Wake Forest vs. Clemson: Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

The Clemson Tigers will welcome in the Wake Forest Demon Deacons this week in a game with heavy ACC ramifications.

The two teams, however, aren't exactly on the same page.

The Tigers started the season red hot before finally falling to Georgia Tech two weeks ago.

They've had two weeks to stew over it and now take the field in Death Valley against the upstart Demon Deacons.

While the records indicate a mismatch, this one will be heavily contested.

Where: Memorial Stadium; Clemson, South Carolina

When: Saturday, November 12th at 12:00 p.m.

Watch: ESPNU

Spread: Clemson -16.5

The Tigers have not only won eight of nine games this year, but they've covered eight of nine spreads as well.

This, however, is the second largest spread they've seen all year.

The Demon Deacons are coming off a loss at home to Notre Dame, but did cover the spread.

This matchup won't be as kind, however, and the Tigers' offense will be too much for Wake Forest's defense to handle.

Wake Forest has only covered the spread once on the road this season. Death Valley is too much for them.

Over/Under: 60.5

Both teams are coming off games that hit the under. Clemson, who was finally slowed down by Georgia Tech, has had two weeks to prepare for this one.

Not only will they cover a 16.5 point spread, but they'll also push this game over because their defense is susceptible to giving up points.

Key Injuries:

Wake Forest: Josh Harris, RB—Doubtful

Clemson: Andre Ellington, RB—Questionable

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Wake Forest actually has a shot at winning their division in the ACC this season. That doesn't guarantee them much, but it does give them a shot at a BCS bowl, as crazy as that sounds.

They're currently 4-2 in the conference and cannot afford another loss.

As for the Tigers, they're the favorite to win the conference championship. A loss here would not only irreparably damage those dreams, but also drop them far from their current No. 10 ranking.

Key to Wake Forest Win

Limit big plays. Clemson is a killer on a big plays. Quarterback Tajh Boyd has 25 touchdowns and only five interceptions on the season. With the Tigers expecting to miss running back Andre Ellington, they'll need their quarterback to make plays.

He's averaging nearly 14 yards per completion on the season.

That means Wake Forest has to contain the offense from the outside in. They must keep the Tigers' receivers in front of them at all times or they'll be blown out of the water rather quickly.

Key to Clemson Win

Learn from mistakes. Two weeks ago the Tigers' chances at a perfect season vanished because they couldn't stop the run and they turned the ball over.

This week, they need to go out and show they've learned from those mistakes and can grow from them.

Two of Boyd's five interceptions were thrown in the game against GT, and they had absolutely no answer for the ground attack.

Wake Forest doesn't boast that type of offense, but does have a pair of running backs that can do damage.

Prediction: Clemson 45, Wake Forest 28