Blogger So Dear Staff Predictions: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. North Carolina Tar Heels

Adam: North Carolina Wins 31-17

I think UNC's offense eventually gets the best of Wake's defense, and Wake's offense can't keep up with the Heels in a high scoring game.

Bart: North Carolina Wins 30-17

The Deacs have a chance to go on the road for the second consecutive week and make some noise in conference play. Under the bright lights of Kenan Stadium and phenomenal fan support from UNC (I can't say that with a straight face, although I suspect the stadium should be pretty full) Wake will have a chance to shine. The matchup to watch is how Wake's defense fares against the UNC offense, as Wake hasn't allowed a point in 5-and-a-half quarters.

Wake will be in it for the first half and may even have the lead for a good portion of the game, but in the end I expect the Demon Deacon offense to sputter and the Tar Heels to come away with a home win to keep their season on track. GTHC GTH

Chris: North Carolina wins 24-13

Wake's defense keeps it close through halfway through the 3rd quarter and then UNC's offense is too much. Wake loses the turnover battle again and the offense struggles to move the ball.

Jake: North Carolina wins 28-13

The Heels' offense is probably the best the Deacs have faced thus far and I fear the secondary could get exposed. Pray for Riley and I as we sit in the atmosphere that we despise more than anything else for 3+ hours.

Ned: North Carolina wins 28-24

Despite UNC coming into the game on a 4-game win streak and fresh off a bye, this game should be a lot closer than most people think. North Carolina should be able to have their way in the run game, but assuming Wake Forest has a QB that is healthy and confident, the Deacs can find ways to score against a weakened UNC secondary and less than intimidating pass rush. I think UNC will get on the board early and often and Wake will be forced to play catch-up all game long. Sadly, the comeback falls short again.

Riley: North Carolina wins 30-24

I actually think Wake will cover this game and put up a really good fight in Chapel Hill. Coach Clawson always has his team ready to play, and I don't think a week after coming off of an ugly 3-0 win against Boston College will be any different. The line opened at 13.5, but quickly went to -17 in favor of UNC.

UNC employs a "bend-but-don't-break" defensive set, and provide a lot of cushion for the underneath passing game. Regardless of whether Hinton or Wolford starts, the Deacs love to utilize the short passing game (especially if it's Hinton). To add more positivity for Wake Forest fans, the best cornerback for UNC has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.

I think this game is a lot closer than Vegas thinks, and hope to continue to see improvement across the board as the young team grows up this season.

Rob: North Carolina Wins 34-24

UNC has too much size at receiver, and I unfortunately think that Wake Forest will struggle to defend Marquise Williams' versatility.

We've made our picks. Let us know you think!