The fifth-ranked Miami Hurricanes travel to Winston-Salem on Friday night as a heavy favorite against a Wake Forest team that has also started 2-0. Both sides carrive unbeaten after two games. But the gap in how they have looked is large. Miami has rolled through Stanford and Florida A&M by a combined 122-13.
The Canes are averaging 61 points and more than 700 yards per game behind quarterback Darian Mensah. In sum, Mensah has completed over 90 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and no interceptions. The Hurricanes’ running game has been just as productive. And their defense has allowed only 6.5 points per contest.
Wake Forest earned a 38-16 College Football Odds win over Akron. And then they survived a double-overtime thriller at Purdue, 38-36. Gio Lopez has the Demon Deacons’ offense humming at 38 points a game. And receiver Carlos Hernandez has been a reliable target.
The Deacs return several key pieces from last year’s 9-4 team under second-year coach Jake Dickert. Of course, they will have the home crowd at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. However, they have not covered the number in either of their first two games. Now they face a Miami attack that ranks among the nation’s most efficient.
Miami Hurricanes at Wake Forest Demon Deacons NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:30 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Hurricanes | -21½ ( -108 ) | 55½ ( -112 ) | -2000 |  |
| Wake Forest Demon Deacons | +21½ ( -115 ) | 55½ ( -108 ) | +1000 | |
| ||||
The Miami Hurricanes visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday, September 18, 2026. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Offshore Bookmaker matchup airs nationally on ESPN.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Matchup Analysis
Overall, Miami’s offense has been one of the most efficient units in the country through two games. Namely, Darian Mensah has been nearly perfect. Additionally, the Hurricanes have balanced that with a productive run game led by Javian Mallory and Mark Fletcher Jr.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest’s defense has allowed 26 points and 380 yards per game. Those College Football Betting numbers look respectable against Akron and Purdue. But they project poorly against an attack that ranks first in total offense and second in scoring.
The Demon Deacons have struggled in defending third-down situations. So, they will have to generate pressure on Mensah without leaving their secondary isolated against Malachi Toney and the rest of Miami’s receivers.
On the other side of the ball, Wake Forest’s offense has shown it can score. To show, Wake is putting up 38 points a game behind Gio Lopez. So far, Lopez has been efficient and dual-threat capable. Carlos Hernandez gives them a proven receiver, and the running game with Ty Clark III has been serviceable.
Of great concern is that Miami’s defense has allowed just 6.5 points and 203 yards per contest. Thus, ranking among the stingiest in the country against both the run and the pass. The Hurricanes have some questions in the secondary after injuries forced younger players into larger roles. In turn, that could give Lopez windows if he can protect the ball and stay on schedule.
SBG Free Picks
To summarize, the historical matchup heavily favors Miami. The Hurricanes have won eight straight against Wake Forest and hold a 9-3 series lead. Including a 42-14 victory the last time they met in 2024. Miami has not played in Winston-Salem since a one-point win in 2009.
Miami as a three-touchdown favorite on the road in conference play is a large number. But the Hurricanes have looked like a different class of team through two weeks. Finally, Sharps lean under the total based on the Miami defense.
SBG Best Bet: Miami Hurricanes and Under the Total.