For Head Coach Dave Clawson and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, any improvement from their 3-9 record last year would be considered success this season. The Deacons had an average to good defense last season as they ranked 62nd in the NCAA in points against.
The defense was better than this number indicated because they were always on the field considering that the offense the Deacons had was ranked last in both total yards (2,595) and rushing yards (479). These numbers, especially the rushing yardage, must be improved upon if Wake Forest is to have any chance of getting five or six wins this season.
Last season, Wake Forest struggled on the offensive line and at the running back position. It was very apparent every Saturday. Holes were never opened for the backs and more often than not the Deacons were going backwards on their run plays taking one to two yard losses often. This put a lot of pressure on true freshman quarterback John Wolford, who could only muster 2,037 yards and 12 passing touchdowns. Those numbers are not so bad considering the fact that his leading rusher had only 240 yards.
There was no balance to the Wake Forest offense, they never gave up on the run, but it had no effectiveness and Wolford was left having to carry the team with his arm. Since he was a true freshman and had no college experience, it is not surprising at all that he could not lead the Deacons to more than three wins.
The Deacons it seems will be relying on the same running back tandem to start this season with sophomore Dezmond Wortham and sophomore Isaiah Robinson. Both running backs were starting for the first time as well last year so they should get a learning curve along with Wolford, but that time is over now. Both these running backs must be more productive and get this run game going or else the Deacons coaching staff may be looking towards incoming freshman to add some fire to the Wake offense.