Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Syracuse Orange Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons passed the first test when they blew out the Elon Phoenix. Now things get a bit tougher as the Demon Deacons play their first conference game of the season against the Syracuse Orange. Like last year, the Orange are without starting quarterback Terrel Hunt. This time they are turning to freshman quarterback Eric Dungey to lead them. Dungey had a good performance against Rhode Island, but how will he do in the ACC?
Opponent: Syracuse Orange (1-0)
Date: September 12
Time: 12:30 PM
Venue: Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY)
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X – The Sequel Must be Better than the Original
Coach Dave Clawson’s first outing against the Orange last year was pretty rough. Even without Hunt, the Orange rolled the Demon Deacons 30-7. Wake cannot afford a performance like that. That game was at home too, while this one is on the road. The Deacs have to hope that the differences from last year matter. Quarterback John Wolford and his line are a year better. Syracuse’s defense from last year is looking to replace pieces in the secondary.
Y – A Freshman Shall Lead Them
Dungey will be starting his first game against an FBS opponent. The Deacons have to take advantage of this and create pressure on the freshman to get him to make mistakes. Interior pass rush from Tylor Harris could be really effective here, and the linebackers need to watch the short routes. Against Rhode Island, Syracuse utilized some good screen passes. Most likely they will try to do the same against Wake to build the confidence of their young freshman quarterback.
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Z – An Early Must Win?
This game could be more important than Wake realizes. Syracuse is rated just ahead of them in predictions on how the Atlantic will finish. If Wake cannot beat Syracuse, it is a fair question to ask who they could beat in the Atlantic. Of course, I guess the magic of Virginia Tech could strike again, maybe.
Prediction – 21-20, Wake
I think this makes me two for two on picking games one way in the season preview and going the other when the game rolls around. That would be good news for Syracuse, considering what happened to North Carolina-South Carolina.