Jim Grobe, Wake Forest Go for Third Straight Bowl

ACC Atlantic No. 2: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

2007 Results and Offseason

Wake enjoyed their second straight bowl and a nine-win season in '07.  The Deacons beat FSU for a second straight season and just missed out on a second straight ACC championship game appearance.  Wake Forest didn't bring in a great recruiting class, but Jim Grobe has proven over the years what he can do with marginal talent.

2007 Record: 9-4 (5-3)

Ret. Starters: 14

Ret. Lettermen: 44

Off PPG: 28.1 (3rd), RYPG: 121.5 (8th), PYPG: 218.4 (7th)

Def PPG: 26.0 (9th), RYPG: 94.6 (3rd), PYPG: 263.8 (11th)

Offense (Five Ret. Starters, 18 Ret. Lettermen)

Riley Skinner is back for his junior season and should garner All-ACC consideration again.  Skinner led the NCAA in completion percentage at 72.4 percent a year ago.  Brett Hodges is the backup and was barely beaten out by Skinner two years ago.

Also back is the leading rusher from a year ago, Josh Adams.  Adams had 11 TDs and was the home run threat, while the departed Micah Andrews was the grinder.

The Deacs lose their top two receivers, including Kenny Moore, who played just about every skill position in his time in Winston-Salem.  The leading returner is Chip Brinkman.

The O-line loses three starters from a year ago, and the loss of C Steve Justice will especially hurt.  O-line cohesion plays a big role in Grobe's misdirection offense.

Defense (Nine Ret. Starters, 24 Ret. Lettermen)

Wake has switched to a 4-3 defense after gaining depth along the line over the last few seasons.  Two starters must be replaced.  NT Boo Robinson returns from an injury in '07.

The LB unit is led by Aaron Curry, who led the team in tackles for loss with 10.5.  Curry was also the second-leading tackler and returns with fellow seniors Chantz McClinic and Stanley Arnoux.

The secondary returns second team All-American Alphonso Smith at one corner and leading tackler SS Chip Vaughn.  The other corner, Brandon Ghee, led the team with 10 pass breakups in '07.

The defense returns the top five tacklers and nine of the top 10 from a year ago.

Special Teams

Sam Swank could be All-ACC at punter and kicker this season.  The senior was 18 for 21 a year ago in PK.  The Deacs will have to find a new punt returner with the graduation of Moore.  Smith will likely return kicks.

Newcomers of Note

Wake never has top-rated recruiting classes, but they have still outpaced most of their ACC opponents in wins over the years.

Schedule

Wake opens the year at Baylor followed by home vs. Ole Miss.  Additionally, they face vNavy and vVandy in the non-conference.  From the Coastal they draw @Miami, vDuke, and vUVA.  After an Oct. 4 bye, Wake plays eight straight.  The Deacs' game at Maryland could mean the difference between a second or fourth place finish.

Final Thoughts

Offensively, Wake has to replace a lot, but a returning starter at QB can get them by early.  The defense should be much improved over a year ago with nine returners.  If you look at Wake's stats, they should be a nine-win team, but they do great in the turnover battle and maximize opportunities.  If I am preparing for one game in the ACC, I want Grobe on my side.

Prediction

Likely Wins: @Baylor, vDuke, vUVA

Likely Loss: None

9-3 (5-3)

Next Up: ACC Coastal No. 1