ACC Championship Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers Face Wake Forest in High-Stakes Battle

ACC Championship Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers Face Wake Forest in High-Stakes Battle

By Michael Davidson

January 19, 2025 at 03:23 PM

The ACC Championship Game features a compelling matchup between the Pittsburgh Panthers (10-2) and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Pitt enters as 3-point favorites, with the over/under set at 72.5 points.

Despite an early-season stumble against Western Michigan, Pitt has emerged as a conference contender with two separate four-game winning streaks. They now seek their first outright conference title in program history.

Wake Forest started the season 8-0 before some late-season losses. They secured their spot in the championship with a decisive 41-10 win over Boston College, aiming for their first ACC title since 2006.

Wake Forest's Offensive Prowess:

  • Averages 42.9 points per game
  • QB Sam Hartman: 34 TD passes, 10 INT, 8.8 yards per pass
  • Two 1,000+ yard receivers: A.T. Perry and Jaquarii Roberson
  • Three-pronged rushing attack with delayed handoff scheme
  • Defense has struggled, allowing 34+ points in 6 of last 8 games
  • 27 defensive takeaways this season

Pittsburgh's Strengths:

  • Led by potential Heisman finalist Kenny Pickett
  • Pickett's stats: 4,000+ passing yards, 40 TDs, 7 INTs
  • Jordan Addison: 1,300+ receiving yards, 17 TD catches
  • Strong pass rush averaging 4 sacks per game
  • Secondary shows vulnerability against strong passing teams

This championship matchup promises high scoring and excitement, with elite quarterbacks on both sides. The outcome likely hinges on defensive performance - Pitt's pass rush versus Wake Forest's ability to force turnovers.

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