- Matchup: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN2
- Betting Odds: Golden Bears (+9.5)
- Total Points Over-Under: 52.5
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On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the California Golden Bears (3-3) will take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1) at California Memorial Stadium. According to Vegas oddsmakers, California is opening as 9.5-point underdogs, with the over/under set at 52.5.
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons enter this clash with a notable record of 5-1 for the season. In their latest contest, they triumphed over the NC State Wolfpack, sealing the victory with a score of 38-14. Throughout the game, they executed 69 plays, resulting in a total of 387 yards. The Demon Deacons aimed to run the ball 36 times, gaining 84 yards and averaging 2.3 yards per carry. Defensively, Wake Forest restricted their opponents to 15 rushing yards on 24 attempts, averaging 0.6 yards allowed per run. Additionally, they conceded 29 completions on 40 attempts for 243 yards, culminating in a completion rate of 72.5%.
In terms of scoring, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are averaging an impressive 36.8 points per game. The team averages 144.8 rushing yards per game, ranking them 84th in Division 1 football. Overall, the Deacons have amassed 2,612 total yards this season, scoring 13 touchdowns through the air and 14 on the ground. They have also secured 133 first downs but have incurred 52 penalties totaling 479 yards, while turning the ball over three times.
Looking at their defensive metrics, the Demon Deacons have allowed 1,420 passing yards this season, placing them 111th nationally. They concede an average of 236.7 passing yards per game with a completion percentage allowed of 76.6%. Overall, Wake Forest’s defense ranks 50th in college football by allowing 332.0 yards per game, with 9 touchdowns via pass and 6 via the run. Their rushing defense gives up an average of just 2.8 yards per carry, with 95.3 rushing yards allowed per game this season, totaling 572 yards given up over six games. Their scoring defense stands at 21.5 points per game, ranking them 51st in Division 1.
The California Golden Bears come into this game with a record of 3-3 this season. In their previous match, they suffered a loss against the UNLV Rebels, finishing at 39-31. Defensively, California allowed 38 rushing attempts for 173 yards (4.6 yards per carry). Their pass defense faced a 47.8% completion rate, yielding 172 yards on 11 of 23 passing attempts. Overall, they ended the game with 464 total yards, after executing 83 plays at an average of 5.6 yards per play, while rushing for an average of 2.9 yards per carry with 69 yards on 24 attempts.
The Golden Bears average 397.2 yards per game, ranking 68th in college football. They have accumulated 538 yards in penalties this season from 57 infractions, putting them second in the nation for penalties. On the ground, they average 92.8 rushing yards per game, totaling 557 rushing yards for the season. California has thrown 5 interceptions while losing 3 fumbles, achieving 125 first downs overall. In terms of scoring, they average 26.7 points per game, placing them 86th nationally. For passing, they have recorded a total of 1,826 yards, averaging 304.3 passing yards per game, which ranks them 14th in the country.
On the defensive side, California has allowed 1,050 rushing yards (175.0 yards per game) and 13 rushing touchdowns this season. They’ve also given up 6 passing touchdowns with an average of 192.5 passing yards allowed per game, ranking them 47th in Division 1. So far this season, their defense has allowed 153 total points. They have recovered 2 fumbles and captured 7 interceptions, participating in 394 defensive plays, which ranks 108th in Division 1. The Golden Bears are giving up 25.5 points per game, ranking them 86th nationally.
Will the Demon Deacons triumph over the Golden Bears and cover the spread?
Prediction: Bet on the Demon Deacons -9.5
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