ISD Game Predictions: Wake Forest

It’s Friday again, and that means game prediction time once again.  The Irish are hoping to get back on the winning track with a game against Wake Forest.  The Demon Deacons are hoping to ruin a senior day for their former QB.  Which team comes out on top?

Mike Frank

I don’t think anyone really knows what we should expect from this Irish team at this point.  Anything is possible at this point, in my mind, including losing to Wake Forest.  

I don’t see that happening, but I also didn’t see the Irish getting hammered at Clemson, either.  Anything can happen.  

I expect the offense have some solid drives, but a number will flame out in the red zone.  I expect the defense to play very well on Saturday, assuring a win on Senior Day.  

I think we will be frustrated with the offense at times, and we will see the defense we’ve seen most of the season.  

Notre Dame 30, Wake Forest 10

Greg Flammang

The Fighting Irish have been a different team offensively playing in front of their home fans in Notre Dame Stadium, averaging 7.4 yards per play vs 6.1 and scoring 43.4 points per game vs 30.2. Whenever they wear the dark jerseys, they remind us what could have been offensively in 2023. 

They will do so again this weekend. 

Ironically, the departure of Sam Hartman brought an improved defense for the Demon Deacons, but their offense left with him. They are 120th nationally in yards per play, and 112th in points per game. That’s not going to work against a stellar Notre Dame defense, who could win the game by themselves. 

Notre Dame rolls on Senior Day. 

Notre Dame 43, Wake Forest 12

Matt Freeman

Notre Dame has shown up for senior day and there is no reason to believe the Irish won't do the same on Saturday. Sam Hartman will face his former team and if something weird doesn't happen, it would probably be a surprise after the way the year has gone for the Irish. Wake Forest is banged up on the defensive line, so I expected Audric Estime to have a big game with two scores in what will likely be his last game at Notre Dame Stadium. Also - JD Bertrand gets in the end zone. 

Notre Dame 45, Wake Forest 13

Andrew Mentock

The Fighting Irish are coming off a disappointing loss at Clemson two weeks ago. 

At times, Notre Dame has produced a sluggish performance on senior day, but I expect the Irish to come out swimming on Saturday. They’ll head to the locker room with a 17 to 20-point lead at halftime and cruise to a comfortable victory.  

Notre Dame 35, Wake Forest 13

Jamie Uyeyama

Having a bad performance right before a bye week leaves a bad taste in a team's mouth. People want to move on, but are forced to wait an extra week to do so. I think Notre Dame is going to be anxious to get on the field on Saturday to change the narrative after that Clemson game.

This is a straight up bad matchup for Wake Forest's offense. They've been horrible this season and it's not going to get any better for them on Saturday. I don't envision them having much success and think we'll see the Irish defense once again create a lot of havoc.

That havoc is going to lead to some short fields for the offense. With that, they won't have to do as much work to put points on the board. I do see Wake's defense giving the Irish a tough time, especially with a couple of new players seeing action at center and guard, but don't think it will be sustained throughout the game because their defense will have to carry too much weight.

I expect a big senior day from JD Bertrand and for Audric Estime to end up with big numbers before this game is over.

Notre Dame 31, Wake Forest 13

Christian McCollum

In a performance that leaves Irish fans wondering what could have been if their team played that way each week, Notre Dame rolls on Senior Day.

The Sam Hartman Era, which began with such promise before encountering some serious speed bumps, ends on a high note. Despite the frustration of the Louisville and Clemson games, the Hartman Era will be looked back on fondly by many once some distance is established.

But as much as Saturday is about thanking those who will be leaving, a glimpse of the future is also on display with the performances of Jeremiyah Love, Rico Flores, Jaden Greathouse and Christian Gray. And the future is bright.

The Irish will make their annual post-Thanksgiving pilgrimage to California on a high note.

Notre Dame 35, Wake Forest 10