2024 NCAAF Cheat Sheet: Wake Forest Demon Deacons Stats & Odds
Oddsmakers Skeptical of 2024 Wake Forest Stats

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons took a big step back in 2023, finishing 4-8 (1-7 ACC) to snap a string of seven consecutive bowl appearances under head coach Dave Clawson. That has significantly lowered expectations for this season, in which the Demon Deacons opened as +25000 longshots to win the new-look ACC.
No stranger to realignment, the ACC added California, SMU and Stanford. NCAAF betting fans are really into BetMGM’s bonus offers!
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Can the Demon Deacons surprise and get back to a bowl? Or is another tough year ahead? Let’s look at the potential 2024 Wake Forest stats and break down the possibilities.
At A Glance
Odds to Win | Opening Odds | Current Odds |
Championship | +80000 | +80000 |
Conference | +25000 | +20000 |
Regular Season Win Total | 4.5 (o-142, u+116) | 4.5 (o-160, u+135) |
To Make Playoffs | Yes +20000 | Yes +20000 |
Long Odds in Store for Demon Deacons
Wake Forest went 4-8 last season, posting only its second losing record under head coach Dave Clawson since 2015. That included a 1-7 mark in ACC play, with the only win coming against Pittsburgh.
Sam Hartman transferring to Notre Dame was a major blow, but the Demon Deacons may have stability at quarterback again in Hank Bachmeier, who formerly played at Boise State and Louisiana Tech.
Bachmeier, a fifth-year senior, passed for 2,058 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games last season for the Bulldogs. He has solid talent around him, including running back Demond Claiborne and wide receivers Taylor Morin and Donavon Greene.
Getting back to a bowl game will be tough, as the Demon Deacons face several potential roadblocks on the schedule. They are projected for only 4.5 wins, which they’ve surpassed in six of the last seven full seasons. But new personnel should help.
The Demon Deacons — who open Aug. 29 at home against FCS program North Carolina A&T — will need to start fast to beat expectations. They’ve made bowl appearances in seven of Clawson’s first 10 seasons, including the 2021 Gator Bowl to cap an 11-win campaign. His ability as a program-builder could go a long way.
Let’s take a closer look at some projected 2024 Wake Forest stats.
Championship Odds: Seriously? Not a Chance.
The Demon Deacons may be marginally better, but in no way, shape or form are they ready to compete for the 2024 college football championship. In a best-case scenario, they finish middle-of-the-pack in the new-look ACC and return to a bowl. That’d give them momentum heading into the 2025-26 season, allowing Clawson more time to rebuild the roster. But that’s it. Anything more than that isn’t worth entertaining.
Some bettors may be tempted by the value at +80000. But it’s best they put their money elsewhere.
Conference Odds: Among the Longest of Longshots
Florida State (+290) and Clemson (+350) are favorites to win the ACC, with Miami a close third at +400.
Well down the list at +20000 is Wake Forest. Only Stanford (+40000), which is joining the conference along with SMU and California, is a bigger longshot. That tells you all there is to know about Wake Forest’s chances of winning the conference.
With games at NC State, North Carolina and Miami, plus Clemson at home, another sub-.500 finish is highly likely.
Regular Season Wins: No Favors from Schedule-Makers
Wake Forest has averaged 6.3 wins over the last decade under Clawson. That includes five bowl victories, most recently the 2022 Gasparilla Bowl against Missouri.
On the heels of last season’s disappointment, the Demon Deacons are projected for only 4.5 regular-season wins. That, of course, is a low bar to clear, but oddsmakers have a reason to be skeptical.
For one, the schedule is challenging. Three of the Demon Deacons’ first six games are against potential CFP contenders in Ole Miss (Sept. 14), NC State (Oct. 5) and Clemson (Oct. 12). Of their final six games, four are on the road.
That doesn’t bode well for Clawson and Co., who figure to be an underdog most of the time on college football spreads.
To Make Playoffs: Too Much to Overcome
In order to make the CFP, Wake Forest would need to either win the ACC or beat out the likes of independent powerhouse Notre Dame for an at-large bid. Let’s face it, there’s practically no chance of that happening. Its odds (+20000) reflect that.
Wake Forest finished near the bottom of the ACC in scoring last year, averaging 20.3 points. Its defense wasn’t any better. Those issues must be sorted out before we can take this team seriously.
Bachmeier Heisman Longshot
Bachmeier for the Heisman? Listen, at +30000, it’s unlikely. Highly, highly unlikely. But Bachmeier — who threw for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns with Boise State in 2021 — possesses the experience and skills to flourish with the Demon Deacons. Be sure to keep that in mind when projecting his 2024 Wake Forest stats.
At the very least, maybe they’ll be entertaining to watch.
For NCAAF predictions today, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
For NCAAF betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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