Duke’s Mayo Bowl 2020 – Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Wisconsin Badgers

Our Wake Forest vs Wisconsin pick 2020 for Duke’s Mayo Bowl features one team with a highly-productive offense, the Demon Deacons, and another with an eminently-tough defense, the Badgers. In terms of standings and record, the Demon Deacons look weak. Wake Forest finished 10th in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 3-4 mark. Overall, they were 4-4. The Demon Deacons started their season with two losses, and then, they notched four-straight wins. Wake Forest finished their season with two losses. However, the Badgers were not much better. They were 3-3, finishing third in the Big Ten – West. They lost three of their last five games.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are the underdog in this bowl game. The best spread for Wake Forest is +10.5 (-125). Conversely, the favored Wisconsin Badgers spread is -9.5 (-109). The over/under comes in at 51.5 with the over at -105 and the under at -103.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl will be played on Wednesday, December 30. The kickoff will be at 12:00 pm ET with the game being played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The weather is predicted to be cloudy with a temperature of 41-degrees. Probability of precipitation is 19% with winds at 3 MPH from the NE.

Wake Forest vs Wisconsin Pick 2020 – Statistics

Our Wake Forest vs Wisconsin pick 2020 notes that the Demon Deacons are averaging 37.0 PPG. However, they are allowing 31.6 PPG. Conversely, the Badgers are scoring merely 22.3 PPG. On the other hand, their defense is giving up just 15.7 PPG.

One problem for Wake Forest is they are allowing not only close to as many points as they are scoring, but they are allowing opponents more yards than they’re generating. The Demon Deacons gave up 456.9 YPG, while they gained 435.3 YPG. Note, the Wisconsin offense gained 358.8 YPG with 171.2 on the ground. They allowed just 263.5 YPG, including 169.8 YPG in passing and 93.7 in rushing.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Offense and Defense

The Wake Forest offense can put points on the scoreboard. However, they will have a tough time scoring against the Badgers. At the same time, the Demon Deacons bring a defense that allows a lot of yards and points. Our question is can the Wake Forest defense step up and can their offense excel versus the Badgers?

Demon Deacons and Badgers – Offenses

The bad news for Wake Forest is that RB Kenneth Walker III has opted out of the Cotton Bowl. He has been this team’s primary offensive thrust, scoring 13 TDs in 119 carries while averaging 4.9 YPA. RB Christian Beal-Smith, who has 121 rushes for 650 yards and four scores. He averaged 5.4 YPA. QB Sam Hartman has tossed 10 TD passes and one pick while being sacked 24 times. He’s completed 58.9% of his passes. Three receivers have at least two TD catches each, with WR Jaquarii Roberson leading the way with five TDs, 54 receptions, and 795 yards.

Badgers QB Graham Mertz has passed for 1,108 yards, eight TDs, and five picks. He’s been sacked a dozen times. Mertz has completed 60.8% of his passes. Jake Ferguson is his favorite receiver, with four TD catches and 29 receptions for 284 yards. Three running backs have a total of 717 yards and five touchdowns. RB Nakia Watson has scored three times, averaging 3.6 YPA.

Wake Forest vs Wisconsin Pick 2020 – Defenses

Interestingly, the Wake Forest defense has put up some decent stats, including 17 sacks, 12 INTs, and 23 PD. They’ve posted three pick sixes and eight forced fumbles, recovering four. Unfortunately, DL Carlos Basham Jr., who leads the team with five sacks, has opted out of the game. DL Mike Fox comes to this game with 3.5 sacks, while DBs Ja’Sir Taylor and Nick Andersen have two and three interceptions respectively. LB Ja’Cquez Williams tops the team with 62 total tackles. He also has two INTs.

The Badger D has recorded 10 sacks, four picks, and 18 PD. They have forced and recovered four fumbles. LB Leo Chenal has posted three sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. He’s also the top tackler with 27 bringdowns, while LB Jack Sanborn has 41 total tackles. Safety Eric Burrell has one pick and two PD.

Wake Forest vs Wisconsin Pick 2020 – Final Word

Our Wake Forest vs Wisconsin pick 2020 likes the Badgers in this contest. Wake Forest is missing two key players, one on offense and one on defense. Both are difference-makers. The Badgers are not the most dynamic team on offense, but they can get the job done. Plus, they have a tenacious D. Also, we are going with the under at 51.5. See our pick for tonight’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic with Florida and Oklahoma.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl 2020 – Summary

Point Spread – Wisconsin Badgers at -9.5 (-109)
Totals – Under 51.5 (-103)