Bodog Beat

The Miami Hurricanes’ defense has struggled in ACC play this year, allowing at least 31 points in three of four conference games. (AP Images)

But a struggling Wake Forest offense might be just what the Canes need – the Deacons have scored just one offensive touchdown in the past two games, losses to Clemson and Navy, after previously leading the ACC in total offense. Thus UM is a 7-point favorite on Bodog’s college football odds.

Wake QB Riley Skinner has been pretty bad in the past two losses, completing 24 of 49 passes for 255 yards with one touchdown and two picks. However, the UM defense will be missing several key players on Saturday. Linebacker Sean Spence, the team’s best defensive player, defensive end Eric Moncur and safety Ray Ray Armstrong all have been ruled out because of various injuries. So has running back Javarris James.

The Demon Deacons have won four straight at home this season and nine of their past 10 home ACC games. Skinner threw for at least 360 yards and three TDs in Wake’s previous two home games; he is 51 yards shy of becoming just the second ACC quarterback to throw for 2,000 or more yards in four seasons (Philip Rivers). But Miami has won the past five in this series, including 16-10 last season.

The Deacons have just 19 wins as a school against ranked teams, but under Coach Jim Grobe they have won four of the past eight against Top-25 schools. When deciding which way to go with those college football odds on this one, use 24 as the magic number. When Wake Forest scores 24 points, it is 47-14 under Grobe, including 4-1 this year. When scoring less than 24, Wake is 11-34 under Grobe and 0-3 in 2009.