Wake Forest Basketball: Breaking down 2017-18 non-conference schedule

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 14: Head coach Danny Manning of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts during the First Four game against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 14, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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WINSTON-SALEM, NC – MARCH 01: Head coach Danny Manning of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons questions an official during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at the LJVM Coliseum Complex on March 1, 2017 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

End of non-conference

After taking a trip to the U.S Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, Wake Forest will close out its non-conference schedule with games against UNC-Greensboro on November 24, the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 28, the Richmond Spiders on December 2, the Charlotte 49ers on December 5, the Army on December 8, Coastal Carolina on December 18, and the Tennessee Volunteers on December 23.

The game versus UNCG could be a tough one for the Demon Deacons, as the Spartans are a sneakily talented team that made it to the NIT last season. While I think that Wake Forest should win this home game, it could be one of the biggest toss-up games on the schedule.

The two following home games against the Illinois Fighting Illini and Richmond Spiders are two of the biggest on the non-conference schedule. Both teams will likely not make it to the 2018 NCAA Tournament, but both are good teams with talented players from decent conferences.

Next up are three winnable games on the road against Charlotte, at home against Army, and on the road against Coastal Carolina. While Charlotte on the road will be tricky, Wake Forest should be able to control the weaker team. Army and Coastal Carolina stand little chance.

Next: Notre Dame releases non-conference schedule

The biggest game on the non-conference schedule for Wake Forest, however, is their final non-conference match-up with Tennessee. Rick Barnes’ squad surprised last season, and they look ready to do it again next season. The Vols will be a bubble team, and Wake Forest could jump them with a win.

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