Some quick thoughts headed into Saturday's game against Army.
The loss against Syracuse was tough, but that's now in the past. It's time to start looking ahead to Saturday's game against Army. Wake Forest should absolutely win this game. Wake opened up as only a 2-point favorite, but the line is now up to 6.5. Army lost at home to Fordham, and on the road against UConn. What does Wake Forest have to do in order to win this game and move to 2-1?
On paper, Wake Forest should feast on this Army defense. Through two games, Army is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 12.3 yards per attempt. That is dead last in the country. Considering their schedule is about as easy as possible, that's an embarrassing statistics. Meanwhile, John Wolford is averaging 9.7 yards per attempt, and 348 yards/game. I fully expect him to throw for 300 or more yards for the third consecutive game.
The Deacs have to do a better job defending the option. Wake gave up too many big plays against Syracuse when they ran option principles. I expect Saturday to be different since Wake Forest will be preparing all week for it, but the defenders must stay disciplined and not lose contain.
Wake hasn't forced a turnover yet. Is this game? If so, it's probably going to come in the form of a forced fumble. If Wake is going to force an interception this game, then they are going to have to stop Army's offense on 1st and 2nd down, and put them in passing situations. Option attacks are not effective if it's 3rd-and-long. They are effective, however, if they are able to stay on schedule and it's 3rd-and-3. Those situations are the most dangerous, as Army can then go play-action and beat opponents over-the-top for a long score.
I'm confident about this game, and believe we will rebound from a poor fourth quarter against Syracuse.
