College Football News Preview 2020: Wake Forest Demon Deacons Keys To The Season
Biggest Key To The Wake Forest Demon Deacons Offense
Keep on moving the chains. The whole system and everything Wake Forest does relies on the offense cranking up consistent production. Even when the points weren’t there, the O was still hitting third down conversion after third down conversion.
The Demon Deacons improved in each of the last four years, and last season led the ACC by converting over 47% of its tries, hitting the mark or better in eight games. It was 6-0 when it was able to do it, and then came the collapse to Syracuse and the loss to Michigan State despite the ability to keep things moving.
Over the last four seasons, Wake Forest is 17-3 when converting 47% of its third down attempts, and was 17-1 before the final two games of 2019.
Biggest Key To The Wake Forest Demon Deacons Defense
The coverage teams have to be a whole lot better. It all ties into the defensive side of things for a team that was great at getting its D off the field.
Wake Forest was great on third downs, it would force a punt, and then bad things would happen.
The Demon Deacon punt coverage team – the nation’s second-worst – allowed almost 16 yards per return, but the kick coverage team was even worse, giving up three touchdowns.
Back to the third down side, The team allowed just two offenses to covert more than 42% of their third down tries, and it lost both games. The program is 1-6 over the last two seasons when it does that.
Key Wake Forest Demon Deacons Player To A Successful Season
OT Spencer Clapp, Jr.
The Demon Deacons were fine on the offensive front. The interior is going to be a plus, but the tackles have to be great from the start. All-star Justin Herron is now a New England Patriot, and that means 6-6, 290-pound junior Spencer Clapp will get the first look at taking over the job after spending last year as the backup. If he’s not it, 6-3, 295-pound senior Je’Vionte Nash has to rise up into the role. No matter what the tackles have to keep QB Sam Hartman in one piece.
Key Game To The Wake Forest Demon Deacons Season
Syracuse, Nov. 7
There are a whole slew of keyACC games before this – beating Florida State on the road would be a big deal, and taking out NC State in Raleigh would help the cause – but beating Syracuse for the first time in three seasons is a must in the midst of a rough run.
The Demon Deacons last in a 39-30 overtime heartbreaker last year and dropped a 41-24 defeat in 2018. This time around, the date with the Orange comes after dealing with FSU and NC State, and before going to Louisville – it’s the home oasis in a run of road games. And after the Cardinals? Clemson.
– Wake Forest Demon Deacons Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
2019 Wake Forest Fun Stats
– Fumbles: Opponents 23 (lost 11) – Wake Forest 16 (lost 4)
– Penalties: Opponents 84 for 737 yards – Wake Forest 57 for 460 yards
– Field Goals: Wake Forest 24-of-25 – Opponents 17-of-19