2008 Wake Forest Football


July 18, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Jim Grobe has made this Wake Forest football program a winning one in his seven-year tenure.  The Deacons won 9 of their last 11 games in ’07, including a 24-10 victory over Connecticut in the Meineke Car Care Bowl to build some momentum heading into ’08.  Let’s see how that momentum works as the Deacons try and avoid the same 0-2 start they got off to last season.  Info Plays 2008 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football predictions will give you an insight as to what can be expected this season.

Offense:

Riley Skinner mustered up 2,204 yards and 12 touchdowns last season despite missing two games at quarterback.  He finished first in the nation with a 72.4 percent completion rate.  This junior has already tied Wake Forest’s school record for most career wins with 18.  He’s accurate, but his interception total rose from 5 as a freshman to 13 as a sophomore.  Skinner will be joined in the backfield by tailback Josh Adams, voted ACC Rookie of the Year after compiling 953 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

The graduation of Kenneth Moore, the ACC’s leading receiver last year, leaves Wake looking for a go-to guy on the outside.  The Deacons return a group that includes Chip Brinkman, but also keep an eye on senior D.J. Boldin at receiver.  The home run balls will be thrown to speedsters Marshall Williams and Jordan Williams, along with redshirt freshman Devon Brown.  The Deacons return only two starting offensive linemen, but they aren’t without experience there.  Tackles Joe Birdsong and Jeff Griffin, and guard Barrett McMillan have combined for 30 career starts.

Defense:

Wake Forest’s defense will be a big-play unit once again, led by Aaron Curry at outside linebacker and Alphonso Smith at cornerback.  Smith picked off eight passes in ’07, returning three for touchdowns.  He should have a big senior year as he returns punts for the first time, and could see spot duty at receiver.  Curry matched Smith when it came to scoring off turnovers, returning interceptions of 57, 77 and 84 yards for touchdowns.

All together, the Deacons returned six interceptions for touchdowns and two fumbles for scores.  The most steady of the other veterans include nose guard Boo Robinson and middle linebacker Stanley Armoux.  Brandon Ghee has landed a corner spot opposite Smith, and Chip Vaughn and Kevin Patterson are penciled in at the safety positions.  Wake returns its entire secondary from 2007.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Predictions at Info Plays:  3rd in the ACC Atlantic Division

With the Deacons playing Florida State on the road, we have Wake Forest finishing third behind the Seminoles in the ACC’s Atlantic Division.  Wake Forest has the luxury of returning several key players that have been a big part of the 20 wins the program has compiled in the past two seasons.  But having to visit Florida State and a likely home loss to Clemson will keep this team out of serious contention for an ACC title.  But you can expect Wake to be a solid, winning team yet again in ’08.

ACC Wins Expected in ’08:  DUKE, VIRGINIA, at NC State, BOSTON COLLEGE

Potential Scares/Losses:  at Florida State , CLEMSON, at Maryland, at Miami

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