Game Day Central: Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame football
No. 19 Notre Dame (7-3) had higher aspirations for this year than a nine-win regular season, but that’s what is on the table for the Fighting Irish.
Marcus Freeman‘s program hosts Wake Forest (4-6, 1-6 ACC) this afternoon. Blue & Gold gets you ready with what you need to know before today’s tilt.
Join us live on YouTube after the game as we break down Wake Forest vs. ND
GAME DAY INFORMATION
Date: Nov. 18, 2023
Site: Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Television/streaming: NBC/Peacock
Radio: This game can be heard on Notre Dame IMG affiliates.
Series facts: Notre Dame is 5-0 all time against Wake Forest. The last meeting between the two programs was in 2018, when the Fighting Irish beat the Demon Deacons 56-27.
Head coaches: Wake Forest — Dave Clawson (63-59, 10th season); Marcus Freeman (16-8, second season).
Blue & Gold subscribers: Click here for the full game day package with depth charts, rosters, stats and more.
FIVE WAKE FOREST PLAYERS TO KNOW
WR Jahmal Banks (#80): Banks could be a handful for the Irish defense with his 6-4, 205-pound frame. The 2023 Preseason Athlon First Team All-ACC selection has hauled in 47 passes for 528 yards with 3 touchdowns this year.
WR Taylor Morin (#2): The 5-10, 180-pounder will feature at receiver and punt returner against the Fighting Irish. Morin has 33 receptions for 472 yards with 2 scores this fall. His best game came against Old Dominion earlier this year, catching 6 passes for 112 yards and both of his touchdown receptions in 2023.
DL Jasheen Davis (#30): The junior pass rusher will look to get after his old teammate in Sam Hartman Saturday. He’s had a strong season, totaling 42 stops (15 for loss), 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 recovered fumbles and 10 quarterback hurries.
LB Jacob Roberts (#40): The senior from North Carolina is a key part of the Demon Deacons’ defense that will look to slow down the Irish offense. He has 70 stops (10 for loss), 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 quarterback hurries in 2023.
DB Malik Mustapha (#3): If Roberts and Davis can get pressure on Hartman, then Mustapha will have opportunities to make plays on the back end. He’s been one of Wake’s best overall players this fall, totaling 60 stops (5 for loss), 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and 2 pass break ups. He is graded as the Demon Deacons’ highest ranked defensive player at 82.2.
GAME PREDICTIONS
Vegas line: Notre Dame -24.5 …. Over/under 46.5
Oddshark prediction: ND 35, Wake Forest 10
Tyler Horka: Notre Dame 38, Wake Forest 13
Jack Soble: Notre Dame 41, Wake Forest 10
Todd D. Burlage: Notre Dame 48, Wake Forest 10
Steve Downey: Notre Dame 45, Wake Forest 6
Kyle Kelly: Notre Dame 48, Wake Forest 16
