Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons Optimistic About Army
9/20/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 20, 2013
By Emma Lingan, WakeForestSports.com
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Demon Deacons were one two-point conversion away from tying ULM and sending the game to overtime on Saturday, but with only four seconds remaining in the game, their comeback effort fell just short. Rather than damaging the team's morale, however, last week's misfortunes have become the motivation for future success.
Following an offensive performance described by head coach Jim Grobe as "lethargic," the Deacons are focused on translating the urgency from Saturday's final drive to the entire game. Instead of failure, they see potential and a chance to grow.
"It kind of gives us a boost going into the next game, knowing that when the pressure is up, we can make it happen," said junior flanker Orville Reynolds.
Grobe, who took responsibility on Saturday for the offense's subpar performance, has vowed to do his part to ensure that the team shows visible improvement from week to week.
"We've got to work harder," Grobe said. "We thought we worked hard enough, but obviously we didn't. And maybe we didn't work smart enough. I think everybody takes responsibility; coaches and players. We're not apt to point fingers at the players. The coaches have to coach better, and we've got to work a little harder. The only answer I know is you just work harder."
Grobe and the coaching staff have elevated the intensity this week in preparation for this Saturday's game at Army. Coaches and players alike have acknowledged the necessity of longer practices and are eager to put in the extra time and effort if it means avoiding a loss such as last week's.
"We're playing a different type of offense this week," said junior cornerback Merrill Noel. "You need to be on your P's and Q's with this team because they run a misdirection [offense], and if your eyes aren't in the right place, the ball will get past you in a split second. The longer practices are a key for us."
Since the matchup against Army is their last game before heading into the heart of ACC play, the Demon Deacons realize the importance of coming out on top.
"This game is huge," said senior defensive end Zach Thompson. "Going into this game 1-2, this is a must-win."
The Deacs are determined to improve not only physically, but psychologically. Their shared love of the game and drive for success have helped them refocus their efforts and have given them a lot to be confident about.
"We have to play with more passion," Gibson said. "We have to play like our back is against the wall all the time. Our games are not going to get easier as the schedule goes on. We're going into ACC play, and we have to continue to fight hard and be one as family."
The Deacs are confident that the resilience exhibited in practice will manifest itself on the field in the coming weeks. They will hit the road to West Point, N.Y. with a positive attitude and a revitalized determination.
"We're just trying to put ULM in the past because there is nothing we can do about that," Reynolds said. "We just have to learn from it and move forward to Army."
