Wake Forest vs. Indiana Prediction, Game Preview

Wake Forest vs. Indiana prediction and game preview. Projecting who will win the ACC-Big Ten clash between the Demon Deacons and Hoosiers.

Wake Forest vs. Indiana Game Preview

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Ind.

TV Broadcast: Big Ten Network

The last time Wake Forest started 4-0 in 2005, the Demon Deacons went to the Orange Bowl. Wake Forest is on the verge of beginning that well again, but the competition hasn’t exactly been great with wins over Tulane, Duke and Delaware. That still matches the win total from each of the last two seasons, and that’s somewhat of an accomplishment for a program that hasn’t finished above .500 since 2008.

The Hoosiers have had two weeks to prepare for the Demon Deacons after beating Ball State, 30-20, on Sept. 10. While most of the Big Ten begins conference action this week, the Hoosiers will get one more non-conference tuneup to hone some already solid play. They’ve turned it over only once while forcing six, and Devine Redding has been running with conviction.

What To Know About Wake Forest

A 3-0 record doesn’t mean everything is perfect. John Wolford started at quarterback to begin the season before Kendall Hinton was named last week’s starter. Hinton, though, went down in the first half with a sprained PCL that is going to sideline him for 2-4 weeks. That means Wolford, who threw for a touchdown and ran for another against Delaware after Hinton left, is back in as the starter. His dual-threat abilities will be used plenty with the Demon Deacons poised to keep the ball on the ground.

What to Know About Indiana

Richard Lagow and Redding have been a solid combo through Indiana’s first two games. Lagow is completing 64.8 percent of his passes and has thrown for four touchdowns, while Redding is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Redding hasn’t gotten into the end zone, though, as Lagow has the team’s only rushing touchdown. Nick Westbrook has been Langow’s top target, averaging 101.5 yards with two touchdown receptions.

Advantages

Offense: Indiana – Wake Forest’s issues at quarterback could pose a problem.

Defense: Indiana – Three turnovers forced in each game have turned the tide.

Special Teams: Indiana – Griffin Oakes is one of the nation’s top kickers.

Coaching: Indiana – Kevin Wilson has the Hoosiers on the upswing.

Intangibles: Indiana – The Hoosiers won last year’s meeting 31-24 despite 11 penalties.

Matchup To Watch

Redding vs. Wake’s defense

Redding wasn’t the Hoosiers’ primary running back last season but had 48 yards on 10 carries in limited action against Wake. The Demon Deacons will key in on him this time after holding Delaware to 38 rushing yards last week.

Betting Odds

Spread: Indiana -6

Over/Under: N/A