Wake Forest vs. Clemson Game Preview
10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 15, 2009
Video: Game Preview With Jim Grobe
Game Notes: Wake Forest 
| Clemson
Television Coverage: Raycom Affiliates
Radio Coverage:
In-Game Updates: Live Gameday Blog |
By Alex Botoman, WakeForestSports.com
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest (4-2, 2-1) will travel to Clemson (2-3, 1-2) on Saturday looking to break a decade-long jinx. The Demon Deacons have not won in Memorial Stadium, popularly known as "Death Valley," since 1998.
Wake is currently riding a two-game winning streak and played their best game of the season last weekend, putting up over 500 yards of offense in a 42-32 victory over Maryland. The Tigers have lost two in a row with their most recent game being a 24-21 home loss to the Terrapins two weeks ago where they failed to score on three fourth-quarter drives into Maryland territory.
Despite their record, Clemson is not a team to be taken lightly as they boast multiple talented play-makers. Running back C.J. Spiller is the ACC all-time leader in all-purpose yards and is considered one of the best players in the country. Receiver Jacoby Ford is another speedster who gives the Tigers the ability to stretch the field.
"We don't see anybody that has more talent than Clemson," said head coach Jim Grobe. "They've got a good coaching staff, and they've played a brutal schedule. Georgia Tech and TCU are two of the top teams in the country. They've played both of them."
Spiller is the motor that makes Clemson's offense run. His 72 rushing yards per game ranks fifth in the ACC, and he also ranks first in the nation in kick returns. The Deacons' ability to contain Spiller could go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.
"You're going to need 11 (players) to stop that guy," said linebacker Dominique Midgett. "He's very talented and has a lot of speed. As a competitor, you've heard about CJ Spiller, Jacoby Ford, and all these other guys and you're ready to compete. We feel like we're up for the challenge."
Members of the Wake defense feel like they have yet to play up to their true potential this season, but there are some signs that things are starting to come together. The Demon Deacons had a season-high four sacks against Maryland and senior John Russell was named this week's ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his six-tackle, two-sack performance.
"Defensively we're improving each week but we've hit some lulls," Grobe said. "We've got to try to play consistently. We've got to be better on third down."
In contrast, the Wake Forest offense has been borderline unstoppable so far this season, and they currently rank second overall in the ACC with 426 yards per game. Last week against Maryland, Riley Skinner came up two yards short of setting a career-high for passing for the fourth consecutive game, throwing for 360 yards. His four passing touchdowns were a career-high, and Wake's 516 yards of total offense were the most since the Duke game in 2005.
The Deacons have gotten it done on the ground as well, as they ran 39 times for 156 yards against Maryland. Josh Adams had 94 yards and a touchdown vs. the Terps.
"It's balancing out the way we've wanted it to," Skinner said. "A lot of times if you throw for more than 300 yards you're only rushing for 30 or 40, but we're still rushing for over 100 yards. We're starting to be that balanced team we've been looking for, and that's pretty exciting."
However, the Tigers have the third-ranked defense in the ACC, and rank second against the pass, which could pose a threat to the Deacon offensive juggernaut. Safety DeAndre McDaniel already has four interceptions on the season -- tops in the ACC. Defensive ends Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp have combined for five sacks.
"They might be one of the best defenses that we face all year. They're an athletic, explosive defense and they're hard-hitting," Skinner said. "Clemson's secondary is very good. They have two very talented cornerbacks and a safety that flies around and is athletic and can cover in space. It's going to be a tough defense to move the ball on."
One of Clemson's biggest advantages is in the stands rather than on the field. Death Valley is among the loudest and most intimidating places to play in the country, with 80,000 screaming fans that make it difficult for the opposition to communicate. Wake Forest has only won there twice in the past 40 years.
"You can't prepare yourself for it," said Midgett. "My freshman year I traveled to Nebraska and it was loud. Then I went to Clemson and it was louder. I'm trying to give the young guys the message that you won't be able to hear."
"You just have to be mentally prepared," added Josh Adams. "At some points in the game you can't even hear the quarterback. You have to pay attention and focus on what's going on during a play."
Much is at stake for both teams. A win for the Deacons will not be easy to come by, but it would help them cement their grasp on the top spot in the ACC's Atlantic Division. The Tigers are looking to generate some positive momentum and claw their way back atop the division race.
"They've had a lot of time to prepare for us," said Adams. "I know they just came off a loss and they're hungry for an ACC championship and another win in the conference just like we are. We need to come in focused because they are going to come out and play their best game at home."
Kickoff is set for noon at Memorial Stadium. The game can be seen regionally on Raycom and can be heard on the Wake Forest ISP Radio Network.
