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The undefeated Wake Forest Demon Deacons head up 421 with their sights focused solely on the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Saturday marks the first time in the series between these two teams that Wake Forest won’t play the role of home team as well as the first time the teams have met since App State made the move to the FBS a few years back. Will Wake get off to a 4-0 start in back-to-back years for the first time in program history? Let’s see what the Blogger So Dear staff thinks:
Riley: Wake 27 App State 24
This one is going to be a nail biter and a down to the wire type game in my opinion. This is the first real test for the defense, as it is going up against a senior QB in Taylor Lamb making his 40th career start, and a two-headed running back duo, one of whom, in Jalin Moore was the Sun Belt preseason player of the year.
As with many close games, this one will come down to special teams and turnovers and Wake has done very well in those sectors thus far. I believe a big play by our secondary late in the game will be the difference in this one en route to a 4-0 start for the Demon Deacons.
Ed: Wake 38-App 31
I may have picked App preseason, but this Wake team is operating like a machine firing on all cylinders right now. While the Deacs will experience a passionate, packed environment unlike any they have played in thus far this year, the talent level on the field is unmatched. Expect the offense to put up some big yardage totals again, and the defense to bring their A game as always. Quarterback Taylor Lamb is the most talented offensive player we have seen so far this season, but I believe our defense is more than capable of putting the clamps down when it matters most.
Adam: Wake wins 27-17.
I really don't know what to expect in this one. On the one hand, the Deacs have been playing well and and the defense should be able to keep App from getting anything going. On the other hand, I just have this feeling that App is going to be super hyped for this game and will pull out all the stops to beat our Deacs.
Woz: Wake wins 28-20 to get to 4-0 on the year. I've spent all week thinking about this outcome and I am pretty nervous about this game. It feels like one where coming out flat means getting down big early. But I don't think Clawson will let that happen; Wake is on a tear to start the season, and long may it continue.
Rob: Wake Forest wins 27-24
You're never going to believe this, but a Wake Forest blogger is about to pick Wake to win in a game in which the Deacs are favored. I think we have more explosive playmakers, and I believe that our defensive line's ability to disrupt the running game is going to be very advantageous against a team that likes to run the ball even in passing situations. Give me the good guys in a close one.
Elijah: The Deacs win 28-21 to get to 4-0. Similar to last year, the Deacs take advantage of a lighter schedule up front to get close to bowl eligibility. Clawson will continue to try and establish the run and get the ball to Dortch in space. Look forward the Deacs to make a successful trip to Boone.
Grumpy: Wake 24-20. I think the Deacs are tested early in the first quarter,but keep their wits about them to grab a fourth win. If they come out flat, though, things could get ugly very quickly.
Bart: Wake 27-17. this will be a closely contested game throughout as App will be excited out of the gate to host the Deacs in one of their bigger home games over the past few years. Wake will have a lot of support in Boone and they will have plenty to cheer about after a 4th quarter turnover stalls a late App effort to tie the game and Wake puts it away to win by double digits. Wake immediately builds a statue of Dave Clawson who is the GOAT.
BSD Average: Wake 28-22
Vegas: Wake 28-22 (Wake -6; O/U 49.5)
The BSD staff believes the Deacs WILL get the job done and move to 4-0. Are they overly optimistic or is this in line with your expectations? Let us know what you think below.