Wake Forest Athletics
Demon Deacons Ready to Take On the Tigers
9/27/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 27, 2013
By Emma Lingan, WakeForestSports.com
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - After a rocky start to the season, the Demon Deacons silenced many doubts about their resilience by producing their best running game of the season last Saturday en route to a much-needed 25-11 victory over Army.
"It was a hard-earned win; it was a really physical game," Grobe said. "[Michie Stadium is a] really tough place to play, and I was proud of our kids. I thought, especially in the second half, they reached down and got a win, and it's certainly good for us mentally."
Coming off two straight losses against Boston College and ULM, the Deacs were especially anxious to get the win against Army and to improve their record to 2-2.
"It was big for us," said senior flanker Michael Campanaro. "Anytime you play a team like Army, it's tough to get a win. We were just focused on getting back on track and back to 2-2. It was big for us. The morale around the team is more upbeat." This rejuvenated confidence will serve the Demon Deacons well as they prepare to dive into the heart of ACC play this week.
"I think it was a great performance," said senior nose guard Nikita Whitlock, who had a career-high 15 tackles against Army, including four tackles behind the line of scrimmage. "I think it showed how technically sound we can be. We held them to no touchdowns, which is pretty much unheard of playing a triple option team. I think we did a really good job against the option. We have a different challenge coming up this week."
The challenge is this week's game at No. 3 Clemson, where the Demon Deacons haven't won since 1998.
"This is probably a year that is as tough a year to beat them as any year I've been here," Grobe said. "They're as talented as possibly any team in the country and very well coached. It will take a great effort on our part. We've had some great games down there, and they've worn us out a couple times. We really have to go down there focused. We have to play for four quarters at a high level to have a chance. This is probably the best Clemson team we've played since I've been here."
The Deacs have demonstrated, however, that they are up for the challenge. Following the win at Army, Whitlock proclaimed the Wake Forest defense to be among the best in the nation, and this weekend is his team's chance to prove him right.
"Playing a top-five team is always a good opportunity to show your talents and show what you can do because it's going to be on a big stage and everyone is going to be looking at you," said senior linebacker Justin Jackson.
Clemson's offense, led by veteran quarterback Tajh Boyd and All-American wide receiver Sammy Watkins, will put the Wake Forest defense to the test, but the Deacs are confident that they know what to expect.
"They're going to try to get the ball in space and be really fast," said sophomore linebacker Hunter Williams. "We're going to have to be great tacklers in space and make a lot of plays. We can't let them run all over us."
The Deacs believe that the extra time and effort devoted to last week's practices went a long way toward securing the victory at Army, and they have approached this week's practices with just as much, if not more, determination.
"We definitely take pride in taking ownership of ourselves and putting in the work needed for the game on the weekend," Williams said. "During the week we're going to have to work hard and practice hard, and we're going to do whatever the coaches tell us to do be successful."
The Deacs will take on the Clemson Tigers Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU.
