Staff Picks: Wake Forest at Miami

The staff is a collective 21-14 through 7 weeks with Samurai leading the way at 5-2 and all others at 4-3.

Bart (4-3):

While the Deacs have been playing a lot better lately, this game presents a daunting challenge for Wake. I think Wake could absolutely play a remarkable game and still end up losing by a couple of touchdowns. The line currently sits around 23.5 and it really is tough to say if Wake can cover that or not. I don't expect there to be too many people at this game despite Miami's best efforts and I think it may be a sloppy first half which obviously favors the Deacs. If we can avoid going down big early like we did against Clemson we might be able to hang around and keep things interesting. At the end of the day though I believe Miami is too much and Wake falls.

Prediction: Miami 34-17

Riley (4-3):

Last week was refreshing to see because we stuck with what worked against NC State and dominated a team with a fair amount of talent. This week there is a whole lot of talent with Duke Johnson and Stephen Morris.I actually think we will keep it closer than most and play a competitive first half. I do think Miami will up its game in the 2nd half and take a 38-24 victory though.

Prediction: Miami 38-24

Samurai (5-2) :

I would like to think we can win, but frankly I'm going to pick against the Deacs for only the second time this season. If the team of the last couple games shows up, and the Miami that nearly lost to UNC shows up, it might get weird. That said, I'm thinking Miami wins 27-13.

Prediction: Miami 27-13

Rob (4-3):

The past two games have been very encouraging and certainly were sights for sore eyes for Demon Deacon fans, but Miami is a completely different animal. Their talent is just on a different level than ours and they are playing at home. I do expect the Deacs to be able to keep it close in the first half and they should hopefully be able to capitalize on Miami's recent turnover problems, but ultimately talent will prevail.

Prediction: Miami 31-17

J.P. Mundy (4-3):

Here's the thing- Miami has winning ugly down pat. Whether it was Florida or UNC, Miami gets into a struggle and thus far has found a way to walk out victorious. Next week is the next "Game of the Century" and I would imagine coach Al Golden has their attention. After a week where NCAA sanctions were levied with a whimper rather than the thud we once imagined, the 'Canes can turn their attention to more important matters.

Wake Forest is playing well, and I expect for them to play pretty well in Miami- just not well enough to get a 'W'.

Prediction: Miami 24-13

That's what our staff thinks. What do U (terrible Miami pun) think?