GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Wake Forest secondary vs. Clemson’s passing offense. Even with changing quarterbacks for Clemson, the Tigers have been potent through the air. They’ve racked up 11 passing touchdowns across the first five games. The Wake Forest secondary has been torched at times, giving up 14 touchdowns via the pass (that’s the most in ACC — four more than any other team in the conference).
Wake Forest probably gained some confidence in this category from the Rice game, but will now have to contend with Clemson’s greater speed. If the Demon Deacons can put pressure on freshman QB Trevor Lawrence (or whoever the Tigers have at that position), that might take some of the stress off the much-maligned defensive backfield.
DRAFT SLANT
–C Ryan Anderson has started 34 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
–DB Essang Bassey returned a fumble 51 yards for a touchdown in the Rice game. It was his second career touchdown.
–RB Matt Colburn, a senior, became the 12th player in school history to reach 2,000 career rushing yards. He did so with his first carry in the Rice game.
–S Luke Masterson made eight tackles in the Rice game. That was one short of the redshirt sophomore’s career high. He also had his first interception.