KEY MATCHUP: Wake Forest offensive line vs. N.C. State’s pass rushers. The offensive line was expected to be one of the strengths for the Demon Deacons, but that hasn’t always been the case this season. That unit is coming off a ragged game when the team’s running backs combined for 90 rushing yards on 22 attempts against Syracuse. Complicating matters, the Demon Deacons surrendered six sacks, all in the first half. That’s all the more reason that the Wolfpack’s eager defensive front is bound to want to unleash on whoever replaces QB Sam Hartman as the starter. N.C. State’s defense is coming off a five-sack effort against Florida State.
DRAFT SLANT
–C Ryan Anderson has started 38 consecutive games. He’s capable of shifting to guard or tackle if that’s what the Demon Deacons need. His stock began to rise last year as the Demon Deacons racked up record yardage totals and now scouts will have a chance to zero in on him to see what he’s doing so well on a regular basis.
ROSTER REPORT
–QB/WR Kendall Hinton wasn’t in uniform for the Syracuse game as his disrupted season continues. He was out with a hip flexor injury sustained in practice. He has played in three games. He has missed games because of suspension, injury and coach’s decision.
–DB Demetrius Kemp moved to a linebacker role for the Syracuse game, but that didn’t last long as he exited with a first-quarter ankle injury.
–DE Carlos Basham, who scored on a fumble return and was named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week at Louisville, missed the next game when he sat out against Syracuse after entering the concussion protocol from a hit in the Louisville game.