You’ve probably heard it before. People talk about the Clemson vs Wake Forest game like it’s a foregone conclusion. They point to the lopsided record and the massive talent gap that seems to widen every time Dabo Swinney lands another five-star recruit. Honestly, if you only look at the final scores, it’s easy to think this is just another Saturday in the office for the Tigers.
But that’s exactly where most people get it wrong.
Basically, this matchup is the ultimate "style vs. substance" clash in college football. You have the Clemson machine—built on elite speed and NFL-bound defensive lines—going up against Dave Clawson’s "Slow Mesh" offense, a scheme so unique it feels like a glitch in the Matrix. It’s not just a game; it’s a laboratory experiment in how to beat a giant.
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Why the Tigers Keep the Streak Alive
Let’s talk numbers. Since 2009, Clemson has absolutely owned this series. We are talking about a 16-game winning streak that has survived different eras of football. Whether it’s Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, or more recently Cade Klubnik, the Tigers find a way to dismantle the Demon Deacons.
In their most recent meeting on October 12, 2024, at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, the narrative didn’t change much on paper. Clemson walked away with a 49-14 win. But if you watched that first quarter, Wake Forest actually struck first. A 31-yard bomb from Hank Bachmeier to Horatio Fields put the Deacs up 7-0. It was the first time all season Clemson had even allowed a point in the first quarter.
Then the avalanche happened.
Clemson dropped 28 points in the second quarter alone. Phil Mafah was a human battering ram, and Klubnik looked like a surgeon, completing 31 of 41 passes. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Tigers had racked up 37 first downs—the third-most in school history. That’s the "Clemson effect." They don’t just beat you; they exhaust you until you can’t keep up with the pace.
The Dave Clawson Problem
Dave Clawson is widely considered one of the best "pound-for-pound" coaches in the country. He’s winning at a school that has the smallest undergraduate enrollment in the Power 4. But Clemson is his white whale.
The "Slow Mesh" is designed to pull linebackers out of position by having the quarterback hold the ball in the running back's gut for what feels like an eternity. Against most teams, it’s devastating. Against Clemson? It’s risky.
The Tigers usually have the defensive speed to wait out the mesh and still close the gap. In the 2024 game, guys like Wade Woodaz and Barrett Carter weren't fooled. They lived in the backfield, forcing two interceptions and keeping Wake to just 233 total yards.
It’s Not Just About Football
While the gridiron dominates the headlines, the Clemson vs Wake Forest rivalry has a weirdly competitive side in other sports that flies under the radar.
Take men's soccer, for example. In September 2025, Clemson went into Winston-Salem and pulled off a 4-3 thriller against a No. 13 ranked Wake Forest team. Nathan Richmond scored a brace, including the game-winner in the 71st minute. It was a high-stakes, back-and-forth match that looked nothing like the football scores we’ve seen lately.
Then there’s basketball. In the 2024-25 season, Clemson managed to snap a losing streak by beating Wake 73-62, thanks to a huge 16-point performance from Chase Hunter. It’s these "other" matchups where the Demon Deacons actually flex their muscles and prove they aren't just a stepping stone for the Tigers' athletic department.
The "Death Valley" Factor and Historical Context
People forget that this series dates back to 1933. The first game was actually played in Charlotte, not on either campus. Since then, they’ve played almost every single year.
Clemson has historically used this game to mark milestones. Did you know their 1,000th game in school history was against Wake Forest back in 2000? They won that one 55-7. It’s a series defined by long Clemson streaks, including a 15-game run from 1971 to 1991.
Wake Forest’s biggest win ever in the series came way back in 1943, a 41-12 blowout. Since then, they've only won consecutive games once (1992 and 1993). It’s a tough hill to climb when you’re facing a program that views a 10-win season as a "down year."
What to Watch For Next Time
If you're betting on or just watching the next Clemson vs Wake Forest matchup, don't just look at the spread. Look at these specific factors:
- The Turnover Margin: Wake Forest almost always has to win the turnover battle to stay competitive. In the games where they’ve kept it close—like the 2OT thriller in 2022—they forced Clemson into mistakes.
- Third Down Conversions: Clemson’s defense is designed to get off the field. If Wake can’t convert at least 40% of their third downs, the game usually turns into a blowout by halftime.
- The "Double Pass" Factor: Dabo Swinney loves a good trick play against the Deacs. In 2024, receiver Antonio Williams threw a 28-yard touchdown to tight end Jake Briningstool. It’s a recurring theme in this matchup.
Misconceptions to Toss Out
Don't buy into the idea that Wake Forest "can't" win. They were a few plays away from an upset in 2022. The talent gap is real, but the schematic advantage of the Slow Mesh means they are always one or two explosive plays away from making things very uncomfortable for the Tigers.
Also, ignore the "boring" tag. While the 2024 game ended in a 35-point margin, the chess match between the coordinators is some of the most technical football you'll see in the ACC.
Your Next Steps for Following the Rivalry
If you want to keep up with the latest in the Clemson vs Wake Forest saga, you should focus on the recruiting trail and the transfer portal.
First, check the 247Sports rankings for the upcoming class. Clemson’s ability to keep defensive line talent in the pipeline is the primary reason Wake Forest struggles to run their offense. If Wake lands a high-profile transfer quarterback who can handle the pressure of the Tigers' pass rush, the dynamic of the next game changes instantly.
Second, watch the mid-week press conferences during game week. Coaches Swinney and Clawson actually have a lot of mutual respect, and their breakdowns of each other's schemes are basically a free coaching clinic.
Keep an eye on the injury reports, specifically in the secondary. Wake Forest lives and dies by the long ball; if Clemson is down a starting corner, that 49-14 score can quickly turn into a shootout.
Stay tuned to the official ACC schedule releases to see where the next game lands. A late-season game in a chilly Winston-Salem is a much different beast than a season-opener in the South Carolina heat.