Six-Game Streak, 13th in CFP Standings: Wake Forest Has Everything to Gain and Plenty to Lose Against SMU

A chance to prove its standing

Wake Forest has won six straight games since its September loss to Miami, outscoring those opponents 294-58. The Demon Deacons are 8-1 and ranked 13th in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, but Saturday offers a test against a strong conference opponent.

SMU is 7-2, has not lost at home this season and reached the College Football Playoff in 2024. A victory in Dallas would give Wake Forest a significant result to support its claim as a national title contender.

Jennings leads SMU’s attack

Quarterback Kevin Jennings has passed for 2,764 yards this season. Against Virginia Tech, he completed 24 of 32 attempts for 350 yards and four touchdowns in SMU’s 51-28 win.

Jennings also has a 16-1 career record as a starter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Receiver Yamir Knight had three touchdown catches and 103 yards against Virginia Tech, while running back Kendrick Raphael has gained 755 yards this season.

Third downs pose a challenge

Linebacker Marques White has 7.5 sacks, including two against Virginia Tech. SMU has limited opponents to a 29.9% third-down conversion rate, ninth-best nationally. Wake Forest will need to make progress on early downs to improve its chances. Quarterback Gio Lopez is expected back after missing the Merrimack game with an injury.

ACC race raises the stakes

The Demon Deacons have shown they can win, but the game against SMU is a chance to demonstrate that their strong season can hold up against a leading ACC opponent. A defeat would make their pursuit more difficult.