Elon Phoenix vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons 8/31/2023 – College football season has returned, igniting nationwide excitement as Elon Phoenix and Wake Forest Demon Deacons face off at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium for Week 1 action this Thursday night. Both teams look to make an impressionful first impression so let’s examine this matchup and make predictions that are sure to lead to an exhilarating encounter. The college football betting picks are updated online with all the details of this entertaining game.
Elon Phoenix vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons 8/31/2023
| When: | Thursday, August 31, 2023 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Truist Field |
| TV: | TV |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | TBA | TBA | TBA |  |
| Demon Deacons | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| ||||
๐๐๐๐.#AED pic.twitter.com/XFEtdpSRm1
— Elon Football (@ElonFootball) August 30, 2023
Tony Trisciani vs Dave Clawson
Elon Phoenix entered their 2023 season riding the momentum of an outstanding 2022 campaign that included an 8-4 regular season record and 6-2 CAA mark, and ultimately making their way back into the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2018. While Matthew McKay compiled over 2,700 passing yards with 21 touchdowns and 4 interceptions while shooting 61% from the field may pose challenges going forward, Elon Phoenix is well prepared in Matthew Downing who hails from Georgia, TCU, and LA Tech before landing at Elon. Downing brings extensive experience from TCU as well as LA Tech before joining Elon.
The loss of top receivers Bryson Daughtry and Jackson Parham is countered by the arrival of Onuma Dieke from UMass, adding depth to the receiving corps. Notably, all-CAA tight end Johncarlos Miller II returns to the field, further strengthening the offense. In the rushing department, Jalen Hampton’s impressive 1,100+ yards and 10 touchdowns from last season add potency to the Phoenix’s ground game.
However, the challenge lies on the defensive front, as Elon bids farewell to top tacklers Marcus Hilian and Jamir Malone, along with all-conference DB Omar Rogers. With formidable opposition in the form of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their opening week, Elon faces an uphill climb on defense.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Aiming Higher
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons step into the new season with the ambition to build on their decent 2022 campaign. Notably, they secured an 8-5 record and marked their 7th consecutive bowl game appearance under the guidance of Dave Clawson, capping the season with a Gasparilla Bowl victory over Missouri.
This season, a change awaits as Sam Hartman, the anchor under center, departs for Notre Dame. Nonetheless, Wake Forest boasts capable options at quarterback, with Mitch Griffis and Michael Kern primed to lead the offense. Justice Ellison shoulders the responsibility in the backfield, having logged a team-high 707 rushing yards in the previous season. Supported by a strong receiving corps, including Jamal Banks, Taylor Morin, and Ke’Shawn Williams, Wake Forest’s offense remains well-equipped.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons aim to elevate their game after finishing 13th in the ACC in total defense last year. With notable departures like Rondell Bothroyd, the onus falls on Jasheen Davis and Kevin Pointer. Notably, the acquisition of Jacob Roberts from North Carolina A&T adds strength to their defensive lineup.
NCAAF Odds: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
On the threshold of the opening game, all eyes turn to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium as the Elon Phoenix take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. As the season springs to life, the clash promises a tantalizing blend of strategies, skills, and aspirations.
In this showdown, Elon’s rebuilding efforts will be tested against the seasoned Wake Forest roster. While the Phoenix aim to overcome their defensive challenges and make their presence felt, the Demon Deacons seek to establish a strong defensive foundation. The duel between Elon’s Matthew Downing and Wake Forest’s experienced quarterbacks adds an intriguing layer to the matchup.
As the Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium serves as the battleground, the gridiron spectacle that unfolds captures the essence of college football โ determination, strategy, and the thrill of competition. With every snap, these teams will strive to secure a victorious start to their 2023 journeys, igniting the flames of a new college football season.
Elon Phoenix Betting Trends
Elon are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Elon’s last 8 games.
Elon are 0-10 SU in their last 10 games.
Elon are 0-16 SU in their last 16 games on the road.
Phoenix are 0-7 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Elon’s last 5 games played in week 1.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Trends
Wake Forest are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wake Forest’s last 5 games.
Wake Forest are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
Demon Deacons are 14-2 SU in their last 16 games at home.
Wake Forest are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games played in August.
Wake Forest are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games played in week 1.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wake Forest’s last 6 games played on a Thursday.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wake Forest’s last 6 games played on a Thursday when at home.
Elon Phoenix vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Pick
In the realm of predictions, Wake Forest emerges as the expected victor on Thursday. However, the presence of numerous new defensive players for Wake Forest might necessitate time for the unit to gel cohesively. This opens the door for Elon to showcase their resilience and cover the spread. Notably, Elon has covered the spread in four of their last five games, while Wake Forest has faltered in covering the number in four of their last six and 12 of their last 16 games during Week 1. As the stage is set, the potential for an exhilarating matchup looms large, and fans can look forward to a spirited contest that transcends the realms of prediction. The college football betting odds are leaning towards the Demon Deacons to win this game and cover the spread.
