Wake Forest Demon Deacons at SMU Mustangs prediction, start time and team news on Nov. 14, 2026

The No. 11 Demon Deacons (8-1, 5-1 ACC) visit the No. 25 Mustangs (7-2, 5-2) at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, in an ACC game that reshapes the race behind Miami. The rankings come from the AP Top 25 released Nov. 8.

Demon Deacons quarterback Gio Lopez missed last week's 77-0 win over Merrimack with a leg injury, and coach Jake Dickert said Monday, "He'll be ready to go Saturday."

The Mustangs have won 12 straight ACC home games, and a win would put them ahead of Wake Forest on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

When is Demon Deacons vs Mustangs?

• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Competition: College football
• Home team: Mustangs
• Demon Deacons win: 54%
• Mustangs win: 54%

What is the Demon Deacons vs Mustangs prediction?

Neither team is a favorite. The Demon Deacons are at 54% and the Mustangs are at 54% on OG.com prediction markets. Market data as of November 10, 2026. For the latest market probabilities, check the OG.com platform.

The Demon Deacons' best case starts with the run game and ball security. They average 176 rushing yards and have thrown one interception all season, while the Mustangs allow 126 rushing yards per game and have three interceptions. Wake Forest ran for 309 yards against Virginia on Oct. 31, the last game Lopez started.

The Mustangs answer with Kevin Jennings and a passing game that averages 322 yards per game, seventh among FBS teams. Jennings has completed 209 of 283 passes (73.9%) for 2,764 yards and 25 touchdowns, and SMU scored on each of its first eight drives against Virginia Tech on Nov. 6.

Two cautions apply to the Demon Deacons' numbers. Each of their last five opponents scored 14 points or fewer, but that run includes FCS opponent Merrimack. Lopez's leg injury also leaves open how much he runs, since ESPN data shows he has 317 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season.

Demon Deacons vs Mustangs win probabilities

• Demon Deacons win: 54%
• Mustangs win: 54%

Both prices are implied probabilities, and identical numbers mean traders see no clear edge. The percentages reflect the market's expectations, not guaranteed outcomes, and Lopez's practice progress this week is the most likely reason for either one to move.

How could Demon Deacons vs Mustangs unfold?

The Mustangs have been strongest early at home. Against Virginia Tech they led 23-14 at halftime and 44-14 midway through the fourth quarter.

The Demon Deacons have not faced that kind of script lately. Their last five games were decided by margins of 24 to 77 points, so a one-score game would be new ground for this stretch. SMU's defense has also been scored on, giving up 30 points at Syracuse on Oct. 31 and 417 yards to Virginia Tech.

A close ending would put the kickers in view. Wake Forest's Connor Calvert made a 50-yard field goal on the final play to beat SMU 13-12 last October, and SMU's Brendan Baird made field goals of 47, 26 and 50 yards against Virginia Tech.

If Lopez is limited, the Demon Deacons still have ground options. Jamar Searcy ran eight times for 78 yards against Virginia, and Ty Clark III leads the team with 416 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

What is the latest team news?

The quarterback and left tackle spots carry the biggest open questions for the Demon Deacons, while the Mustangs have no announced availability issues.

What is the latest on the Demon Deacons?

Lopez left the Virginia game on Oct. 31 with a lower-leg injury and sat out Merrimack as a precaution. Dickert said Monday that Lopez would practice in a limited role Tuesday and added, "He'll be ready to go Saturday," according to On3. The Winston-Salem Journal also reports Lopez is expected back.

Steele Pizzella started in his place and completed 23 of 28 passes for 432 yards and three touchdowns in the first half against Merrimack, an FCS opponent. He remains the backup option if Lopez cannot go.

Left tackle Tolu Olajide is "getting closer and closer," Dickert said. Elliot Demaine started at left tackle against Merrimack, and Clinton Richard moved over from guard for some snaps. Dickert said an update would come Wednesday night with the injury report. Linebacker Aiden Hall was also among the injured Dickert discussed last week, and his Saturday status has not been announced.

What is the latest on the Mustangs?

No Mustangs injury designations have been announced for Saturday. Jennings, running back Kendrick Raphael (755 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) and receiver Yamir Knight (three touchdown catches against Virginia Tech) all played in the Nov. 6 win.

What could decide Demon Deacons vs Mustangs?

Three matchups look most likely to shape the game, and each depends on how healthy Lopez and the Demon Deacons' offensive line are.

Can the Demon Deacons run on the Mustangs?

Wake Forest averages 176 rushing yards per game, and SMU allows 126. The Mustangs gave up 138 rushing yards at Syracuse and 126 against Virginia Tech, so the Demon Deacons can find room if their line holds up.

The Demon Deacons also defend the run well, allowing 85 yards per game (eighth in FBS). That puts the Mustangs' balance to the test, since Raphael has 755 yards on 150 carries and SMU averages 154 rushing yards per game.

Will the Mustangs pressure a quarterback coming off a leg injury?

SMU has 27 sacks (tied for 14th in FBS), led by Marques White with 7.5. Wake Forest has allowed 13 sacks in nine games.

If Olajide is out, the Demon Deacons' left side would again lean on Demaine and Richard. A mobile Lopez can escape pressure, but a quarterback still rounding into form may have less room to do it.

Who wins the third-down and turnover battles?

Wake Forest converts 51.4% of third downs (ninth in FBS), while SMU holds opponents to 29.9% (10th). That is the sharpest clash of strengths on the field.

The turnover gap points the Demon Deacons' way. Lopez has one interception all season, and the Mustangs defense has three. Jennings has thrown six interceptions, including one against Virginia Tech, and the Demon Deacons have five.

What does the Demon Deacons vs Mustangs head-to-head history show?

Wake Forest won 13-12 at home last October. That game had eight turnovers, 17 punts and Calvert's last-play field goal, so it showed how tight the series can get.

The roster limits what carries over. Lopez played at North Carolina last season, and Deshawn Purdie started at quarterback for the Demon Deacons in that meeting.

What could move Demon Deacons vs Mustangs market price?

Contracts on sports prediction markets can move quickly when a quarterback's status changes. Lopez's practice participation Tuesday and Wednesday, and the injury report Dickert said arrives Wednesday night, are the clearest triggers.

Olajide's status at left tackle is a second item to watch, since it affects protection for Lopez or Pizzella. Traders who want control over the price they accept can use limit orders.

Other college football games on the same Saturday slate appear in the daily sports prediction markets listings.

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