The number one team in the country gets their season started on Saturday, September 12, 2020, when the #1 Clemson Tigers (0-0) visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (0-0). Clemson was picked to finish first in the ACC, while Wake Forest was selected to finish 10th. This game will air live on ABC at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The Clemson Tigers had a very successful 2019 season, but it did not end the way Dabo Swinney had hoped. Clemson finished the regular season with a 13-0 record and an ACC Championship trophy. The Tigers then went to the College Football Playoff where they beat #2 Ohio State in the semifinals, but lost 42-2 to #1 LSU in the National Championship.
Wake Forest had a nice 2019 season that saw the Demon Deacons finish with an 8-5 record and Pinstripe Bowl appearance. The Demon Deacons did not have any impressive wins in 2020 and suffered a poor loss at Syracuse to end the regular season. Picked to finish sixth in the ACC Atlantic division, Wake ended up in third place.
Below is my pick for #1 Clemson at Wake Forest. All lines are from the BetMGM Sportsbook.
#1 Clemson Tigers (-32.5) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons: O/U 60.5 (-110/-110)
Clemson is going to be stacked on offense as they return, the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, QB Trevor Lawrence and likely first round pick RB Travis Etienne. Also returning are receivers Amari Rodgers and Joseph Ngata. On defense the Tigers will once again be led by a strong line as tackles Tyler Davis and Nyles Pinckney and DE Justin Foster all return. Clemson should cruise into the College Football Playoff this season.
Wake Forest also returns some offensive firepower as QB Sam Hartman, RB Kenneth Walker, and TE Brandon Chapman will look to lead the way. WR Sage Surratt is a key loss for the Demon Deacons. On defense, Wake is led by start DE Carlos Basham and will return a strong linebacker duo with Ja’Cquez Williams and Ryan Smenda.
Series History: Clemson has dominated this series in the past, leading 67-17-1, and are currently on an 11-game winning streak.
Football Picks: I wouldn’t be surprised if Clemson covered the big spread, but I am going to take Wake Forest +32.5 in the season opener.
2019 CFB Picks Results: 94-73-2