Clemson Football 2017 Opponent Preview: Wake Forest
As the summer comes to a close and we enter fall camp, Rubbing The Rock will be taking a look at the Clemson Football program’s 2017 schedule. This edition features, the Tigers’ week 6 opponent, Wake Forest.
The Clemson football program has gone undefeated against Wake Forest since Dabo Swinney’s first official season as head coach in 2009. That being said, the Tigers can not afford to underestimate the Demon Deacons this year, as they return one of the top defenses in the ACC.
Current Head Coach: Dave Clawson (4th year)
Overall Record in 2016: 7-6
Dave Clawson has done a wonderful job of transforming this Wake Forest football program into something respectable. The Demon Deacons trudged through their first two seasons under Clawson with consecutive 3-9 years in 2014 & 2015. Winning is not something that the current players at Wake Forest were accustomed to and Clawson had to change that culture.
In 2016 Clawson’s hard work payed off as he led the Demon Deacons to their first winning season since 2008.
Statistical leaders in 2016:
Passing – John Woolford (Jr), 55.5 completion percentage, 1,774 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Rushing – Matt Colburn (So), 151 attempts, 626 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Receiving – Tabari Hines (So), 38 receptions, 447 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Tackles – Marquel Lee (Sr), 105 total, 63 solo.
Interceptions – Jesse Bates (Fr), 5.
Sacks – Duke Ejiofor (Jr), 10.5.
Key Players in 2017:
Offensively –
John Woolford may not be the most talented offensive player that the Demon Deacons have, but, he is certainly one of the most important. Wake Forest ran the ball well in 2016, yet they couldn’t stress defenses vertically. There was practically no deep threat, which allowed defenses to play close to the line of scrimmage and load up eight guys in the box to smother the run. Woolford must be willing to take a few shots down the field to keep opponents honest in 2017.
Outside of Woolford, rising sophomore running back, Cade Carney is vital to the success of this Wake Forest offense. Carney is a bruising runner similar to former Arkansas great, Peyton Hillis. Carney’s physical rushing style led him to a team high 6 rushing touchdowns last season.
Defensively –
Duke Ejiofor is without a doubt, Wake Forest’s most important defender in 2017. The senior defensive end could have easily declared for the NFL draft after posting double digit sacks as a junior. Clawson and his staff have turned 6-foot-4, 270 pound, Ejiofor into a force on the edge. With his constant pressure, he can completely alter an opponents gameplan.
The Demon Deacons also have redshirt sophomore defensive back, Jesse Bates III who led the team in interceptions in 2016 with 5. Standing 6-foot-3, Bates is an all-around play maker. He is a ball-hawk in coverage and he will come down and lay the boom in run support. Bates is also the Demon Deacons primary punt returner. Look out for Bates III in 2017, he is severly underrated.
Clemson 2017 Opponent Preview: Virginia Tech
Wake Forest will give Clemson problems offensively. The Tigers will be inexperienced at quarterback in 2017 and with the opportunistic nature of this Demon Deacons defense that could spell trouble. At the end of the day, Clemson has more fire power than Wake Forest. I can’t see the Deacs scoring more than 17 points on Clemson in their week 6 matchup this season.