BSD Staff Predictions for Wake Forest vs. Elon

Wake Forest plays its first Saturday game of the season tomorrow as it takes on FCS powerhouse Elon and looks to improve to 4-0 to start the season. This game is also Wake Forest’s Homecoming.

The BSD staff give their predictions for this game below.

Elijah (3-0)

Wake Forest 38-Elon 17

The Deacs finally get a Saturday game. Elon may be in the FCS but they are feisty. The Deacs can’t overlook the opponent and should look to keep the momentum going.

Key points should be to execute on both sides of the ball and get young players experience. In the end, Clawson keeps the Deacs motivated and Wake Forest gets a lot of players in the game for Homecoming.

Riley (3-0)

Wake Forest 45-Elon 17

Wake Forest is off to yet another 3-0 start after a closer than necessary fourth quarter against UNC. This week brings another in-state opponent in the Elon Phoenix. They are not to be taken lightly, bringing to Winston-Salem a top 25 FCS ranking and a 2-1 record, with the loss coming to top 5 FCS NC A&T. While the Deacs are a 4 touchdown favorite, this is a game that they need to go ahead and get up early in to eliminate any upset hopes. I do not believe Coach Clawson will allow the team to get too cocky and suffer a setback, so I do expect an explosive first half that will lead to a boring game after the break. I believe Kenneth Walker will go over 100 yards and further cement himself in the RB rotation. There is also not a lot of hope for the Phoenix to shut down both Surratt and Washington for four quarters. I like the Deacs, but don’t know if they will cover.

Samurai (3-0)

Wake Forest 35-Elon 10

Wake will take care of business. This thing won’t be close.

Edward (3-0)

Wake Forest 35-Elon 20

Elon is ranked 22nd in latest the FCS poll, and should pose a tougher test for the Deacs than many people are anticipating. Wake Forest is deeper and more talented though, and should pull away in the second half. A second straight in-state game featuring brothers on opposing teams should also be a fun secondary story to watch.

Cam (3-0)

Wake 45 Elon 14

Take care of business here, make sure we recognize they have a strong football culture and lets move on.

Grumpy (1-0)

Wake 28 Elon 10

I do think Wake wins relatively easily, but my expectations are tempered slightly. I do feel like Clawson is more likely to settle into a grinding run game if we get a decent lead than to run up the score – particularly if he still has some tricks up his sleeve that he didn’t need to put on tape against UNC.

For what it’s worth, Elon is ranked two spots below Rice in the latest Sagarin rankings. But, Elon is one play away from being 3-0 (they lost week 1 on a 52 yard field goal). Of course they play a much lower level of competition, but they are a ranked team in FCS and probably have a decent amount of confidence. I do hope we start strong and not overlook them – hopefully the homecoming atmosphere will help that happen.

Adam (2 Correct-Utah State and Rice, 1 Incorrect-UNC)

Wake Forest 51-Elon 13

The Deacs should open up to sizable lead before getting the starters some rest and letting the younger players get some experience.

Bart (1-0)

How do you all think the Deacs will do tomorrow for Homecoming? Comment below. Go Deacs!