- Matchup: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Louisville Cardinals
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Venue: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, KY
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Cardinals favored by 13.5 points
- Total Points Over/Under: 58
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On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-1) will face off against the Louisville Cardinals (2-1) at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. The Cardinals have opened as 13.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 58 points.
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are entering this game with a 2-1 record this season. In their most recent outing, the Demon Deacons suffered a defeat against the Miami Hurricanes, finishing the game with a score of 33-20. During that game, they executed 62 plays resulting in 334 total yards. The team struggled on the ground, with only 16 rushing attempts yielding just 22 yards, averaging a meager 1.4 yards per carry. Defensively, Wake Forest allowed 158 rushing yards on 34 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per rush. They also permitted Miami to complete 30 out of 34 passes for 220 yards, achieving an impressive 88.2% completion rate.
Offensively, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are scoring an average of 32.0 points per game. They rank 102nd nationally in rushing, recording an average of 137.0 yards per game. Thus far into the season, they have compiled a total of 1,304 yards. In terms of touchdowns, Wake Forest has achieved 7 through the air and 4 on the ground. The team has accumulated 65 first downs but has faced 28 penalties amounting to 287 yards and has committed only one turnover.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons rank 108th in Division I, allowing an average of 28.3 points per game. They permit opponents to rush for approximately 3.9 yards per carry and a total of 144.3 rushing yards per game this season. To date, they have given up a total of 433 rushing yards over 3 games. In terms of passing defense, Wake Forest has allowed 705 passing yards, ranking them 102nd in the nation, giving up 235.0 yards per game and an 82.6% completion rate. Overall, their defense has averaged 379.3 total yards allowed per contest, placing them 99th nationally. They have conceded 6 passing touchdowns alongside 4 rushing touchdowns.
Check out our College Football Picks Against the Spread!
The Louisville Cardinals are also entering this matchup with a 2-1 record. In their latest game, the Cardinals secured a 41-31 win against the SMU Mustangs. Louisville’s ground game was impressive, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt, for a total of 265 rushing yards on 37 carries. Overall, the Cardinals generated 442 total yards through 60 plays, averaging 7.4 yards per play. Defensively, their pass defense faced a completion rate of 68.6%, allowing 222 yards on 24 completions out of 35 attempts. The Cardinals also surrendered 257 rushing yards on 45 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per rush.
When it comes to scoring, the Cardinals rank 12th nationally, averaging 46.0 points per game. Their total offense generates 515.3 yards game, placing them 12th in the nation as well. Louisville has incurred 282 yards in penalties over 27 infractions, ranking them 14th nationwide in this regard. They have not thrown any interceptions, and opponents have not been able to recover any fumbles, while the offense has recorded 71 first downs. So far this season, the Cardinals have thrown for a total of 859 passing yards, averaging 286.3 passing yards per game which ranks them 29th in Division I. Their rushing game averages 229.0 yards per game, totaling 687 rushing yards.
Defensively, the Cardinals are allowing 28.3 points per game, ranking them 110th in college football. They have surrendered 484 rushing yards in total (averaging 161.3 yards per game) and 5 rushing touchdowns. The passing defense has permitted 5 touchdowns and an average of 245.3 passing yards per game, placing them 113th overall. With 220 plays against their defense, Louisville ranks 124th in the nation. They have made 3 fumble recoveries and 3 interceptions this season. Thus far, they have conceded a total of 85 points.
Who will triumph in today’s college football game between the Demon Deacons and the Cardinals against the spread?
Prediction: Back the Cardinals to cover -13.5
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