The History:
Clemson and Wake Forest have been playing football against each other since 1933 (Clemson won 13-0). Wake Forest, under head coach Dave Clawson, has been a very consistent foe in the ACC for Clemson. Dave Clawson has the third most wins in school history and currently holds a 59-53 record as he heads into his tenth season as the head coach of Wake Forest. Clemson currently holds a 70-17-1 record against the Demon Deacons in the series and is currently on a 14-game win streak in the series.
Wake Forest Offense:
The Wake Forest offense is known for its slow mesh offense which essentially is just a very very slow RPO scheme. The QB will hold the mesh point with the RB for two to three seconds and let the play develop so the defense can tip its hand. However for the first time in what seems like forever Wake Forest won’t have Sam Hartman at the quarterback spot. Wake Forest will be breaking in redshirt freshman Mitch Griffis as the starting quarterback. Griffis is 5’11” and weighs 192 lbs. As a prospect, Griffis was a 3-star recruit from Ashburn, VA where he attended Broad Run high school. He was listed as the number 19 dual-threat quarterback in the country for his class. Wake Forest is only returning 5 starters on the offensive side of the ball, and 46% of their offensive production. Their key losses coming into the season on the offensive side of the ball are certainly Sam Hartman and wide receiver AT Perry.
Wake Forest Defense:
The Demon Deacon’s defense finished 12th in the ACC in pass-efficiency defense last year. They also lost all four starters on the defensive line. Wake Forest will be bringing back 5 defensive starters and 59% of their defensive production. The defensive unit as a whole only forced 16 takeaways last season. The biggest question mark for their defense this season will be cornerback depth. Behind Caelen Carson they have very little experience and depth.
Last Seasons Game:
Last season’s game at Wake Forest was a game for the ages, in which we saw Clemson come out on top 51-45 in double overtime. It was an offensive explosion in which both quarterbacks had 5+ touchdowns through the air and no interceptions. Neither defense had any answers for the opposing offenses. Returning players for Clemson that had a big game were running back Will Shipley who had 20 carries for 104 yards and one touchdown, Jake Briningstool who had 6 catches for 72 yards and one touchdown, Beaux Collins who had 4 catches for 60 yards and one touchdown, and Antonio Williams who went for 3 catches for 51 yards.
What To Expect This Year?:
I think this year will be a similar outcome for the Wake Forest defense, not many answers for the new and improved Garrett Riley/Clemson offense. Cade Klubnik will be fully immersed in this offense by the time this game comes around and the offense will hopefully be in a groove. With the lack of returners and depth for this Wake Forest defense, Clemson SHOULD be able to move the ball well against this team.
Wake Forest will also have plenty of time to get their new quarterback and offense going, but we have no idea what the Demon Deacon’s offensive potential is with Mitch Griffis as the quarterback. Clemson’s defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will be in his second year in the position and should be more comfortable with everything. I fully expect Clemson’s defense to impose its will in this game and the Clemson offense to be able to do whatever they want. If the offense is what we are expecting then this should be a comfortable win for the Tigers.
