2007 Wake Forest Demon Deacons Football Predictions


June 6, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Wake Forest was perhaps the biggest overachiever in college football after reaching the BCS Orange Bowl against Louisville in 2006. Quarterback Riley Skinner was thrown into the fray in the third quarter of the opening game and showed unusual poise all year long. Skinner threw just 5 interceptions in 260 attempts with a 65.8 completion percentage as a redshirt freshman. This success led to Skinner becoming the ACC Rookie of the Year and a second-team All-ACC selection.

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Skinner returns and gets depth at the running back position as long as everyone stays healthy. Senior Micah Andrews returns from a torn ACL. Kevin Harris flashed much potential last year, and redshirt freshman Josh Adams could ad breakaway speed to the mix. The receiving corps lacks a standout guy, but Kenny Moore looks to improve on his 32 receptions from a year ago. Kevin Marion has the most speed and Demir Boldin returns at receiver after academic struggles limited his eligibility. Wake utilized tight end John Tereshinki last year and he will be back as a nice target for Skinner again this season. The line is anchored by center Steve Justice, a preseason All-American. The offensive line is loaded with experience and should be a dependable unit.

The strength of last year’s team was there defense, with the Demon Deacons allowing just 15.4 points per game. They could be very good again, but have to overcome the loss of their middle linebacker and three quarters of their starting secondary. Kevin Patterson was their most physical cornerback and because of this, the defensive coaches have moved Patterson to safety. Alphonso Smith locks down one corner, while the other is up for grabs as we head into the fall.

The Deacons feel they can compensate for the inexperience in the secondary with the front seven. End Matt Robinson has his motor running again after having to sit out all of the 2006 season with a broken kneecap. Jeremy Thompson and Anthony Davis are two other experienced ends. Sophomore tackle Boo Robinson is a potential star in the middle. Aaron Curry is a standout at outside linebacker and Stanley Arnoux is expected to start at the other outside spot. The Deacons feel junior Eric Berry can man the middle.

Wake Forest has given themselves a tough act to follow. A BCS bowl bid would, once again, be perhaps the biggest accomplishment of any team if they can pull it off. Jim Grobe deservedly won ACC and national Coach of the Year awards. Nobody is predicting a return to a BCS bowl, but the Deaons should be able to stay in the bowl picture and possible contend for a return to the ACC championship game. The margin for error is very thin with an even tougher schedule pegged for the 2007 season.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  50-1 (Field)
Bodog:          125-1
BetUS:         +1200 (Field)

Odds to Win ACC Atlantic:
BetUS:         +575
Bodog:         +700

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