KEYS TO THE GAME: Wake Forest

Miami will host Wake Forest on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.

The game is critical for Miami’s (9-1, 5-1 ACC) chances to make it to the ACC Championship game in Charlotte on December 7th and post-season play. Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 ACC) is playing for a bowl invitation, needing a two wins to close out the season and qualify for a bowl.

After viewing game footage and reading reports, we feel there are three key factors to a Miami victory.

Stopping Wake’s running attack.

Miami must stop Wake running back Demond Claiborne. Claiborne has rushed for 919 yards and 11 touchdowns. while catching 20 passes for an additional 236 yards. Miami must clean up their tackling or face another ball control/clock eating scenario similar to Georgia Tech.

Forcing Wake into a single-dimension offense.

Wake’s offensive line is very experienced but has struggled in pass protection this season. They’ve given up 30 sacks this season, If Miami can keep pressure on Wake’s quarterback, then Wake’s offense becomes one-demential and predictable.

Wake Quarterback Hank Bachmeier...

Once again this week, a big storyline going into the game is the status of Wake’s starting quarterback, Hank Bachmeier. He is an experienced college starter who has thrown for 2,300 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. However, he was lost to the Deacons in the UNC game with an upper extremity injury. His status could be a major factor because the drop-off is significant after Bachmeier.

Game time is set for 12 noon at Hard Rock Stadium. Video coverage provided by ESPN and radio on WQAM-560.

GO CANES!