Week 2 of the college football season had a ton of entertaining matchups. Week 3, however, could have a bigger impact with more conference play, especially in the ACC. The matchup between the Miami Hurricanes (2-0) and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-1) on Friday is a great way to kick things off.
The Hurricanes (2-0) were expected to not just win the ACC, but compete for the national championship. So far, they've lived up to the billing. They blew out the Stanford Cardinal 45-6 and demolished the FAMU Rattlers 77-7. They haven't had a ton of competition, and every season there's at least one game where Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes drop a winnable game, but that was the case last season against Louisville and SMU and they were still talented
enough to make the national championship last season.
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-0) are trying to be another underdog team to beat Miami. So far, they're 2-0, but they've won games in shootouts against teams that weren't good last season, so it raises a little concern. In their last game, they beat Purdue 38-36 in a double overtime shootout. They surprised everyone with a 9-4 record last season due to their defense, so they might be flipping the script this season.
If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.
Miami (FL) vs. Wake Forest game odds
All college football odds via BetMGM
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 (-105), Under 56.5 (-115)
- Spread: Miami (FL) -21 (-105), Wake Forest +21 (-115)
- Money Line: Miami -1540, Wake Forest +910
Miami (FL) vs. Wake Forest prediction, pick:
The Miami Hurricanes will face their first major test against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The Demon Deacons had a gut-check win against the Purdue Boilermakers, so that probably woke them up for this matchup.
There's very little that needs to be said about Miami. Their passing game is world-class, with Darian Mensah looking the part of a Heisman contender and Malachi Toney and Cooper Bartake being an unfair duo. The running game looks spectacular as well.
That's not to say that Wake Forest doesn't have their own quarterback on fire. Gio Lopez has been phenomenal, with 575 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. However, the Wake Forest defense has to improve. They did alright in terms of getting to the quarterback over the first couple of weeks, but against Mensah and the offensive line of Miami, it's a touger task.
I think Miami wins this one to start their ACC slate. There will be a time when Miami has a close call, or even a loss, against an ACC opponent, but I don't think it's this matchup
Score Prediction: Miami 41, Wake Forest 18
Best Line: Over 55.5
Miami (FL) vs. Wake Forest channel, start time, streaming:
Date: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN app, FuboTV
Watch Miami (FL) vs. Wake Forest on FuboTV (Free Trial)
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Miami vs. Wake Forest: Week 3 Betting Odds, Prediction
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