Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2021 College Football Preview
Created August 5, 2021
2020 Recap
Record – 4-5
ATS – 6-3
The DEACS drew a tough opener having to face the mighty Clemson Tigers (L 37-13) and lost the following week to NC State. They turned the corner with a win over something called Campbell and ended up winning four (!) consecutive games. Then came the losses once again. They dropped their final three contests including a Mayo Bowl loss to Wisconsin (L 42-28).
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2021 Outlook
OFFENSE
QB Sam Hartman was pretty good LY and led the #26 passing offense in the FBS. He only threw 5 INTs in 273 attempts (13 TD) but completed just 58% of his passes. Wake Forest has one of the most underrated WR groups in the conference and they return everyone of consequence. Jaquarii Roberson is a legit #1 (62-926, 14.9, 8 TD) and Donavon Greene averaged 20 YPC LY. The Deacs lose one half of their fine 1-2 RB combo in Kenneth Walker but #1 RB Christian Beal-Smith comes back after a fine 2020 campaign (732, 5 TD, 5.2, three 100Y games). The OL has the potential to be REALLY good with the return of five starters (100+ career starts) but they’ll need to clean up pass protection just a wee bit (#12 ACC sacks allowed per game LY). Overall, this offense has the look of a SPICY MEATBALL.
DEFENSE
The Demon Deacons struggled on defense LY and allowed 400+ YPG for the fourth consecutive season. They also failed to ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT PENETRATION as evidenced by their paltry sack total of 17 (#14 ACC sacks/game). Nine starters are back on this side of the football but they’ll miss leading sacker Carlos BASHAM (5) (NFL – Bills) as well as leading tackler Ja’Cquez Williams. There’s concern about size and pass rush ability up front but NT Miles Fox is an excellent piece to build around. A pair of starters return at LB (#3, #4 tacklers) and the secondary is deep and the most talented unit. The Deacons led the ACC in INT/game in 2020. This defense looks average overall and could really use a dangerous pass rusher or two to emerge.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Things look promising with the return of their excellent PK Nick Sciba (13/15 FG LY, 7-8 40+) and Donovan Greene was dangerous on KR in 2020 (34.0, TD, 7 KR).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – There’s a legit shot for these guys to get off to a really hot start. They open with Old Dominion and something called Norfolk St and their first “nasty” game comes in November (at UNC). They miss the big boys from the Coastal division but three of their final four games are ON THE HIGHWAY.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Army (October 23rd)
This will be their 3rd road test in a month and it’s sandwiched between ACC tilts.
Season Win Total
per 5Dimes August 5
Over 6.5 -135
Under 6.5 +115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over.
They’ll be involved in a lot of high-scoring FIREFIGHTS but should be able to cobble together seven wins.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Wake’s only ACC Championship came back in 2006 when they beat the Yellow Jackets in a 9-6 SNOT BUBBLER. That was the lowest winning score for an ACC champ ever. The team was led by ALL-MEGALOCKS TEAM member QB Riley Skinner and featured FG kicker Sam SWANK.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
These guys should be able to play with anyone given how POTENT the offense will be in 2021. The question will be whether or not the defense can do its part and get enough stops when they play the better teams in the conference. Case in point. They’ve lost the last three games to Clemson by a combined score of 678-3 **. There are some tough road games on the docket but we foresee smooth sailing into bowl season.
** Fact check false. Actually it’s 152-19.
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NEWS
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