Wake Forest Football: Top takeaways from loss to Notre Dame

WINSTON SALEM, NC - SEPTEMBER 22: Sam Hartman #10 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons drops back to pass against Jonathan Jones #45 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during their game at BB&T Field on September 22, 2018 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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WINSTON SALEM, NC – SEPTEMBER 22: Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs away from Luke Masterson #12 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at BB&T Field on September 22, 2018 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Where is the defense?

This has seemingly been a constant takeaway from the Demon Deacons’ games this year but it must continually be mentioned. The defense has struggled this year and specifically against stopping the explosive plays.

The Fighting Irish against this defense had five different wide receivers with a reception of 24 yards or more, including a 66-yard reception by Michael Young. However, this issue is not only in the passing game as they also allowed five carries of 10 yards or more.

The Wake Forest football team did not need a dominant defense a season ago with John Wolford setting records in this offense. However, the offense hasn’t been nearly as explosive with Sam Hartman under center and if this team wants to be competitive, this defense needs to improve quickly.

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