The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are set to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Check out our college football odds series, which includes our Wake Forest Rutgers prediction, odds, and pick.
Surprise! Rutgers thought its season was over. College football odds analysts were not expecting to size up another Rutgers game in 2021. Yet, the COVID-19 problems with the Texas A&M Aggies — which caused Jimbo Fisher's team to back out of the Gator Bowl — opened up a spot. Rutgers was able to jump into the vacancy. Greg Schiano will take his team to Jacksonville to play a 13th game after losing to Maryland in Game 12. Rutgers had thought that game determined bowl eligibility. Maryland won that game to go to 6-6 and earn a berth in the Pinstripe Bowl, which it subsequently won against Virginia Tech. Rutgers thought it was staying at home, but it got the call from the Gator Bowl, and here we are. It's time to make a Wake Forest Rutgers pick, not that anyone expected it.
Wake Forest had a great season. Coach Dave Clawson continued to do more with less, as he so often does in Winston-Salem. Quarterback Sam Hartman led a high-powered offense which carried the Demon Deacons to the ACC Atlantic Division championship for the first time since 2006. The Deacs made the ACC Championship Game and lost to Pittsburgh. Think about that detail when considering a Wake Forest Rutgers prediction.
Wake Forest was bullied by Clemson. Dabo Swinney's team easily handled the Demon Deacons. However, Wake Forest took care of business in its other ACC games. It lost to North Carolina, but that was technically not an ACC game counted in the conference standings. It was agreed upon by the two schools that the clash was considered a nonconference game, a product of the ACC schedule's inability to more regularly rotate conference opponents every five to seven years. Wake Forest beat North Carolina State in the key ACC Atlantic game of the year. N.C. State beat Clemson, as did Pittsburgh. Wake Forest finished with the loss to Clemson, but the Tigers lost two ACC games, enabling Wake to cross the threshold.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the odds:
College football odds: Wake Forest-Rutgers Odds
Wake Forest: -16.5 (-105)
Rutgers: +16.5 (-115)
Over: 62.5 (-105)
Under: 62.5 (-115)
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Why Wake Forest Could Cover the Spread
The Demon Deacons are a far better team than Rutgers. They had their full allotment of bowl practices, whereas Rutgers — called at the last minute — has not had full bowl preparation. Wake Forest has been able to settle into Jacksonville and have a familiar, smooth bowl game experience. Rutgers' journey into bowl season has been abrupt. The logistical elements are enough reason to take Wake, but add to that the difference in talent and quality. Wake Forest holds the cards here, and anyone can see that when thinking about a Wake Forest Rutgers pick.
Why Rutgers Could Cover the Spread
The bowl season has been known to be crazy. Lots of double-digit underdogs have not only covered the spread but won outright, the latest example being 10-point underdog South Carolina hammering favored North Carolina in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Thursday. Several double-digit dogs have barked when it seemed they didn't have much of a chance. Rutgers could certainly continue the craziness. Also remember this simple but profound point: Rutgers has absolutely nothing to lose. That's a great position to be in.
Final Wake Forest-Rutgers Prediction & Pick
Don't overthink this: Wake Forest is far better and has had normal bowl preparation. That's it. That's the tweet.
Final Wake Forest-Rutgers Pick: Wake Forest -16.5
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