| Conner Vernon could set the ACC career record for catches on Saturday. (US Presswire) |
Duke (3-1, 0-0 ACC) at Wake Forest (3-1, 1-1 ACC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network)
Spread: Wake Forest by 3.
Watchability: The game matches two well-coached squads that are doing better than expected this season. Five of the last six games between Duke and Wake have been decided by less than a touchdown. It should be a good opener to the ACC day.
Shining stars: Duke: With a solid game, wide receiver Conner Vernon will become the ACC’s all-time leader in receptions. He has 227, five shy of Aaron Kelly, who set the record at Clemson from 2005 through 2008. Wake Forest: Wide receiver Michael Campanaro continued his spectacular year. He caught 12 passes for 153 yards and became the first Demon Deacon in seven years to score three touchdowns in a game.
Who could steal the show: Duke: Cornerback Ross Cockrell is tied for first nationally with 10 passes defended this year. He also ranks fourth in pass breakups and interceptions and has scored two touchdowns. Wake Forest: Linebacker Justin Jackson had a career-high 11 tackles against Army. He also blocked an extra point -- the second blocked kick of his career -- and recovered a fumble.
You going? Ranking the road trip: It’s parents weekend at Wake Forest. The good news is that attendance at BB&T Field will probably be higher than usual as students take their folks to the big game. Of course, with Mom and Dad on hand, the student section might not be as rowdy as normal.
Magic number for Duke: 12. The Blue Devils have lost the last dozen games against Wake Forest.
Magic number for Wake Forest: 6. This is only the seventh time in the 92 meetings between the two schools that this game has been played this early, and, with both teams 3-1, it’s the most combined wins they’ve had in one of their few September showdowns.
The game comes down to: A way to win. In recent history, Wake has always been able to find it, whether it’s a shootout, defensive struggle, or, like last year, a game dominated for 58 minutes by the Blue Devils.
Prediction: Duke 28, Wake Forest 24
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.