North Carolina State @ Wake Forest Picks & Props

Virginia ran the ball 32 times against NC State last weekend, turning five of those carries into explosive rushes. If Demond Claiborne follows suit, he should be halfway to clearing this prop just based on two or three rush attempts. Averaging 16.3 yards per rush this season, that should be considered rather likely for the Demon Deacons running back.

North Carolina State's defense is vulnerable against explosive rushes, otherwise known as Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne's specialty. He has averaged 16.3 yards per carry this season, a number that would be higher if his 33-, 27- and 85-yard touchdown runs last weekend had not been cut short by the goal line.

Keep it simple, stupid. In what should be a high-scoring game, trust the dual-threat quarterback with three rushing touchdowns in two one-score wins already this season.

Before the season, the preeminent college football advanced metrics, ESPN.com's SP+, considered NC State's defense to be the No. 55 in the country. Two weeks later, that is down to No. 77. And that fall should continue in coming weeks. Wake Forest is far from a quality Power Four team, but its offense should find enough holes to turn this mediocre Thursday night ACC game into an entertaining fourth quarter.

Wake is reliant on big plays offensively, but is 89th in success rate, and will look to limit possessions.

Short rest, on the road against an ACC opponent; NC State almost upset by Virginia last week.

North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren made his career on defense. The Wolfpack has long had a better defense than offense. But Doeren's actions Saturday made it clear he does not trust his 2025 defense. Leading by four with 3:24 remaining, inside his own 30-yard line, the normally conservative coach went for a 4th-and-1 rather than punt the ball. He did not think NC State could stop Virginia. Let's take Doeren at his word and expect another shootout in Winston-Salem.