Wake Forest Weekly Football Release
10/31/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 31, 2000
Wake Forest Weekly Football Release in PDF Format
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Game #8 - Saturday, November 4, 2000
12:00 p.m. - Groves Stadium (31,500)
WAKE FOREST (0-7/0-5)
vs.
DUKE (0-8/0-5)
KICKOFF: 12:00 p.m.
SITE: Groves Stadium (31,500), Winston-Salem, NC
TELEVISION: Raycom/Jefferson-Pilot (locally on WFMY-TV).
Steve Martin (play-by-play), Rick Walker (color analysis)
and Charlie Frederick (sidelines) call the action. Scott Snyder produces.
RADIO: The Demon Deacon Radio Network, heard on 15 stations in North
Carolina and Virginia. Stan Cotten, the voice of the Deacons, calls the
play-by-play. Former Deacs Ed Bradley and Mike Pratapas are the color
analysts. Produced and distributed by ISP.
ON THE WEB: The radio broadcast can be heard live over the internet via
WFU's home page @ www.wakeforestsports.com.
THE SERIES: Duke leads 53-25-2. More series information is on page four of PDF file.
THE RECORDS: Wake Forest is 0-7 overall and 0-5 in the ACC
following a 37-7 loss at Maryland on Oct. 21. The Deacons had last Saturday off.
Duke is 0-8 and 0-5 after a 20-9 loss at home to Maryland last Saturday.
THE COACHES: Wake Forest coach Jim Caldwell (Iowa '77) is in his eighth
season at WFU with a career record of 24-61. Caldwell is two wins shy
of tying Al Groh for the third-most career wins in school history.
Duke's Carl Franks (Duke '83) is 3-16 in his second season in Durham,
his second season overall.
TICKETS: Tickets available.
OFFICIALS: Announced on game day.
GAME NOTE: Both Wake Forest (John Stone) and Duke (Scottie Montgomery)
returned kickoffs 99 yards for TDs in last year's game.
Wake Forest, which had an open date last Saturday, takes on old rival Duke this Saturday afternoon at Groves Stadium (12:00 p.m., Raycom/Jefferson-Pilot TV).
Saturday's game, which pits two ACC teams looking for their first win of the season, is Homecoming for the Deacons. Wake, 0-7 overall and 0-5 in the ACC, hasn't played since a 37-7 loss at Maryland on Oct. 21. The Deacons took Friday and Saturday of last week off and resumed normal game-week preparations on Sunday.
Duke, 0-8 and 0-5, is also coming off a loss to Maryland, 20-9 last Saturday in Durham. The Blue Devil defense played extremely well in the loss to the Terps, shutting out Maryland in the first half. Maryland led just 13-9 with a little more than three minutes remaining. Duke leads the all-time series, 53-25-2, including a thrilling 48-35 win over the Deacons in Durham last season. The two teams have split the last four meetings. More series information can be found on page four.
A Quick Look At The Deacons Wake Forest, plagued with injuries throughout the season, hopes the open week helped heal a few of those injuries. The Deacons have been hit especially hard by injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Back in practice this week are freshman defensive backs Quintin Williams and Obi Chukwumah, both of whom have been nursing injured ankles. The Deacons also hope to see junior safety Tehran Carpenter (shoulder injury vs. Georgia Tech) return to practice at least on a limited basis this week.
True freshman quarterback Anthony Young, who sat out three quarters of the Maryland game with a bruised knee, is expected to be back near full strength. Sophomore tailback Jamie Scott (sprained neck) is back in practice this week as well after sitting out the Maryland game. Wake has played most of the year without quarterback C.J. Leak, who suffered a knee injury Sept. 16.
On offense, Wake continues to put up chunks of yardage but very few points to show for it. The Deacons have produced more than 400 yards of total offense in each of its last two games (at Georgia Tech and at Maryland) but have struggled in the red zone.
Sophomore quarterback James MacPherson is coming of his best day statistically as a Deacon. He completed 28-of-49 passes against Maryland for 343 yards and one touchdown, although he did toss three interceptions against the Terps.
Offense Continues To Produce Yardage
The low point of the season for the Wake Forest offense may have come in the first half against nationally-ranked Clemson way back on Sept. 16. The Deacons were shut out in the first half, recorded just one first down and produced just 44 yards of offense. In the second half, things got worse. Sophomore quarterback C.J. Leak was knocked out for the season with a dislocated knee.
Since that 55-7 loss to the Tigers, however, the offense has marched up and down the field at a pretty good clip, although turnovers and lack of efficiency in the red zone have hurt. In each of Wake's last four games, the Deacons have put up outstanding numbers. A number of things have fallen into place for the Deac offense: n Behind consistent junior center Vince Azzolina, the offensive line has improved. Junior tackle Michael Collins, an all-star candidate, returned to action in early October after missing two weeks following knee surgery. And two true freshmen -- Tyson Clabo and Brad Palmer -- have emerged on the line.
That O-line could receive and additional boost if sophomore guard Tim Bennett, out since the Clemson game with a knee injury, can return before the end of the season.
The quarterback duo of true freshman Anthony Young and sophomore James MacPherson have kept defenses off balance with their varying styles.
Four different tailbacks, including sophomore Tarence Williams (110 yards at Tech), have all played well.
Receivers Ira Williams and Fabian Davis, both with more than 300 yards receiving, have stepped up.
Sophomore tight end Ray Thomas has emerged as a sure-handed receiver (seven receptions over the last three games).
MacPherson Has Big Day Behind Center
Sophomore quarterback James MacPherson received a little more playing time than expected Oct. 21 at Maryland when starting QB Anthony Young went down with a bruised knee. MacPherson responded with the best passing day of his young career.
Against the Terrapins, he completed 28-of-49 passes for 343 yards -- all career-highs. He also threw his first career passing touchdown -- an 18-yarder to Fabian Davis. For the season, MacPherson is completing 53.7 percent of his passes (66-of-123) for 755 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.
More Notes From The 37-7 Loss At Maryland
Four Deacons made their first career starts on defense -- Roderick Stephen (DE), Mike Koch (FS), Elliot Ivey (CB) and Ricky Perez (CB).
James MacPherson's 42-yard pass to Ira Williams in the first quarter was Williams' longest reception of the year. Williams is the only receiver to have caught a pass in every game this season.
Punter Matt Brennie tied a career-long with a 56-yard put in the second quarter. He also recorded a 55-yard punt later in the first half and a 51-yarder in the third quarter. Brennie has 11 punts on the season of 50 yards or more.
Defensive end Bryan Ray recorded his 15th career sack, moving him up to second place in the Wake Forest record books. Ray is tied for second with former Deacons Fred Robbins (1996-99) and James Parker (1976-79) on that list.
Sophomore defensive end Calvin Pace recovered his first career fumble after sacking Maryland's Calvin McCall in the third quarter. It was his fourth sack of the year and the seventh of his career.
Maryland's Randall Jones intercepted MacPherson's pass and ran it back 90 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown, marking the first time a Wake opponent has returned an INT for a TD since Oct. 31, 1998 (Virginia).
Wide receiver Jax Landfried enjoyed a career day, catching five passes for 37 yards.
Junior wide receiver Ira Williams led the Deacons in receiving yardage for the second straight week with 76 yards on five receptions.
A season-high nine different receivers caught passes against the Terps.
Two Young QBs Give Foes Different Looks
True freshman Anthony Young is elusive, quick and is a classic option quarterback. Sophomore James MacPherson is more of a drop-back, passing QB with near-perfect mechanics.
Together, Wake Forest's quarterback duo has very little experience (Young has played in 14 quarters while MacPherson has seen action in four games, all as a reserve). However, their two different styles are keeping opponents off balance.
Both players have been effective, despite their lack of experience. Young, who has thrown for two TDs and run for another in his short tenure, is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He has completed 17-of-28 passes (.607) for 188 yards. He completed his only attempt of the game at Maryland before leaving the game with a bruised knee.
MacPherson, who had knee surgery in the spring and took his first official snap Sept. 30 against Virginia, has completed 66-of-123 (.537) passes for 755 yards.
Class Of 2003 Making An Immediate Impact For The Demon Deacons
Coach Jim Caldwell spoke highly of his most recent recruiting class. Now we know why.
Eight true freshmen have seen action this season. Four have started. Others are emerging as potential starters. A quick look at the true freshmen who have see action this season:
Anthony Young (QB) -- In just four games as Wake's starting quarterback, Young has emerged as the team's leading rusher and is completing 60 percent of his passing attempts. He is the first WFU true freshman to start at quarterback since 1978.
Fred Staton (RB) -- Turned in his best outing of the season Oct. 14 against Vanderbilt. Had a career-high 14 carries for a career-best 62 yards against the Commodores.
Mark Moroz (TE) -- Has started twice as Wake began those games in a two-tight end set. Missed the Maryland game with a knee injury but is now back in action.
Quintin Williams (CB) -- An ankle injury kept him out of starting lineup each of the last three games.
Tyson Clabo (OL) -- Started vs. Virginia at guard and has seen extensive action this season at tackle.
Marcus Nesbitt (LB) -- After seeing considerable action in Wake's first two games, a knee injury has sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Kellen Brantley (OLB) -- Has seen action in all seven games as the back-up at outside linebacker and a key performer on special teams.
Brad Palmer (OG) -- has developed into a top reserve on the line.
WFU One Of Nation's Youngest Teams
Notes on Wake Forest's youthful 98-man roster:
Including kicking specialists, Wake Forest returned just five starters off of last year's 7-5 team that won the Jeep Aloha Bowl. According to Sports Illustrated, that's the fewest returning starters in Division I-A. Air Force, with seven returnees, ranks second.
Eleven Deacons made their first ever start in the season opener against Appalachian State, including six on offense: Ray Thomas (TE), Chris Blank (LT), Tim Bennett (RG), Ira Williams (WR), C.J. Leak (QB), Montique Sharpe (DT), Michael Clinkscale (SS), Chris Justice (CB), Nick Bender (LB) and Calvin Pace (DE).
Just three seniors were in the starting lineup in the season opener ? Chris Blank (LT), Bryan Ray (DE) and Nick Bender (LB). A fourth senior, defensive tackle Da'Vaughn Mellerson, started against North Carolina. That was Mellerson's first career start.
Four true freshmen started Sept. 30 against Virginia ? Anthony Young (QB), Mark Moroz (TE), Tyson Clabo (OG) and Quentin Williams (CB).
Young is the first freshman to start at quarterback for Wake Forest since 1978.
When it comes to skill positions, no team is younger than Wake Forest. The Deacons start a freshman at quarterback and sophomores at fullback, running back, tight end and one wide receiver position.
There are just 11 seniors on the roster. n Wake's top eight receivers, top six rushers and top three passers are all non-seniors.
Youngest Skills Position Starters Nationally
Team QB RB FB TE WR WR
5
Houston -- So. *So. So. So. So.
SMU -- So. *So. So. So. So.
WAKE FOREST Fr. So. So. So. So. --
4
Ohio So. So. So. -- So. --
USC So. So. -- -- So. So.
Wyoming -- Fr. -- Fr. Fr. Fr.
3
Arkansas So. So. -- So. -- --
Bowling Green So. So. -- So. -- --
Florida -- So. -- So. So. --
Texas A&M So. So. -- -- Fr. --
*Starts a third sophomore receiver, no fullback
Head Coach Jim Caldwell
Wake Forest head coach Jim Caldwell (Iowa '77) enters his eighth season with the Demon Deacons.
Caldwell, who took over the head coaching position at Wake Forest in 1993, has compiled a career record of 24-61. The former assistant coach under Joe Paterno at Penn State has compiled some notable achievements during his tenure:
Last fall, Wake Forest recorded a winning season (7-5) and earned a postseason bowl bid for the first time since 1992.
In 1999, the Deacons defeated two nationally-ranked teams for the first time since 1979, topping No. 25 NC State and No. 14 Georgia Tech.
Wake Forest has won back-to-back nationally-televised games on ESPN's Thursday night telecasts, defeating NC State in 1997 and Navy in 1998.
Caldwell teams have won twice in Clemson's famed 'Death Valley.' Prior to Caldwell's arrival, Wake had won just once in that stadium since 1950.
In both 1996 and 1997, Wake Forest stepped out of the ACC and recorded wins over nationally-ranked Northwestern, including a win over the defending Big Ten champions in 1996.
Wake Forest was ranked among the top 35 teams in the nation in every defensive category in 1999.
In 1995, WFU quarterback Rusty LaRue established seven NCAA passing records.
In 1998, senior Desmond Clark became the all-time leading pass receiver in ACC history.
Statistical Tidbits
Wake Forest ranks third in the ACC in kickoff return yardage (23.1 ypr.).
The Deacons rank fourth in the ACC in pass defense (211.6 ypg.).
Wake has been called for the fewest penalties (42) and penalized the fewest yards (343) of any ACC team.
With 110 yards at Georgia Tech, sophomore Tarence Williams ranks ninth in the ACC in rushing.
Junior wide receiver Ira Williams ranks fifth in the ACC in receptions per game (4.43).
Junior John Stone ranks second in the ACC in kickoff return yardage (25.4 ypr.). n Matt Brennie ranks fifth in the ACC in punting (42.8 ypa.).
It's Miller Time
Duke starting right guard John Miller is the brother of Wake Forest women's basketball player, sophomore Heather Miller.
A Look At Last Year's WFU-Duke Game
Nov. 13, 1999 in Durham -- Duke jumped out to a shocking 34-0 first-quarter lead and held on for a wild 48-35 victory at Wallace-Wade Stadium.
The loss put Wake Forest at 5-5 and jeopardized the Deacs' bowl hopes (a win over Georgia Tech the next week put WFU in the Jeep Aloha Bowl).
The Blue Devils, playing without their starting quarterback, tailback and placekicker, scored three touchdowns in the first 4:20. They returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a score, then struck again on a 10-yard pass from Kevin Thompson to Richmond Flowers. Three players later, an interception of a Ben Sankey pass set up Duane Epperson's 13-yard scoring run. Another Deacon three-and-out and a Morgan Kane fumble led to tow more Devil TDs and a 34-0 first-quarter lead.
WFU quarterback Ben Sankey engineered two scoring drives in the second quarter before an interception led to a sixth Duke score. Wake used a 95-yard scoring drive, capped by Sankey's one-yard toss to Marvin Chalmers, to make it 41-21 at the half.
The Deacs opened the second half with a 75-yard TD drive, as Sankey scored on a 26-yard run. Duke scored again, but John Stone returned the Devils' kickoff 99 yards for a score, marking the longest return of any kind in Wake Forest history. The defense continued to hold Duke in check, and the offense had a chance to get within seven points midway through the final period. On fourth-and-goal from the Duke 3, Sankey hit Jammie Deese at the goal line but Deese was pulled down just short of the endzone, effectively ending the Deacs' comeback bid.
Wake outgained Duke, 376 yards to 337, as Sankey accounted for 356 yards of total offense. Sankey's 50 pass attempts and 29 completions were career highs, but he also threw four interceptions and was sacked five times. Thompson completed 12-of-19 passes for 128 yards and two TDs, while Letavious Wilks had 128 yards on 20 carries for Duke.
More On Anthony Young
A few things you might not know about true freshman quarterback Anthony Young:
At age 18, he became one of the youngest starting quarterbacks in the nation when he started against Virginia Sept. 30.
Young became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Wake Forest since 1978 when David Webber started the last seven games of the season. Webber passed for 1,070 yards in those seven games.
An exceptional athlete, Young came to Wake Forest primarily as a wide receiver. However, with James MacPherson out for part of the season and with little depth behind then-starter C.J. Leak, Young began fall drills at quarterback.
Young's father, Al, was a standout wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Young worked the last two years in the Augusta National clubhouse during the Masters golf tournament, where he has met many of the top pros including Tiger Woods and Fred Couples.
During practice earlier this fall, Young boasted to punt team coach Ray Rychleski that he could punt. Rychleski gave him the ball and Young promptly booted punts of 40 to 50 yards. 'How did you learn to punt?' Young explained that he learned from former NFL great Ray Guy, who is a friend of Al Young.
Wake's two longest offensive plays from scrimmage this season have been Young runs of 55 and 53 yards.
More On James MacPherson
When sophomore James MacPherson directed Wake Forest's third drive of the Sept. 30 game against Virginia, it marked the first time since 1997 , his senior year of high school, that he has played quarterback in a game.
MacPherson was a standout quarterback and punter at Mountain View High School in Tucson (AZ) before coming to Wake Forest. He redshirted the 1998 season, and while he didn't see a snap at quarterback last season, he did play two games at punter.
In the spring, just when he began to battle C.J. Leak for the quarterback position, he injured his knee and underwent surgery. He was not medically cleared to play in games until Sept. 25.
More on MacPherson:
MacPherson was Wake's third-string quarterback in 1999 behind starter Ben Sankey and backup C.J. Leak.
By the end of the 1999 season, he emerged as Wake's starting punter. He punted in the final two games of the regular season and in the Jeep Aloha Bowl.
Projected to be healthy enough to play in mid-October, MacPherson worked extremely hard to be ready slightly ahead of schedule.
The 20-year old is an outstanding student, previously earning Dean's List honors.
Wake-Duke Coaching Connections
Wake Forest offensive coordinator Eddie Williamson was an assistant coach at Duke from 1978-82.
Duke head coach Carl Franks played running back and tight end for the Blue Devils during most of Williamson's tenure, lettering for Duke from 1980-82.
Williamson was the head coach at VMI from 1985-88 and in 1985, Franks was an assistant coach for the Keydets.
Deacon director of football operations Bill Faircloth was an assistant coach at Duke in 1976 and 1977.
From 1981-83, Wake Forest assistant Mel Foels and Duke assistant Fred Chatham were both on the coaching staff at North Carolina.
In 1996, WFU assistant Tony Pierce and Duke assistant Joe D'Alessandris were on the same coaching staff at Pittsburgh.
Wake Forest associate media relations director Joanna Sparkman previously worked at Duke.
Bryan Ray Climbs Up Wake's Record Book
Senior All-ACC candidate Bryan Ray recorded his 15th career sack Oct. 21 at Maryland, moving him into a tie for second place on Wake's all-time career sacks list. Ray also recorded his 32nd career tackle-for-loss, which ties him for fifth place all-time at WFU.
Ray, who recorded his first career touchdown Sept. 9 against North Carolina when he recovered a fumble in the endzone, also ranks fourth in Wake Forest history for career sacks with 14.
Stone Eclipses 1,000 Career Return Yards
Junior John Stone reached a milestone Oct. 14 at Georgia Tech when he gained his 1,000th yard as a kickoff returner. Stone, who has 559 return yards this season, has 1,088 career yards. Stone is not only one of the fastest players in college football ? he is a former 100- and 200-meter ACC champion ? but he's also one of the top kick returners. He ranks second in the ACC and ranks 16th nationally this season in returns.
Stone has returned kickoffs for touchdowns twice in his career including an 88-yarder in the season opener against Appalachian State. He was named the ACC Specialist of the Week following that performance. Stone also ranks eighth in the ACC in all-purpose yards.
Brennie Continues To Punt Well
Sophomore punter Matt Brennie, after a shaky start in the season opener, has been one of the top punters in the ACC, if not the nation. Brennie, who averages 42.8 yards per boot, ranks fifth in the punt-heavy ACC and 20th nationally.
He has 11 punts this season of 50 yards or more. Eleven of his 43 punts have been downed inside the 20.