Wake’s defense aims to reinvent itself ahead of a crucial battle with the Wolfpack
“Nobody’s happy with losing, but this game [with] NC State really pumps us up,” Wake Forest running back Tate Carney said heading into this weekend’s ACC matchup. “They got us last year and we really don’t like them, and we’re excited to get after them on Saturday.”
Despite sitting at a 1-3 record following last Saturday’s grueling 41-38 loss to the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons’ spirits still appear high with the NC State Wolfpack (2-2, 0-1 ACC) next on the schedule.
“We’re six points away from feeling good about our season,” Wake Forest Football Head Coach Dave Clawson said at his Tuesday press conference.
Wake Forest dropped two close games to Virginia and now Louisiana by a combined four points. The offensive production is not the problem— averaging a No. 28-ranked 460 yards per game. The defense, meanwhile, has allowed an NCAA seventh-worst 470.5 yards per game.
The good news is that star defensive lineman Jasheen Davis returned to action last weekend and is a full go from here on out. However, another integral piece of their line, Kevin Pointer, is listed as “doubtful” for the showdown in Raleigh.
For the rest of the defense, it remains to be seen what can be done to improve the bleeding secondary. Wake Forest Football General Manager Kevin Higgins addressed questions about the position group.
“We’ve been making some mental errors,” Higgins said. “if we can just keep everybody in front of us and make them work their way down the field, then [we] have an opportunity to get a turnover.”
Higgins also cited the rest of the defense’s responsibility in relieving pressure off of the secondary. Wake Forest’s defense has recorded the fewest sacks (5) in the entire ACC this season.
The consequences of allowing explosive, chunk plays were apparent, as Louisiana ran 11 less plays than Wake Forest, having two touchdown drives end in four plays. Seventh-year senior Ben Wooldridge was surgical for the Ragin’ Cajuns, completing 20/29 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns, gashing the Demon Deacons’ defense.
Despite the past defensive breakdowns, Wake Forest is rolling into week six with a mindset of accountability and collaboration.
“I can say that we’ve worked on it…that we’ve practiced it,” Clawson said. “But at the end of the day, if you don’t get it done in a game, it really doesn’t matter how many times you’ve practiced it.”
Thankfully for the Wake Forest offense, they are likely to have cornerstone running back Demond Claiborne back for Saturday. Claiborne dislocated his kneecap in last week’s loss, but returned later to bust a 60-yard touchdown. Clawson says Claiborne is “probable” to play.
General Manager Kevin Higgins provided a historical parallel for this weekend’s rivalry matchup.
On this week’s edition of “The Dave Clawson Show,” Higgins cited Wake Forest’s devastating 2018 loss to Syracuse and having to turn around and play at NC State the following match. While belief was in short supply, the Demon Deacons rallied from behind to take down the Wolfpack. Now, after suffering a devastating loss to Louisiana, the Demon Deacons face a similar opportunity once again heading into NC State.
Wake Forest travels to Carter-Finley Stadium for their first away game of the season to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Kickoff is set for 12:00p.m. EST.