The Wake Forest Demon Deacons travel to Dallas to face the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, November 14, in a crucial Atlantic Coast Conference showdown with major implications for the College Football Playoff race.
Wake Forest enters the matchup with an 8-1 overall record and a six-game winning streak. SMU, meanwhile, is 7-2 and looking to strengthen its position in the ACC championship race with a statement victory at home.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The game will air nationally on ESPN.
Wake Forest vs SMU Game Details and Latest Records
The matchup brings together two of the ACC’s strongest teams during an important stretch of the regular season.
Wake Forest has established itself as a serious playoff contender, while SMU needs another significant conference victory to remain firmly in the championship conversation.
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. SMU Mustangs |
| Date | Saturday, November 14, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas |
| TV Channel | ESPN |
| Wake Forest Record | 8-1 (5-1 ACC) |
| SMU Record | 7-2 (5-2 ACC) |
Wake Forest enters the contest ranked No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings, while SMU is positioned at No. 25. Both teams have plenty to play for as the ACC season approaches its decisive weeks.
Wake Forest Looks to Extend Its Six-Game Winning Streak
Wake Forest has been one of the most productive teams in college football this season, combining an explosive offense with a defense capable of controlling games.
The Demon Deacons are averaging 43.3 points per game and 487.7 total yards. Their ability to generate consistent offense has helped them build an 8-1 record.
Their recent performances have been particularly impressive. Wake Forest defeated Virginia 51-7 before delivering a dominant 77-0 victory over Merrimack on November 7.
The six-game winning streak has strengthened the team’s playoff position and demonstrated its ability to perform consistently against different opponents.
Another major advantage is Wake Forest’s rushing defense, which allows just 85 yards per game. That defensive production could become important against an SMU offense that prefers to create opportunities through its passing attack.
SMU Mustangs Aim to Protect Their Home Field
SMU enters Saturday’s game with considerable offensive confidence after defeating Virginia Tech 51-28 in its previous outing.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to make plays through the air gives the Mustangs a genuine opportunity to challenge Wake Forest.
The Mustangs are averaging approximately 37 points per game and have produced more than 475 total yards per contest.
Playing at Gerald J. Ford Stadium could also provide a significant advantage. SMU has won all six of its home games this season, making its home-field performance an important factor heading into the matchup.
However, ball security remains a concern. SMU has committed 12 turnovers this season, compared with just three by Wake Forest.
Against an opponent with Wake Forest’s offensive efficiency, mistakes could quickly change the momentum.
Wake Forest vs SMU: Offensive Statistics Comparison
Both programs have produced impressive offensive numbers, but their strengths differ in several important areas.
| Statistic | Wake Forest | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 8-1 | 7-2 |
| Points Per Game | 43.3 | 37.0 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 487.7 | 475.8 |
| Passing Yards | 2,807 | 2,894 |
| Rushing Yards | 1,582 | 1,388 |
| Third-Down Conversion | 51.4% | 47.7% |
| Red-Zone Efficiency | 93.5% | 88.4% |
| Turnovers Committed | 3 | 12 |
| Turnover Differential | +4 | -4 |
Wake Forest holds the advantage in scoring production, rushing output, third-down efficiency and ball security.
SMU has produced slightly more passing yards, highlighting the importance of its quarterback-led offensive system.
The difference in turnovers stands out as one of the most important statistical factors. Wake Forest has protected possession far more effectively throughout the season.
Kevin Jennings vs. Wake Forest’s Defensive Secondary
Kevin Jennings will be one of the most important players to watch for SMU.
The quarterback has demonstrated his ability to produce explosive passing performances, and his recent display against Virginia Tech showed how dangerous the Mustangs can become when their passing game is operating efficiently.
However, Wake Forest presents a different defensive challenge.
The Demon Deacons have recorded five interceptions this season, giving their secondary opportunities to punish inaccurate throws and poorly timed decisions.
Jennings will need to remain composed under pressure and avoid forcing passes into coverage.
If SMU can establish an early passing rhythm, it could put Wake Forest’s defense under pressure and create opportunities for its running game.
Gio Lopez Injury Update
Quarterback Gio Lopez is another major storyline heading into Saturday’s game.
Lopez missed Wake Forest’s 77-0 victory over Merrimack after suffering a leg injury during the team’s October 31 win against Virginia.
Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert expressed optimism about Lopez’s availability, indicating that the quarterback was expected to return against SMU.
His status remains important because of his influence on the Demon Deacons’ offensive balance.
Wake Forest started backup Steele Pizzella against Merrimack, but facing SMU’s defense represents a considerably different challenge.
If Lopez is available and performs effectively, Wake Forest could have another significant advantage in its offensive approach.
Wake Forest vs SMU Prediction and Betting Outlook
The matchup presents an interesting situation for college football fans and analysts.
SMU has the home-field advantage and an offense capable of scoring quickly. However, Wake Forest’s stronger overall record, offensive production and turnover differential make the Demon Deacons an appealing pick.
The prediction published by SportsBettingDime favors Wake Forest to win outright, with the game projected to go over 60.5 total points.
The scoring projection is understandable given the offensive production of both teams. Wake Forest averages 43.3 points per game, while SMU averages 37.
Together, those numbers suggest the potential for a high-scoring contest if both offenses maintain their regular-season efficiency.
The key question is whether SMU can protect the football against a Wake Forest team that has been particularly effective at avoiding costly mistakes.
The quarterback situation also deserves attention before kickoff. Lopez’s availability could influence Wake Forest’s offensive rhythm, while Jennings will need another productive performance to keep SMU competitive.
Wake Forest vs SMU: What Could Decide the Game?
Turnover Battle: Wake Forest’s advantage in ball security could become decisive. SMU cannot afford repeated giveaways against an offense that consistently converts opportunities into points.
Quarterback Performance: Jennings needs to deliver an efficient performance for SMU. Wake Forest will benefit significantly if Lopez returns and provides stability to its offense.
Red-Zone Efficiency: Wake Forest has converted 93.5% of its red-zone opportunities, compared with SMU’s 88.4%. Finishing drives with touchdowns rather than field goals could make a major difference.
Home-Field Advantage: SMU’s undefeated home record gives the Mustangs confidence. The crowd and familiarity with the stadium could help them challenge a highly ranked opponent.
Third-Down Conversions: Wake Forest’s 51.4% conversion rate gives it an advantage in sustaining offensive drives. SMU must find ways to get off the field defensively.
Wake Forest vs SMU Head-to-Head History
Saturday’s meeting will be the fifth matchup between the programs.
SMU holds a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series, but Wake Forest won the most recent meeting.
The Demon Deacons secured a narrow 13-12 victory in October 2025 after Connor Calvert converted a 50-yard field goal as time expired.
That result ended SMU’s three-game winning streak in the series.
The November 14 contest will also mark Wake Forest’s first trip to Dallas to face SMU since 1972, adding another interesting historical element to the matchup.
Wake Forest vs SMU Prediction
Wake Forest has the statistical advantage entering the contest, particularly in scoring production, rushing efficiency and turnovers.
SMU’s offensive capabilities and perfect home record make the Mustangs a dangerous opponent, but their ability to protect possession will be tested against a strong Wake Forest team.
| Prediction Details | Selection |
|---|---|
| Match Winner Prediction | Wake Forest to Win Outright |
| Total Points Prediction | Over 60.5 Points |
| Key Player to Watch | Kevin Jennings (SMU) |
| Key Injury Watch | Gio Lopez (Wake Forest) |
