Wake Forest Demon Deacons defeat Purdue Boilermakers 38-36: Recap, Betting Results & AiQ Picks

Sat, Sep 12, 2026 · NCAAF · Wake Forest Demon Deacons 38, Purdue Boilermakers 36

Wake Forest defeated Purdue 38–36 on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium, with the Boilermakers covering the +3 spread as a +3-point underdog. The total sailed over 51.5, finishing at 74 points.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Purdue Boilermakers final score and game recap

The teams traded scores through regulation. Wake Forest led 17–10 at halftime after a 10–3 second-quarter run, then extended the margin to 20–13 by the end of the third. Purdue tied it 23–23 with a 10-point fourth quarter, and both teams scored 7 points in the fifth to reach 30–30. In overtime, Wake Forest scored eight points while Purdue managed six, securing the 38–36 victory.

Who covered the spread in Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Purdue Boilermakers?

Purdue covered at +3. Wake Forest won by two points, allowing the underdog to beat the closing line. The spread held steady from open to close.

Did Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Purdue Boilermakers go over or under the total?

The game went over, finishing at 74 points against a 51.5 closing line—an over by 22.5 points. Scoring accelerated in the fourth quarter, fifth quarter, and overtime, with the combined total finishing well beyond the opening 49.5.

How did AiQ's Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Purdue Boilermakers predictions do?

AiQ finished 3–0 across all graded picks:

The model correctly identified Wake Forest as the winner, the underdog covering the spread, and the high-scoring nature of the contest.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Purdue Boilermakers odds: sportsbook value and line movement

The closing moneyline was Wake Forest at –148 and Purdue at +123, implying a 57% win probability for the Deacons after vig removal and a 43% chance for the Boilermakers. The bookmaker's margin sat at 4.5%. Wake Forest's –148 price paid $67.57 on a $100 wager. AiQ's pre-game expected value calculation placed the Deacons at –2.4% at –143, indicating the market price was slightly unfavorable relative to AiQ's calibrated 57% win estimate. The total moved up two points from 49.5 to 51.5 before kickoff.

Wake Forest sits 2–0 overall, with a 1–0 home record and 1–0 away/neutral record. Against the spread in two games with a recorded closing line, the Deacons are 0–2, but they are 2–0 on the over/under, with both contests exceeding the total.

Purdue is 1–1 overall, both games at home. With one recorded closing spread, the Boilermakers are 1–0 against the spread and 1–0 on the over/under.

What's next for Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Purdue Boilermakers?

Wake Forest hosts Miami Hurricanes on Friday, September 18. Purdue travels to UCLA Bruins on Saturday, September 19.