6-1 record, currently ranked #14 in the AP Poll and #15 in the Coaches Poll. They have been particularly effective in conference play with a 4-1 record, and their recent dominant performance against the California Golden Bears resulted in a 41-7 win. The Demon Deacons will look to leverage their home-field advantage and continue their winning momentum in this crucial ACC encounter.

Wake Forest vs Virginia At a Glance (Week 9)

  • Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 3:45 PM
  • Venue: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
  • TV Broadcast: ESPN
  • Wake Forest Demon Deacons Record: 6-1 overall, 4-1 in conference
  • Virginia Cavaliers Record: 4-4 overall, 2-3 in conference
  • Game Odds: Wake Forest favored by 14 points

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Eyeing Another Victory at Home

Offensive Strengths

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have been impressive on offense, ranking 19th nationally in points scored this season with 262. Their passing game is particularly strong, also ranking 19th with 2,032 yards.

Gio Lopez leads the charge at quarterback, showing consistency and skill with 1,947 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. His ability to protect the ball with only one interception has been crucial for the team's success.

Rushing Game Dynamics

Despite the lower national rank in rushing yards at 74th, the Demon Deacons have reliable contributors in the backfield. Ty Clark III and Deuce Lawrence have been pivotal, with 328 and 307 rushing yards, respectively.

Both running backs have combined for seven touchdowns, adding another dimension to Wake Forest's offensive capabilities. Their efforts help balance the offense, preventing defenses from focusing solely on the passing game.

Defensive Highlights

Wake Forest's defense stands firm, allowing 136 points and ranking 66th in this category. Their pass rush is a standout feature, ranked 11th with 18 sacks, providing pressure that disrupts opposing quarterbacks.

The Demon Deacons' secondary is equally formidable, ranking 3rd in interceptions with two and 10th in fumbles recovered with two. This ability to create turnovers has been instrumental in securing victories.

Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: 12-0 over the last 12 games (2024-2026)
  • ATS - All Games: 5-0 in the last 5 games (2026)
  • ATS - Totals ≥ 50: 5-0 in the last 5 games (2026)
  • SU - All Games: 4-0 in the last 4 games (2026)
  • SU - Away Games: 4-0 in the last 4 games (2026)

Upcoming Challenges

Looking ahead, the Demon Deacons will host the Virginia Cavaliers, aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak as a favorite. The game will take place at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on October 31, 2026.

As -14.0-point favorites with a total set at 49.5, Wake Forest will look to leverage their home advantage and consistent performance to secure another win. With a solid track record at home, they appear well-positioned to continue their success.

Virginia Cavaliers Set to Challenge on the Road

Quarterback Analysis

Beau Pribula leads the Virginia Cavaliers as the starting quarterback. This season, Pribula has thrown for 1,375 yards with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions. His performance will be critical in dictating the Cavaliers' offensive tempo against their upcoming opponent.

In addition to Pribula, Eli Holstein has also seen limited action, contributing three touchdown passes in his two appearances. With Pribula at the helm, Virginia looks to leverage their passing game effectively.

Running Backs

Jekail Middlebrook has been a key figure in Virginia's rushing attack, accumulating 513 yards and four touchdowns so far. His ability to find gaps and break through defenses will be vital for Virginia's success on the ground.

Supporting Middlebrook are Xay Davis and Xavier Brown, who have combined for four touchdowns. The trio's capability to mix up the run game could pose challenges for the opposition's defense.

Receiving Corps

Da'Shawn Martin stands out as a reliable target with 17 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns. His knack for finding open spaces makes him a constant threat in the passing game.

Kameron Courtney, despite being questionable for the next game, has contributed significantly with 204 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The depth in Virginia's receiving unit is completed by Jacquon Gibson, who also has two touchdowns this season.

Defensive Insights

Virginia's defense has been notably effective in creating turnovers, with eight interceptions and one fumble recovery so far. Their pass rush, ranking 14th in sacks with 15, will need to maintain pressure to stifle the opposing offense.

The defense will be looking to improve their overall performance, having allowed 157 points against them this season. Maintaining discipline and composure will be crucial for the Cavaliers as they prepare for their road game.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - After Loss: Last 7 Games (2025–2026) → 6-1 (85.7%)
  • SU - Home Games: Last 13 Games (2025–2026) → 10-3 (76.9%)
  • SU - As Favorite: Last 30 Games (2021–2026) → 20-10 (66.7%)
  • SU - Totals ≥ 50: Last 15 Games (2025–2026) → 11-4 (73.3%)
  • ATS - After Loss: Last 20 Games (2023–2026) → 14-6 (70.0%)
  • SU - All Games: Last 19 Games (2025–2026) → 13-6 (68.4%)
  • ATS - As Underdog: Last 25 Games (2022–2026) → 16-9 (64.0%)
  • ATS - Home Games: Last 25 Games (2023–2026) → 15-10 (60.0%)
  • ATS - Totals ≥ 50: Last 25 Games (2024–2026) → 15-10 (60.0%)
  • SU - As Underdog: Last 4 Games (2025–2026) → 3-1 (75.0%)

Wake Forest vs Virginia Week 9 Prediction: Over 49.5

The upcoming game between Wake Forest and Virginia provides an intriguing opportunity for the over. Wake Forest has shown significant offensive capabilities this season, ranking 19th in points for with 262, and coming off a commanding 41-7 win over California. Their performance suggests they can contribute significantly to a high-scoring game.

Virginia, on the other hand, has also demonstrated offensive strength, ranking 39th in points for with 226. While they struggled on the road with a 0-3 record, their ability to score should not be underestimated. Combining both teams' offensive potential, the total of 49.5 appears reachable.

Historically, when these two teams have met, the games have often seen varying scores, with recent matchups going both over and under the set totals. The trends suggest that this game could lean towards a higher score, especially given Wake Forest's recent scoring performances.

Given both teams' offensive stats and Wake Forest's consistent scoring, the over 49.5 is the favored pick. Anticipate Wake Forest to use their home-field advantage effectively to push the score over the total.

  • Wake Forest vs Virginia Prediction: Over 49.5
  • Wake Forest vs Virginia Score: Wake Forest 35 - Virginia 24

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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