ACC Football - 2021 Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview
In our Wake Forest Demon Deacons preview 2021, we project that this team will fare a bit better than it did last season when they were 3-4 in ACC play and 4-5 overall. A weak nonconference schedule will help the Demon Deacons, as they take on Old Dominion and Norfolk State in the first two weeks. In terms of experience, there’s good news, as 10 starters return on offense and eight on defense. The Deacons were the top team in the nation when it came to limiting turnovers, and they tied for second in the country by returning three picks for TDs.
Wake Forest Offense
Last year, the Demon Deacons averaged 36.0 PPG, ranking third in the ACC and 19th in the nation. Their passing game ranked fourth and 26th and total offensive yards came in fourth and 28th. The team’s rush attack was average. Overall, Wake Forest did well on this side of the ball. As a freshman last season, QB Sam Hartman tossed 13 TD passes and five INTs, while completing 159-of-273 attempts for 2,224 yards. WR Jaquaril Roberson is back after leading the team with 62 catches for 926 yards and eight scores. Freshman wideouts Donavon Greene and Taylor Morin also performed well.
RB Christian Beal-Smith, who was good for 142 carries, 732 yards, and five TDs, averaged 5.2 YPA last season. He could certainly be even more productive in 2021. With a returning O-line, we expect what was an improved offense last year will be even better in 2021. The Demon Deacons should put points on the scoreboard.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview 2021 - Defense
Although the defense recorded 17 turnovers, they allowed too many points, passing yards, and rushing yards. Linebacking was a major issue, as were injuries. We expect this unit to show improvement in 2021. But the question is, how much improvement is realistic? In 2020, the Wake Forest D ranked fourth in the ACC and 78th the nation. Don’t expect much more from them this season. The interior line looks sound, as DT Mike Fox (10.5 TFL) led that group. Also back is strong safety Nick Anderson who is the leading returning tackler (63) and pick artist (4). If LB Ryan Smenda, who had 16 tackles in last year’s bowl game against Michigan, can stay healthy, that will be a major help for this group.
Specialists
Our Wake Forest Demon Deacons preview 2021 anticipates Donavon Greene and Taylor Morin bringing back kicks and punts respectively. Last season, they helped to make Wake Forest’s return game one of the best in the ACC. Placekicker Nick Sciba hit 14-of-17 field goals and is the most accurate kicker in ACC history. Punter Ivan Mora was inconsistent last season. However, he has talent, and if he can settle in, Mora possesses All-ACC chops.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview 2021 - Projection
Last season, Wake Forest played Michigan in Duke’s Mayo Bowl, losing to the Wolverines 28-42. Our Wake Forest Demon Deacons preview 2021 sees this team as making another bowl appearance in 2021. However, they will struggle to record a winning mark in conference play. Louisville, FSU, Boston College, North Carolina, NC State, and Clemson are all on the Demon Deacon schedule. To have a shot at an even conference record, Wake Forest must beat two of those teams. That won’t be easy.
ACC Football - Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - ACC Atlantic
Military Bowl vs. Tulsa