Maybe Wake Forest isn't as good as its sparkling 11-1 record shows since the Demon Deacons have played only the 209th-hardest schedule. But the Demon Deacons are explosive and Louisville is struggling, losing to Western Kentucky by 10 points and to DePaul by seven points during two of its last three games.

The Demon Deacons are averaging 81.2 points, which ranks 25th in the country. That's 11 points more per game than Louisville averages.

Wake Forest hasn't played in 11 days. Louisville has been idle for 10 days. The Cardinals, though, could have more rust because they had to go a full week without practicing due to COVID issues. They just resumed practicing this past Sunday. It's a huge break for Wake Forest if Malik Williams, the Cardinals' leading rebounder and No. 2 scorer, is not back yet from COVID protocol.

Even if Williams returns, Wake Forest should be able to hang in with its offense if not pull the outright upset.