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Stanford vs Wake Forest preview: 2 stunning wins collide

Dustin Judge
Stanford vs Wake Forest preview: Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Stanford and Wake Forest each pulled off a statement win last week, and both want more when they meet at noon ET Saturday. This Stanford vs Wake Forest preview covers the quarterbacks, the matchups and what to watch at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.

Stanford vs Wake Forest preview: time, TV and records

Kickoff is noon ET Saturday, Oct. 3, with ACC Network carrying the game. Wake Forest is 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the ACC. Stanford is 2-2 and 1-2, CBS Sports reported.

Stanford’s comeback and Davis Warren

Stanford beat Georgia Tech 34-27 after trailing 20-10 at halftime, scoring touchdowns on three straight second-half drives, the school said. Quarterback Davis Warren set a career high with 396 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Coach Tavita Pritchard said afterward the Cardinal need balance. “You have to have the threat of running the football and throwing it,” he said, per CBS Sports. Warren has thrown 143 straight passes without an interception, the longest active streak in the FBS, according to NCFootballNews.

Wake Forest’s upset at Louisville

The Demon Deacons won 30-27 at then-No. 16 Louisville on Sept. 26. Carlos Hernandez caught nine passes for 194 yards and a 77-yard touchdown, and quarterback Gio Lopez threw for 225 yards. Ty Clark III ran for 91 yards and two scores, Wake Forest said in its game recap.

Connor Calvert kicked a 32-yard field goal with 6:20 left, and Dallas Afalava blocked Louisville’s tying attempt with 18 seconds remaining. Hernandez leads the ACC with 516 receiving yards through four games, NCFootballNews reported.

What to watch

Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert plans to move Hernandez around to exploit Stanford’s man-to-man coverage, CBS Sports reported. Stanford’s defense is allowing 294.3 passing yards per game, according to NCFootballNews, and has defensive-back absences.

For more college football, read our Miami vs. Clemson preview and our 24-team CFP format story.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.