When the Wake Forest Demon Deacons head to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles on November 1, 2025, it will mark a pivotal late-season ACC matchup between two programs traveling opposite trajectories but still searching for consistency. Wake Forest, in its first year under new head coach Jake Dickert, has surprised many by starting the 2025 campaign stronger than anticipated, showing signs of resilience and defensive discipline after an offseason focused on rebuilding through the transfer portal. The Demon Deacons have managed to stay competitive in nearly every game, thanks largely to an improved run defense and a simplified offensive structure designed to limit turnovers. Quarterback Mitch Griffis, returning for another season, has provided steady leadership, while running back Demond Claiborne continues to emerge as the offensive centerpiece. Wake’s offensive approach relies heavily on tempo balance—using methodical drives to control possession and keep its defense fresh. Defensively, they’ve rediscovered some of the grit that defined their best years under former coach Dave Clawson, forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays, key metrics that have kept them profitable against the spread this season. For Florida State, the narrative is far more complex. The Seminoles entered the season under immense pressure following a disappointing 2024 campaign that derailed after a hot start. Head coach Mike Norvell remains at the helm, but fan patience is thin as the program struggles to convert talent into consistent success.

After a bold offensive overhaul led by the addition of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, the Seminoles hoped to reignite their explosiveness, but the results have been uneven. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos has flashed athletic brilliance, particularly in read-option sets and off-script plays, yet turnovers and stalled red-zone drives have haunted FSU in key moments. Their defense, coordinated by Tony White, remains one of the ACC’s most athletic units, but inconsistency in gap discipline and tackling has turned winnable games into narrow losses. Florida State’s 3–4 ATS record entering Week 10 reflects that volatility—they can dominate one quarter, then vanish the next. Against Wake Forest, their challenge will be balancing urgency with composure. The Seminoles are the more talented team on paper, but Wake’s precision and focus on detail can frustrate an opponent prone to emotional swings. This matchup will likely hinge on two key factors: offensive efficiency and turnover margin. Wake Forest thrives on mistake-free football; they are 5–0 this season when winning the turnover battle but winless when losing it. Meanwhile, Florida State’s defense has been feast-or-famine, capable of game-changing plays but also vulnerable to mental lapses. If Wake’s offensive line can protect Griffis against FSU’s front seven—featuring NFL-caliber edge rushers Jared Verse and Patrick Payton—they have the formula to slow the game and stay within the number. Conversely, if Florida State forces early turnovers and uses tempo to energize their crowd, they can overwhelm the Deacons and finally deliver a statement win in the ACC. Bettors will note that Wake Forest has covered in seven of its last ten road games, while Florida State has struggled to meet expectations as a home favorite. In an atmosphere as volatile as Doak Campbell Stadium, discipline may outweigh raw athleticism. For both programs, this game represents more than just an ACC clash—it’s a referendum on trajectory: whether Florida State can reassert itself as a power or if Wake Forest’s quiet resurgence under Dickert is the league’s next emerging story.

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