Wake Forest Athletics
Football Celebrates Homecoming By Taking on the Tigers
10/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 22, 2001
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -
WAKE FOREST FOOTBALL
NEWS & NOTES
Game #7
October 27, 2001
Wake Forest (3-3, 1-3 ACC) vs. #25 Clemson (4-2, 2-2 ACC)
Groves Stadium (31,500) * Winston-Salem, NC
Kickoff: 12:00 noon
Television: Raycom/Jefferson Pilot (locally on WFMY-TV). Steve Martin and "Doc" Walker call the action, with Mike Hogewood reporting from the sidelines.
Radio: The Wake Forest ISP Sports Network, heard on 19 stations in North Carolina and Virginia. Full station listing is on page five of this package. Voice of the Deacons Stan Cotten calls the play-by-play. Former Deacs Ed Bradley and Mike Pratapas serve as color analysts.
On the Web: The radio broadcast can be heard live over the internet via WFU's homepage: www.wakeforestsports.com
The Series: Saturday's game marks the 67th meeting between Clemson and Wake Forest. Clemson leads the series 51-14-1, and has won six of the last seven meetings. More series information is on page three.
The Rankings: Clemson is ranked 25th in the coaches' poll, and dropped out of the AP poll but is still receiving votes.
The Coaches: Wake Forest's Jim Grobe is 3-3 in his first season with the Deacs. His career record now stands at 36-36-1 in his seventh season as a head coach. Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden owns a 19-11 record in his third season at Clemson, and is 37-15 in his fifth overall season as a head coach.
Tickets: Contact the WFU ticket office at 336-758-DEAC.
Officials: Announced on game day.
HOMECOMING 2001 comes to Groves Stadium as Deacons host Tigers
After an open date last weekend, Wake Forest (3-3, 1-3 ACC) returns to Groves Stadium to host 25th-ranked Clemson (4-2, 2-2 ACC) in the ACC Game of the Week - a high noon showdown televised on JP Sports (locally on WFMY-TV).
The Demon Deacons captured their first ACC win of the season - and first conference victory of the Jim Grobe era - with a 42-35 win at Duke in their last outing on Oct. 13. The win halted a three-game losing skid for Wake Forest and evened its season record to 3-3.
Clemson was shocked last Saturday by visiting North Carolina, as the Tar Heels held the Tigers to just 209 yards of total offense and walked away with a 38-3 victory. Clemson is 2-2 in the ACC with wins over Georgia Tech and NC State and losses to Virginia and UNC. The Clemson game begins a tough home stretch for the Deacs, as three of the last five opponents on the schedule are nationally-ranked.
THE DEACS on homecoming
Saturday's game marks the 55th Homecoming contest on record for Wake Forest football ... the Deacons own an all-time record of 24-29-1 in Homecoming games ... WFU has won its last two Homecoming contests after enduring a four-game losing streak from 1995-98 ... the Deacs have faced Clemson seven times on Homecoming, with a 1-6 record against the Tigers in those games ... the most common opponent for Wake on Homecoming is Duke, and the Deacs have a 4-10-1 record against the Blue Devils in those games ... Wake Forest is a perfect 3-0 in Homecoming games played on October 27, with wins over UNC (1951), Auburn (1979) and William & Mary (1984).
INJURY update
Quarterback Anthony Young will be re-evaluated Tuesday morning after aggravating a partial stress fracture in his right foot at the Duke game ... he remains in a cast and did not practice at all last week ... receiver Ira Williams (shoulder contusion) and strong safety Obi Chukwumah (concussion) have both returned to action after missing the Duke game.
GROUND GAME leads the ACC, offense puts up big numbers
Through six games this season, Wake Forest is averaging 235.5 rushing yards per game, a mark that leads the ACC and ranks sixth nationally. The blossoming ground game is a new dimension for the WFU offense, as the Deacons have averaged over 200 yards rushing for the season only three other times since 1951. This season's average is the highest since Wake Forest set a school record for season rushing average in 1971 with 304.0 yards per game.
Last season, Wake Forest ranked fifth in the ACC in rushing yardage with 150.2 yards per game. This season's average is an improvement from last season of over 85 yards a game.
Wake Forest is also averaging 395.7 yards in total offense, a figure which ranks fifth in the conference and 46th nationally. It is the highest average since the Deacons set a school record with 401.6 yards per game in 1986. Wake Forest has already tallied three 400-yard games in six outings this season. Compare that to the 2000 season, when it had three 400-yard games the entire year.
DEACON O-LINE stops the sacks
Wake's offensive line is one of the deepest, most talented and experienced position groups in the Deacon lineup. Two senior All-ACC candidates - left guard Michael Collins and center Vince Azzolina - both own 33 career starts, while Azzolina is riding a streak of 32 consecutive starts, dating back to his freshman season. Senior Michael Moosbrugger and junior Blake Henry have split starting nods at right guard. At the tackle spot, sophomore Tyson Clabo has started every game this season at left tackle, while juniors David Walters and Tim Bennett both have three starts apiece on the right side. Another senior, Seth Houk, provides depth at guard after starting seven games last season.
The offensive line has obviously been instrumental in Wake's rushing success this season, but the "Hogs" can also take credit for another impressive statistic. Wake Forest leads the ACC in fewest sacks allowed, giving up just nine sacks (-73 yards) through six games.
The effectiveness of the line this season can be attributed to the philosophy of head coach Jim Grobe and offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun. Their gameplan has been to play a number of linemen, keeping legs fresh while providing valuable experience at the same time. The Deacons have played up to 10 different offensive linemen in three games this season (not including three tight ends employed by the Deacs).
HEAD COACH Jim Grobe
The 2001 season marks the debut of new head coach Jim Grobe on the Wake Forest sideline. After opening the 2001 campaign with wins over East Carolina and Appalachian State, Grobe joined an elite group of first-year Deacon coaches. Only six coaches in school history have opened their WFU careers with two straight wins.
Grobe is no stranger to the Atlantic Coast Conference. After beginning his collegiate career at Ferrum Junior College, Grobe went on to the University of Virginia, starting two seasons for the Cavaliers and and earning Academic All-ACC honors. He earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from Virginia.
Grobe came to Winston-Salem from Ohio University, where in six years he resurrected a program that had previously been considered one of the worst in Division I football. Inheriting a team that was winless the previous season, Grobe turned the Bobcats into perennial conference contenders in the MAC and posted a 33-33-1 record during his tenure.
Prior to Ohio, Grobe served as an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy for 11 years under legendary coach Fisher DeBerry. The Falcons produced a record of 84-50 and went to seven bowl games during Grobe's tenure. He also served as an assistant coach at Marshall (1979-83) after beginning his college coaching career at Emory & Henry.
With a 3-3 mark through his first six games at Wake Forest, Grobe's career record as a head coach now stands at 36-36-1.
ON THIS DATE in WFU history
Wake Forest owns a 5-6-2 record in games played on October 27 ... The Deacons have faced Clemson one other time on this date, falling to the 19th-ranked Tigers at home, 24-6, in 1990 ... that game was also the last time the Deacons saw action on Oct. 27 ... WFU has not won an ACC game on this date, posting a 0-3-1 record with losses to UNC, Virginia and Clemson and a tie with the Tar Heels ... One of the greatest games in Wake Forest history occurred on this date, as the Deacs upset 13th-ranked Auburn, 42-38, in 1979 ... Wake has fared well in Homecoming games played on this date, posting a 3-0 record with wins over UNC (1951), Auburn (1979) and William & Mary (1984).
THE SERIES with Clemson
Clemson leads the all-time series, 51-14-1... the Tigers have won the last two meetings, including a 55-7 win at Clemson last season and a 12-3 win over the Deacons in Winston-Salem in 1999... Clemson has won six out of the last seven meetings and 21 out of the last 24 meetings... at home, Wake Forest is 18-7-1 all-time against the Tigers... Clemson has won the last three meetings and eight out of the last nine meetings in Groves Stadium... Wake Forest has actually enjoyed more recent success against the Tigers in Death Valley than at home... The Deacons have won two out of the last five meetings in Death Valley... Wake Forest is looking for its first win in the series since a 29-19 win at Clemson in 1998... Wake's Jim Grobe will coach against Clemson for the first time as a head coach... Clemson's Tommy Bowden is 2-0 all-time against the Deacs... Wake Forest has not scored 20 points or more against the Tigers since 1988... Clemson is Wake's fourth straight opponent coming off a loss the previous week.
CLEMSON connections
* Wake Forest has four players on its roster from the state of South Carolina - Ovie Mughelli (Charleston), Fabian Davis (Greenville), Anthony Young (North Augusta) and Karl Pendergrass (Spartanburg).
* Young and Clemson offensive guard T.J. Watkins both attended North Augusta High School.
* Wake defensive end Calvin Pace and Clemson free safety Marcus Houskin both hail from Douglasville (GA).
* Deacon special teams player Trevor Harris and Clemson placekicker Tony Lazzara both graduated from Shorecrest Prep in St. Petersburg (FL).
TWO-HEADED QUARTERBACK experiencing foot problems
So far this season, the gameplan at quarterback is for junior James MacPherson and sophomore Anthony Young to split playing time. The duo did the same in 2000 after the season-ending injury to starter C.J. Leak in the third game of the year. The system has integrated well in the Deacon offense, as Young is more of an option quarterback (and is the team's fourth-leading rusher) and MacPherson is a classic, drop-back passing-type QB, completing over 54 percent of his passes.
Lately, however, both quarterbacks have been hampered by injuries, although neither has yet to miss a game. MacPherson sprained his ankle at FSU, limiting him to just two series against NC State the following week. Young aggravated a previous injury to his right foot at Duke, extending a partial stress fracture he originally suffered earlier this year. He will be evaluated on a daily basis this week to determine his status for this Saturday.
PUNTING carousel continues
No starting role has been more up for grabs this season than punter. Through six games, Wake Forest has employed three different punters - walk-on Chris Rolle, quarterback James MacPherson and most recently, returning starter Matt Brennie.
After using Rolle in the season opener against ECU, coaches turned to MacPherson for the next three games. Although MacPherson did not attempt a punt last season, he saw action at punter in three games in 1999 as a redshirt freshman, including the Jeep Aloha Bowl. His 48.8-yard punting average against Maryland earned him ACC Specialist of the Week honors.
After MacPherson suffered a sprained ankle at FSU, Rolle once again stepped in versus NC State. And in the last outing at Duke, Brennie made his first appearance of the season, punting six times before Rolle punted once near games' end.
MacPherson has punted 12 times for 509 yards - a 42.4 average - with three punts inside the 20. Rolle owns 11 punts for 369 yards (33.5 average), and also has three inside the 20. Brennie is averaging 33.8 yards on six punts (203 yards) with one inside the 20.
JOHN STONE: an all-purpose kind of guy
Senior wide receiver/kick returner John Stone is widely known for his kick return abilities, having returned two kickoffs for touchdowns during his career. But this season he's also become a bigger part of the Deacon offensive scheme while continuing to post impressive numbers on kickoff returns.
Over the last three games, he's accumulated 183 rushing yards on 26 carries (7.0 ypc) after carrying the ball 15 times for just 50 yards in Wake's first three games. Stone reached another milestone - as a receiver - against Duke in Wake's last outing. He tied his career-high (also set against Duke) with five catches for a career-best 82 yards. He also caught his first career touchdown pass.
Stone has also tallied over 100 all-purpose yards in each of the last four games. He was named ACC Specialist of the Week on Oct. 1 after producing 233 all-purpose yards at Florida State, a total which ranks as the seventh-best single game all-purpose performance in school history.
Against the Seminoles, Stone led Wake Forest in rushing with 70 yards, receiving with 57 yards, and returns with 106 yards. Stone rushed 11 times for 70 yards to average 6.4 yards per rush, and his 57 receiving yards came on two receptions. His four kickoff returns accumulated 106 yards, with a long return of 37 yards.
He currently ranks fourth in the ACC and 36th nationally with 121.3 all-purpose yards per game.
Stone has tallied 2,458 all-purpose yards during his career, including 346 rushing yards, 510 receiving yards, and 1,602 kickoff return yards. He ranks 10th all-time among ACC kickoff return leaders.
WILLIAMS pulls the rare hat trick - and could do it again this week
Tarence Williams achieved a rare streak earlier this season when he recorded three consecutive 100-yard rushing games - tallying 162 yards at ECU, 116 vs. Appalachian State and 100 against Maryland. Only six other players in WFU history - Bill Barnes, Jack Dolbin, Larry Hopkins, Morgan Kane, James McDougald and Michael Ramseur - have put together three straight 100-yard games. Barnes and Hopkins actually owned school-record four-game streaks of 100 yards or more.
Prior to Williams, the last Deacon to post three straight 100-yard games was Morgan Kane in 1999. After averaging 132 yards a game against NC State, Rutgers and Maryland, Kane's streak was halted by Florida State in Tallahassee, where he tallied just 28 yards rushing on 12 carries. Williams met a similar fate in Tallahassee on Sept. 29 this season, when his three-game 100-yard streak was halted. He carried the ball 16 times for 48 yards versus the 'Noles. Since then, however, he has rebounded to produce 113 yards vs. NC State and 121 yards at Duke. So this week he is gunning for his second three-game streak of the season.
LINEBACKERS tallying the tackles
Since preseason, there has been concern with lack of depth in the Deacon linebacking corps, and numerous minor injuries in mid-season have added to the concern. But senior Marquis Hopkins and sophomore Kellen Brantley have provided a strong one-two punch, as they lead the team in tackles so far this season.
Hopkins is proving that his team-leading 100 total tackles last season were not a one-time event. He has led the team in total stops in each of the last five outings, and is averaging double digits in tackles through six games this year. After making four stops in the season opener against East Carolina, Hopkins recorded team-highs against Appalachian State (11), Maryland (11), Florida State (14), NC State (14) and Duke (13). With 72 total tackles, he is averaging 12.0 tackles per game, good enough to rank seventh among the ACC's top tacklers.
Brantley is second on the squad with 51 total stops, and has really come on strong over the last three outings, averaging over nine tackles and recording six TFL, two sacks and two interceptions.
Hopkins' 14 stops at FSU - which he and Brantley both matched against NC State - were the most by a Wake Forest defender in a single game since former Deacon Dustin Lyman tallied 14 against Appalachian State on Oct. 3, 1998.
Wake's linebackers are also responsible for four of the team's 10 interceptions this season. In addition to Brantley's pair, senior Ed Kargbo-Okorogie recorded the first INT of the 2001 season, picking off a pass at ECU, and redshirt freshman Mike Hamlar had a pick against ASU.
INTERCEPTIONS adding up
Heading into the season, the lack of experience in the Deacon secondary was a concern. Just one senior was listed on the depth chart, and the rest of the two-deep was filled with several redshirt freshmen and sophomores at the corner and safety positions. But the Deacon defense has already intercepted 10 passes (1.7 per game), and through six games this season, has already surpassed last year's season total (9). The school record for interceptions in a season is 21, set in 1971.
Redshirt freshman cornerback Marcus McGruder leads the team (and ranks fifth in the ACC/25th nationally) with three pick-offs, while sophomore Quintin Williams and redshirt freshman Caron Bracy each have one INT. Senior Adrian Duncan picked up his seventh career interception against Maryland.
Due to injuries in the secondary as well as linebacker, some players have moved around in the Deacon backfield. Duncan, who switched from corner to safety prior to this season, actually started at outside linebacker versus NC State. Williams, a returning starter at corner, started at free safety against the Wolfpack and had a productive night with nine tackles, including one for loss. Underclassmen Eric King, Walter Simmons and Bracy have also stepped up in starting roles over the last few games.
PACE'S sack attack
Keep an eye on defensive end Calvin Pace, who, midway through his junior year, has already moved up to third place on WFU's career sack chart. With 17 career sacks to his credit, the junior is "on pace" this season to pass second-place Bryan Ray, who recorded 19 sacks from 1997-00. Wake Forest's all-time leader, Mike McCrary, recorded 30 sacks from 1989-92.
Pace's nine sacks (for -67 yards) last season were a team-high while his 12 tackles-for-loss (-74 yards) was also the team's top returning mark entering the year.
COMING up next
Wake Forest plays the first of two straight games on the road as it travels to Charlottesville, Va. to take on the Cavaliers on Sat., Nov. 3 in a 12 noon kickoff televised by JP Sports. The following week, the Deacs make the short trip down I-40 to face North Carolina in Chapel Hill. These two dates mark the only consecutive road trips the Deacs will play this season. Nine of Wake's 11 games in 2001 take place in the state of North Carolina.
