Wake Forest vs Oregon State prediction and analysis
Matchup Overview
On October 11, 2025, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-2) will face the Oregon State Beavers (0-6) in a highly anticipated non-conference showdown. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM EDT, with Oregon State taking the role of the home team. Oddsmakers have the Beavers as 3-point underdogs, and the over/under is set at 51.5 points.
Recommended Sports Betting Sites
Key Team Trends and Insights
- Oregon State Home October Record: The Beavers have demonstrated strength at home in October, winning six of their last seven October home games and covering the spread in each of their last four.
- Wake Forest as Favorites: The Demon Deacons have struggled to cover the spread recently, failing to do so in six of their last eight games as favorites.
- Non-Conference Records: Oregon State has been in a long slump against non-conference opponents, losing their last 12 straight games.
- Wake Forest October Performance: Contrary to Oregon State’s struggles, Wake Forest has won five consecutive October games against non-AP ranked teams.
- First Half Trends: Oregon State has frequently trailed at halftime versus non-conference opponents, dropping the first half in seven of their last eight such games.
- Red Zone and Early Game Performance: Oregon State ranks near the bottom nationally in red zone efficiency (tied for 132nd) and averages a -6.5 point differential in first quarters (130th nationally).
Offensive and Defensive Matchups
Wake Forest’s offensive weapons feature standout running back Demond Claiborne, who enters the game tied for seventh nationally in rushing touchdowns with seven. This scoring ability will be crucial against an Oregon State defense likely to struggle given their red zone inefficiency.
On the receiver front, Wake Forest’s Trent Walker has been targeted extensively (62 targets) but is still seeking his first touchdown, indicating potential for a breakout performance.
Oregon State’s offense, meanwhile, has seen a string of high-scoring affairs at home, with their last four home games going OVER the total points line. In contrast, Wake Forest’s last four games as favorites have gone UNDER, potentially signaling a more controlled, defensive game from the Demon Deacons.
Betting Trends and Considerations
- The home team has covered the spread in each of Oregon State’s last four home contests.
- Wake Forest covers the spread in most of their road games versus non-AP ranked opponents, having done so in four of their last five.
- Oregon State’s long non-conference losing streak and underwhelming first-half performances present a challenge in establishing early momentum.
- Historic close wins from Wake Forest this season, including nail-biters decided by three to five points, suggest resilience in tight situations.
Prediction Summary
Despite Oregon State’s home-field advantage and favorable recent October home trends, their overall in-season struggles, particularly against non-conference teams, strongly suggest that Wake Forest should control this game. The Demon Deacons’ balanced attack, especially the ground game led by Claiborne, and their ability to cover as underdog favorites on the road, make them a smart pick to not only win but also cover the spread.
However, the Beavers’ defense and Oregon State’s tendency to allow high point totals in home games implies this game could see a reasonable amount of scoring, potentially pushing the result near the over/under line.
Final Prediction
Wake Forest Demon Deacons to win, covering the -3 point spread, in a game likely decided by one possession. Total points expected near or slightly above 51.5.
