The Clemson Tigers’ undefeated season vanished last week when Pittsburgh pulled off a big-time upset. Clemson’s path to the College Football Playoff is fuzzier now, and it depends on a number of factors. All the Tigers can do is win convincingly, and they will aim to do so in a Week 12 road matchup with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
Clemson has been one of the best teams in the nation each of the past two seasons and is a heavy favorite to win this one. Wake Forest seems quite unlikely to pull the upset but gets a large number of points in its attempt to cover.
This matchup in Week 12 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 7 p.m. ET at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Clemson -22.5
Wake Forest +22.5
Over/Under 47
Odds Analysis
Clemson is a heavy favorite but that’s not scaring off bettors, as nearly 60 percent of the action is coming in on the Tigers to cover. Clemson has a tough defense and Wake Forest struggles to score points, so it’s not a surprise to see a low over/under in this one. However, the gamblers have deemed it a bit too low as about 60 percent of the money has take the “over.”
Clemson is 9-1 overall and 5-4-1 against the spread. The Tigers have been favored in every game this season and that’s not likely to change in the regular season. Clemson is 2-1-1 trying to cover away from home this season.
Wake Forest is 6-4 on the season and also 6-4 against the spread. The Demon Deacons have covered in four of five tries as the underdog, so it’s a bit of a surprise that more bettors aren’t riding them to do it again.
Player to Watch
Deshaun Watson - The Clemson quarterback set an ACC record last week for most passing yards in a game last week, throwing for 580 yards and three touchdowns. That performance was overshadowed by the final score, however, as Clemson was upset 43-42 by Pittsburgh and some questionable decisions in the red zone.
Watson threw two interceptions in the red zone and was picked off three times on the night, aiding the Panthers victory. He will be eager to put that game behind him this week as he looks to get back in the winning column against Wake Forest.
Watson has thrown for 3,077 yards for 27 touchdowns with 13 interceptions this year. A big win a game where his team is the big favorite will be a nice confidence boost.
Key Stat
18.4. That’s how many points Clemson’s opponents are averaging against this Tigers defense. Surprisingly, the team struggled last week against Pittsburgh, who put up the most points of any team in the upset.
The 464 yards of total offense by the Panthers was the most Clemson has allowed in two seasons. The defense has captured two shutouts this season and has held five opponents to two touchdowns or less.
Free ATS Pick
Clemson should get back on track with a win since it has a large talent advantage. The Tigers will be aiming to add style points so they can do everything possible to grab one of the College Football Playoff berths.
Watson should have a nice game, although Wake Forest’s defense is only allowing 21 points allowed and has been able to keep some opponents at bay.
Wake Forest’s offense isn’t going to be able to do much to keep this one interesting as Clemson will be able to stop its drives all night. However, this is a high spread, the Demon Deacons should be able to stay within it for a cover. The “over” is the call, because while Wake Forest won’t do much in this game, there will be just enough points to cover a low total.
College Football Odds: Clemson 35, Wake Forest 14
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