Miami is coming off a bye week prepared for the stretch run to the ACC Championship game. The Canes (9-1, 5-1 ACC) will host Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 ACC) on Saturday at the “Rock.”
Let’s step back and put the Demon Deacons under the microscope to see what the Canes will be up against.
Wake Forest is averaging 27.7 points per game this season, ranking #70 in the country. The Demon Deacons defense is allowing 32.5 points per game, ranking 113th in the nation. Those are not good numbers.
Team Strengths: Experience and Coaching
Wake has a veteran team. That makes it tougher to forecast. They have not mailed it in because of the culture instituted by head coach Dave Clawson and his staff. Wake has an excellent and experienced coaching staff. It keeps them in games.
Team Weaknesses: Roster Talent and Depth
Let’s face it, the Deacons don’t have the talent or depth to play with the big boys. That doesn’t mean they can’t play a competitive game.
What to watch for…
A. Starting Quarterback…
Wake’s starting quarterback, Hank Bachmeier, is an experienced college starter. This season, Bachmeier has thrown for 2,300 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. However, he was lost to the Deacons early in the UNC game with an upper extremity injury. His status could be a major factor because the drop-off is significant after Bachmeier.
Wake’s offensive line…
Wake’s starting offensive line, while very experienced, has struggled all season in pass protection. They have given up 30 sacks, second most in the ACC. If the Deacons can’t control Miami’s defensive line, Wake’s offense becomes one dimensional fast.
Wake’s running game:
Wake has a very solid running attack, featuring running back Demond Claiborne. This season, Claiborne has rushed for 919 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has also contributed to the passing attack, catching 20 passes for 236 yards. Claiborne is averaging 3.39 yards per carry after contact and has forced 41 missed tackles this season. Miami must clean up their tackling or face another ball control/clock eating scenario similar to Georgia Tech.
Wake’s passing attack:
Senior wide receiver Taylor Morin headlines Wake’s passing attack. This season, Morin has 52 receptions for 672 yard and two touchdowns. He’s averaging 13.o yards per catch. Again, can Wake’s pass protection hold up against Miami’s formidable pass rush?
Wake’s defensive front seven:
Wake has a veteran defensive front seven, led by senior DT Kevin Pointer, senior DT Jasheen Davis, redshirt senior LB Branson Combs and senior safety Nick Andersen. That game experience keeps the deacons in games.
The Wake Forest-Miami match up is set for 12 noon on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. It will be Senior Day, so let’s PACK THE ROCK!
GO CANES!
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