Wake Forest on Top?

After most predicted an abysmal season for Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons have surprised everyone with their play so far. By Ron Schiltz

(AP Photo/The News & Observer, Ethan Hyman)

    Before the season the so-called “experts” projected the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to finish last in the ACC in 2011. After their first game versus subpar Syracuse, it seemed as though these “experts” had the Deacs right.

    Little did they know Wake would win their next four games, including three against ACC opponents. The Deacons bounced back from the loss to the Orange with a win over ACC opponent NC State. They continued this trend with three more wins, including Boston College and then #23 Florida State. These games, especially the Florida State game, brought a little intrigue to the team.
    Tanner Price, for most people a no-name quarterback, has kept a 61% completion percentage and thrown for over 1600 yards and 12 touchdowns already this season. Price and his favorite target, Chris Givens, are consistently carrying this team to improbable wins.

    Who would have thought that six games into the season the team with a 3-9 (1-7 ACC) 2010 record would be one game behind the undefeated - and ACC leading - Clemson Tigers? The Deacon’s have Duke (3-3) this Saturday as they look to bounce back again from the loss to #19 Virginia Tech, their first loss since the OT game with Syracuse.

    Wake Forest has a rough rest of the schedule defined by a November 12 matchup with #7 Clemson. If they are to get some respect during bowl selection season, they will need to win most if not all of these next games. Their fans don’t want a bad bowl game reserved for a six win team. They want their team to get those eight or nine wins and bring the school back to a respectable bowl game.

    Another person who really wants that big bowl? Jim Grobe, the 11-year head coach for the Demon Deacons. He needs to continue the trend of winning for his job to be secure after the dismal 2010 season.

    The rest of the season will be interesting for Wake Forest and we will have to see if the dream ride will continue.