Wake Forest makes its first West Coast trip of the season on Saturday, facing California in ACC after-dark action at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., at 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2).
The Demon Deacons are 9.5-point favorites, and my Wake Forest vs. California prediction and college football picks project another strong performance from Gio Lopez and Wake's offense.
TOP PICK
Who will win Wake Forest vs California: Wake Forest -9.5
Not even California's "Grateful Bears" uniforms can save it against Wake Forest because demons are a friend of the devil. The Demon Deacons have one of the country's most potent offenses, and I like them to cover up to -10.5 on the road against a Cal program that lacks an identity.
Wake ranks top 20 in college football in both pass success rate (51.2%) and rush success rate (49.5%) and shouldn't have much trouble moving the ball consistently against a Cal defense that ranks 93rd nationally in available yards percentage (51.7%).
While the Golden Bears are expected to have Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele back at QB after missing last week with a concussion, poor play calling and the talent around him have killed Cal's offense this season.
Tosh Lupoi's team is 125th in the country in offensive success rate (38.4%).
COVERS INTEL: Wake Forest's offense leads the country in net EPA per play, while Cal's offense is one of the worst in the Power Four, ranking 122nd nationally by that same metric.
Wake Forest vs California Over/Under pick: Over 53.5
The average final game total in Wake Forest's matchups against Power Four opponents this season is 59.2. In four games against unranked opponents, the Demon Deacons have hit the Over three times, though I'd only take the Over at 53.5 or better.
Wake has been a solid Over play this season because its offense is top 25 in both EPA per pass and rush, while its defense ranks outside the top 70 in both. And with JKS back at QB for Cal, he should be able to do enough against a mediocre defense for this Over to hit.
I expect Wake to put up close to 35 points against a Golden Bears defense that allowed 39 to UNLV two weeks ago, so Cal should need only about 20 points.
Wake Forest vs California combo
Despite coming off a win, Cal has been one of college football's biggest underachievers this season. With a QB who had first-round draft buzz, the Golden Bears are 2-4 ATS and rank 99th in the country in net EPA per play.
Wake is one of the biggest overachievers thanks to Lopez and Hernandez, who have the Demon Deacons 4-2 ATS behind an offense that's putting up 36.8 points per game.
JKS and Cal just won't score enough to keep this game close against a team that has outscored its last two opponents by an average of 47.5 to 8.5.
Wake Forest vs California combo
- Wake Forest -9.5
- Wake Forest team total Over 31.5 points
- Wake Forest first half -6.5
- Top picks: 13-9, +2.73 units
- Combos: 5-17, -1.84 units
Wake Forest vs California odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Wake Forest -9.5 | California +9.5
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 (51%) | Under 53.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: Wake Forest 76% | California 24%
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Wake Forest vs California weather
The weather in Berkeley is expected to have no impact on this matchup.
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Wake Forest vs California trend to know
Wake Forest is 4-0 ATS in its last four games. Find more college football betting trends for Wake Forest vs. California.
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How to watch Wake Forest vs California
| Location | California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif. |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Wake Forest vs California latest injuries
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