Clemson vs. Wake Forest football preview, prediction

Clemson is the No. 5 team in the latest AP rankings. Wake Forest is No 21 in that poll. The team is coming off a 1-point win over Liberty last weekend.

Clemson needs a complete game to beat Georgia Tech. The team has had some good wins, but not a lot of big ones. DJ Uiagalelei has just 1 pick in 88 throws and his completion percentage is up from last year.

Clemson has defeated Wake Forest by 39 points the last 4 years. Sam Hartman is throwing at a 62% clip with 7 TDs in 2 games. The Deacs' backs might struggle against Clemson's 2.4 ypc rushing defense.

Clemson's path to the College Football Playoff might depend on this game. The Tigers need to win it and have a home game with NC State next week to gain separation and on-field tiebreakers.

Clemson is 31-4 in true road games since 2015. Clemson has won 6 straight road matches against Wake. Wake has forced a turnover in 34 of its last 35 games and at least 1 in 18 straight games. The Deacons are 37-16 under Dave Clawson when leading after the first quarter and 8-27 when trailing after 3 quarters.

A year ago, Clemson beat Wake by a 31-17 score. The key to that game was Clemson's ability to marshal its forces on the defensive front seven and smother Wake's attempt to run the ball. That remains the key for the Tigers this time.