In Week 9 of the 2025 regular season, the SMU Mustangs will head to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The game is set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM and will be broadcast on CW. SMU comes into this matchup with a 5-2 record, including a strong 3-0 conference mark. The SMU Mustangs have shown impressive form in recent games, securing wins against Clemson, Stanford, and Syracuse. Their last postseason appearance ended with a 38-10 loss to Penn State in the College Football Playoff first round. This season, they’ve maintained a 2-1 record on the road, reflecting their capability to handle away environments. Wake Forest, with a 4-2 record, looks to leverage home-field advantage, although they hold a balanced 2-2 home record. The Demon Deacons recently defeated Oregon State and Virginia Tech, showcasing their competitive edge. However, their 1-2 conference record indicates room for improvement as they face a formidable conference opponent in SMU.
Wake Forest vs SMU At a Glance
- Game Venue: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM
- TV Channel: CW
- SMU Mustangs Record: 5-2 overall, 3-0 in conference
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons Record: 4-2 overall, 1-2 in conference
- Betting Odds: SMU favored by 3.5 points with a total of 53.5
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prepare for a Key Matchup
Offensive Performance
Wake Forest’s offense has been moderately productive this season, ranking 58th in points for with 174. The passing game has been a significant contributor, with 1498 passing yards placing them 82nd. Meanwhile, their rushing game has struggled slightly, ranking 80th with 998 yards.
Comparing this to last season, the Demon Deacons have seen a dip in their offensive output. They managed to accumulate 308 points and 2881 passing yards in 2024, indicating a potential area for improvement.
Defensive Stand
The defense has been a bright spot for Wake Forest, ranking 59th in points against with 120. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident, with 13 sacks ranking them 16th nationally. Turnover creation is another strength, as they rank 4th and 7th in interceptions and fumbles recovered, respectively.
Comparatively, the defense has shown significant improvement from the previous season, where they ranked 128th in points against. The enhanced defensive performance could be a key factor in their upcoming games.
Recent Game Performances
Wake Forest has demonstrated strong performances in their recent games, winning against Oregon State and Virginia Tech. Their passing attack was particularly effective against Oregon State, amassing 270 yards. Additionally, their defense held Oregon State to just 175 passing yards and forced two fumbles.
In their narrow loss to Georgia Tech, Wake Forest’s rushing game showed promise with 212 yards. However, their defense struggled to contain Georgia Tech, allowing 248 passing yards and 163 rushing yards.
Key Players
Quarterback Robby Ashford has been a standout, with 1172 passing yards and 94.2 fantasy points. Running back Demond Claiborne has contributed significantly with 539 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Wide receiver Chris Barnes leads the team with 410 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the team’s ability to create turnovers and pressure the quarterback has been crucial. Their defensive ranks in sacks, interceptions, and fumbles recovered highlight their effectiveness in disrupting opposing offenses.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could impact the Demon Deacons, with several key players listed as questionable. Notably, Ashaad Williams (DB) and Harry Lodge (TE) are uncertain to play, which could affect both their defensive and offensive setups.
Additionally, the absence of Uber Ajongo for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury could challenge the team’s depth on the offensive line.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 24-6 (80.0%) in the last 30 games
- O/U – All Games: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
- ATS – All Games: 3-0 (100.0%) in the last 3 games
- O/U – As Underdog: 3-0 (100.0%) in the last 3 games
- SU – Away Games: 5-2 (71.4%) in the last 7 games
SMU Mustangs Look to Continue Winning Streak on the Road
Team Overview
The SMU Mustangs enter their upcoming game with a strong offensive record, ranking 22nd in passing yards with 1,957 for the season. Their rushing attack, however, is less impressive, sitting at 91st with 903 yards. Despite these figures, SMU has a commendable rank of 25th in points for, totaling 239 this season.
Defensively, the Mustangs have faced challenges, ranking 82nd with 158 points against. Nevertheless, they excel in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, ranking 6th in sacks with 23. SMU also boasts a solid secondary with 10 interceptions, ranked 11th, and a knack for recovering fumbles, ranking 5th with 5 recoveries.
Recent Performance
SMU is coming off an impressive 35-24 victory over Clemson, showcasing their ability to compete against formidable opponents. The team displayed a balanced attack with 290 passing yards and 139 rushing yards in that game. Their recent performance against Stanford, securing a 34-10 win, further emphasizes their offensive capabilities.
In their previous outing against Syracuse, SMU managed a 31-18 win, demonstrating resilience in both offense and defense. While they struggled against TCU with a 35-24 loss, they quickly rebounded by defeating Missouri State 28-10. This ability to bounce back showcases the team’s determination and adaptability.
Key Players
Quarterback Kevin Jennings has been a standout performer, accumulating 1,948 passing yards this season, ranking 8th nationally. His 17 passing touchdowns place him among the top in the country, highlighting his effectiveness in leading the Mustangs’ offense.
Running back TJ Harden contributes significantly to the ground game, with 430 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Romello Brinson has been a reliable target with 502 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, ranking him among the top receivers.
Betting Trends
- SMU as Favorite: 27-3 (90.0%) in the last 30 games.
- SMU in All Games: 25-4 (86.2%) in the last 29 games.
- SMU After Loss: 9-0 (100.0%) in the last 9 games.
- SMU in Away Games: 12-1 (92.3%) in the last 13 games.
- SMU After Win: 20-4 (83.3%) in the last 24 games.
- SMU in Totals ≥ 50: 20-4 (83.3%) in the last 24 games.
Wake Forest vs SMU Prediction: Over 53.5
Both teams have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities this season. SMU ranks 25th in points scored, while Wake Forest has consistently hit the over in their recent games. Given these trends, this game is likely to be a high-scoring affair.
Wake Forest’s recent performances indicate a tendency towards high-scoring games, especially when listed as underdogs. With an over/under line set at 53.5, their previous track record supports the expectation of surpassing this total. Both teams have offenses that can capitalize on defensive weaknesses.
SMU’s road record and offensive rankings suggest they can contribute significantly to the total points. Additionally, Wake Forest’s successful offensive outings at home further support the likelihood of a game going over the set line. Their recent win against Oregon State also adds momentum and confidence to their scoring potential.
The combination of SMU’s potent offense and Wake Forest’s home advantage sets the stage for a game that should comfortably exceed the over/under line. A projected final score of SMU 35 – Wake Forest 31 supports the prediction for an over.
- Wake Forest vs SMU Prediction: Over 53.5
- Wake Forest vs SMU Score: SMU 35 – Wake Forest 31
