Yardbarker: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest: Blackout BB&T Field against FSU

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:36:01 -0500

On senior night (although I guess it is senior day since the game is being played at noon), Wake Forest is going to black out BB&T Field as the Deacs take on Florida State. Show support for the guys if you're going to the game and throw on something black.

In addition, the athletic department will be auctioning off the Demon Deacon's motorcycle at halftime. I have no idea how much that is going to go for, but I can safely say that WakeJake would look pretty good driving that thing to class every day.

After the jump, you'll find some quotes from Coach Grobe's presser today.

"As an assistant and as a head coach I've been doing this about 35 years. I've had two or three games in a season where we played right to the wire and came up short, but not this many times."

-He's right. The last time I saw this many close games as a Demon Deacon fan was in the 05-06 basketball season. I know it's not something we all want to relive, but that season saw the Justin Gray-led team lose by six or less eight times. If that team had ANYONE to run the point or a few things had gone their way (paging Trent Strickland), it may have been a completely different season.

"We don't get to see a lot of tape. This is a really talented guy, we know that he's got great skills, the ability to run and throw. He was personally recruited by Jimbo Fisher. I'm sure all the things they're doing with Christian Ponder, they feel like they can do with Manuel."

-Wake has not exactly had a great track record against quarterbacks making their first career start (two losses this year--BC and Navy), so we'll see how Manuel will fare. He'll have a whole week of preparation and was a complete stud in high school. Hopefully the Demon Deacon defense will dial up the pressure and keep Manuel from getting comfortable.

"We're a better football team. I don't think there's any question. I would love to be able to rewind with the team that's playing right now and start the season over again. This would be a pretty special year for us. The way we played against Miami and Georgia Tech, there's no question we're a great football team. One of the keys is keeping our heads up. Our guys don't enjoy playing good teams just tough, we need to win, we need to keep our heads up and come back and play a great effort Saturday against the Noles."

-This is true. The team has definitely improved over the course of the year. Losses and the offensive line's stuggles aside, the defense has improved and it has been extremely fun to watch players like Kenny Okoro, Joey Ehrmann and Gelo Orange grow up. Plus, I am stoked about the chance to see this receiving core for the next couple years. These guys deserve to have a break go their way and you have to believe they will be playing their hearts out to get Riley Skinner to another bowl.

Beating Florida State for a fourth consecutive year would be absolutely amazing. Here's hoping the team can come through on senior day.

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Wake Forest: Ponder Out for Saturday's Game

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:01:04 -0500

Not much to say today. Click through for some Monday reading...

Is Curry the one who got away? | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
"Aaron has had some really great flash plays, where he has just looked phenomenal, and then he has had some rookie errors that you would expect," coach Jim Mora said. "We're just looking for a week-to-week, down-to-down consistency out of him, and he's getting there."

ACC power rankings: Week 11 - College Football Nation - ESPN
8. Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4; LW: No. 9) -- If there’s one team in the conference that is better than its record indicates, this is it. The Deacs have the numbers they need everywhere but the scoreboard, and unfortunately for them, that’s where it counts. They get a break this week against an FSU team that will be missing starting quarterback Christian Ponder.

No. 4 Wake Forest Earns Top Seed at ACC Tournament - WAKE FOREST OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
No. 4 Wake Forest earned the top seed for the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Soccer Tournament and will face either Clemson or Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

What we learned in the ACC: Week 10 - College Football Nation - ESPN
2. Even the best quarterbacks can’t do it alone. Riley Skinner. Thaddeus Lewis. Christian Ponder. Three of the ACC’s most productive, efficient passers and leaders all lost this past weekend. It certainly wasn’t for lack of effort. Skinner couldn’t shake Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan. Lewis got tied up with UNC defensive end Robert Quinn. And Ponder threw as many interceptions (four) as he had all season. All three of them are still searching for bowl eligibility, but for seniors Skinner and Lewis, it’s their last chance at the postseason.

Are UNC, Duke really that much better than everyone else in basketball? – ACC Insider - Wilmington Star News - Wilmington, NC - Archive
"I think it’s really wide open," Wake Forest coach Dino Gaudio said. "I think anybody could win this league, and I don’t think that’s just coach-speak."

Wake Forest Deacons - CharlotteObserver.com
Best case scenario: With plenty of size, the Deacons will present problems for opponents, especially if they can find players to replace the scoring lost with the departure of guard Jeff Teague and forward James Johnson. Look for freshman Ari Stewart to make an early impact and for Aminu to emerge as one of the league's top players.

Yet another heartbreaker for Deacons : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis
"I think there was a time with our football program when there would be moral victories in losses," Grobe said. "There certainly aren't any moral victories right now."

Nick Friedell's Blog - Precious Time - ESPN Chicago
"I've been working for it," Johnson said. "But if they feel comfortable putting me in, then I'm going to have positive minutes and work my minutes as best I can. But if not, I'm going to cheer for my team and keep working hard."

Tyrus expecting a quick recovery | DailyHerald.com Blogs
With Thomas out, this appears to be a great chance to work rookie forward James Johnson into the rotation. Johnson has played in just one of five games so far, garbage time in the blowout loss at Boston. Before Saturday’s game, Johnson admitted it took him time to get comfortable with the plays and the defensive system, particularly at small forward. But now he feels he’s ready to play both forward spots. Coach Vinny Del Negro suggested Johnson will play the small forward when he does get in.

New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul's motto: 'I hate losing more than I like winning' | New Orleans Hornets Central - - NOLA.com
"You know, it's funny. Everybody is saying I'm playing with this look on my face. Well, they must have just started watching me play yesterday. Because I've been like that. That's my normal thing. A guy like K.G. (Celtics forward Kevin Garnett) who doesn't smile during the game, people love that about him. But me, they want me smiling. That (unsmiling visage), it's been me since Day One." Paul last week succinctly summed up his persona and his passion in one sentence: "I hate losing more than I like winning."

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Wake Forest DE Lee Malchow carted off field vs. Georgia Tech

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:01:38 -0500

Wake Forest defensive end Lee Malchow has been injured on the opening kickoff against No. 10 Georgia Tech.

Wake Forest QB Skinner cleared to play

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:46:19 -0500

Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner has been cleared to play in Saturday's game at No. 10 Georgia Tech after sustaining a concussion last week. The school announced Friday that the senior is expected to start his 33rd consecutive game. Skinner was replaced by backup Ryan McManus in the fourth quarter of last week's loss to Miami after taking a hard hit that ripped off his helmet and broke his face mask.

Wake QB Skinner cleared to play after concussion

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:18:25 -0500

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner has been cleared to play in Saturday's game at No. 10 Georgia Tech after sustaining a concussion last week.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Riley Skinner cleared to play vs. No. 10 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:47:02 -0500

Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner has been cleared to play in Saturday's game at No. 10 Georgia Tech after sustaining a concussion last week.

Riley Skinner Cleared To Play on Saturday

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:40:36 -0500

Wake Forest University quarterback Riley Skinner has received clearance from team physicians to play when the Deacons visit Georgia Tech Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ABC regionally and ESPN2 nationally.

Skinner suffered a concussion late in last Saturday’s game vs. Miami.

Skinner did not practice Monday, saw minimal practice time Tuesday, and gradually returned to the regular practice routine later in the week.

The fifth-year senior quarterback is expected to start his 33rd consecutive game for the Deacons on Saturday.

Wake Forest Sports: Skinner Cleared for Georgia Tech

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Wake Forest: Prepping For The Triple Option

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:43:49 -0500

Lots of GT discussion from the normal Tuesday media day in today's links. Still no word on Mr. Skinner.

Tech beat up, but still going | ajc.com
There's one color combination that Johnson won't allow his players to wear this weekend: gold pants and gold jerseys. "Looks like a giant French fry," Johnson joked. The Jackets have worn white jerseys for every home game since Johnson was hired. NCAA rules say that the visiting team is supposed to wear white, unless the visitors grant the home team permission to do so. Tech asked, but the Demon Deacons said no, as they have traditionally done. So Tech must choose between its old gold tops and the blue ones.

Surging Yellow Jackets play host to Demon Deacons
The fact that Georgia Tech permitted 31 points to a weak Vanderbilt team last weekend is a bit concerning. One of the touchdowns allowed to the Commodores was on a kickoff return, so the score was a bit deceiving, but there were still three touchdowns permitted to the Vandy offense. The Commodores were able to post 218 rushing yards against Tech, and the Yellow Jackets need to play better run defense against Wake Forest.

Scout.com: Quinn Discusses WFU Visit (Premium)
Had a chance to talk to Quinn Cook after his weekend visit to Wake for the Miami game and a tour of the campus. Quinn is one of the top PG targets for the class of 2011 and has had an outstanding summer playing AAU ball and is getting ready for his Junior season at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Demon Deacons left dazed by losing streak - Burlington Times News
"He looked pretty good (while watching practice Monday), but I don’t know what’s going on in that brain," Grobe said of Skinner. "… We’ll do what’s best for Riley Skinner, not what’s best for the football team."

Tech to wear alternate jersey against Wake
Wake Forest has elected to wear white jerseys for Saturday's game at Georgia Tech. This means Tech will wear either a gold or blue jersey for the 3:30 p.m. matchup. Paul Johnson said the players will choose between the gold and blue jerseys.

ACC Insider - Wake may not be final stop for Grobe anymore | StarNewsOnline.com | Star News
At the time, Grobe seemed sincere enough about his desire to stay at Wake for the rest of his career. And it could still happen. But even though he was having too much fun to go anywhere else back then, he was smart enough to leave the door slightly ajar. Just in case.

Deacs have no margin for error
"We'll just monitor him through the week and see how he progresses," Steelman said. "Doctors have already looked at him (yesterday), and we'll see how he's doing on Thursday." Grobe said yesterday that if Skinner can't play, the position belongs to Ryan McManus, a fifth-year backup who played his first four years as a walk-on. "I think Ryan's capable," Grobe said. "I feel good about that. But at the same time I hope Riley's healthy and can go."

Georgia Tech's rise is impressive
The only fair way to decide the national champion is a playoff, he said, just like the one they have in every other NCAA division. "Whoever is picked first to start with, unless they lose, they're going to play in the (BCS championship) game. They pick that before we ever play a game," Johnson said, adding that a playoff "is the best way I know to do it. You find out who's the champion."

da first family: Da Luz is soccer at WFU
Times are good for Wake Forest's da Luz family. Austin da Luz, a senior on the men's soccer team, has become the program's career assists leader with 35. Tony da Luz, Austin's father and the women's soccer coach, signed a three-year contract extension over the summer, won his 200th career game this season and has a chance to take the Deacons to their best record ever.

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Wake QB Skinner questionable with concussion

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:57:20 -0500

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner remains questionable for this week's game at No. 10 Georgia Tech with a mild concussion.

The Next Level -- Week 9

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:32:26 -0500

Byes and injury combined to make for a lighter week than usual in terms of play by former area football standouts. There will still, however, some dynamic performances. Redshirt freshman Joey Ehrmann got his second straight start (and the second of his career) at strong-side linebacker in Wake Forest’s 28-27 home loss to Miami. Though the Hurricanes rallied late for a dramatic victory, the Gilman alum made quite an impact – especially on Miami quarterback Jacory Harris. Ehrmann was credite...

Tricked: Miami Steals a Victory Over Wake Forest

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:33:53 -0500

You all didn't think they'd hold on, did you? Show of hands: who thought the Deacs had any chance to win after Devon Brown fumbled the punt and Miami got it at the one? Thought so. It's just amazing how many different ways Wake Forest can lose games. I wish I had that kind of imagination.

Today's was a new story, same result. After that fumble, Wake was up 6 and stayed there for awhile. The defense continued to hold strong (and played a great game despite the fact that they had about a dozen chances at INTs and couldn't hold onto the ball) behind Dominique Tate, Kenny Okoro, John Russell and company. But when the Deacs got the ball back, Riley Skinner threw a pick and later went out with what is probably a concussion.

That gave Miami QB Jacory Harris a chance to put the 'Canes up. The Deacs got it down to 4th and long, but Harris completed an insane pass for the first...yadda yadda yadda, and Miami went up one. Backup QB Ryan McManus had a chance with a minute to go and got a 60 yard FG attempt that was way right. Hurricanes: 28, Demon Deacons 27. Final.

It's nothing new to lose to Miami, but I don't know whether to laugh or cry right now. And I'm used to this stuff...I'm a Cleveland sports fan.

Lobo called a much better game today and the Deacs completely dominated. I mean it wasn't even close. But penalties, mental mistakes and missed opportunities continue to plague the Demon Deacons like they have all year.

And that's why instead of being at around 6-3, this team is at 4-5 and on the outside looking in right now at a bowl bid.

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Wake Forest: Grobe Ready to Make Changes

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:52:29 -0500

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

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First off, I'd like to apologize for the lack of content lately. Last week I was traveling most of the week and Jake had to play student (not to discount that in any way, I doubt I'd pass any of the classes he is in, but that's the tale of an English degree). This week I've been, to steal a line from Weezy, sicker than the third floor in hospitals. But, I'm coming out of it a bit, so here are the links for today...

Grobe says Deacons need to look over their shoulders
"If you're a starter who didn't play well this last Saturday, you need to keep your head on a swivel because the guy behind you may be getting more snaps. It may not be a deal where we demote a starter, but it may be a situation where a guy behind a starter gets more playing time."

Wake's Riley Skinner Proves Jim Grobe Made The Right Choice | digtriad.com | Triad, NC | Sports News Article
A little video for your Wednesday...

FayObserver.com - Wake looks to rebound after lopsided loss at Clemson
"We're not hellbent on firing people or making wholesale changes, but we just want our players to realize that if they didn't play well, they need to be really careful because we've always been a staff that we're looking for the next guy all the time," Grobe said Tuesday. "If you're a starter who didn't play well on Saturday, you need to keep your head on a swivel because the guy behind you may get more snaps."

College Football Week 8 Rankings - ACC Power Poll — BetUS Locker Room
After seven weeks of the football betting season, it’s starting to become clear who the haves and the have-nots are in the ACC. Check out how BetUS stacks up the teams for football handicappers

Column: A melodic take on ACC football - Sports - TheSunNews.com
Deacon Blues, Wake Forest | After three consecutive outstanding seasons, it looks as if Wake Forest has returned to being the Wake Forest of old. Fans are singing the Deacon blues around Winston-Salem, despite a 4-3 record.

Dobbs' status undecided | Washington Examiner
What would happen to the Navy offense without quarterback Ricky Dobbs? The answer could come Saturday against visiting Wake Forest.

Schilawski Scores Twice in Wake's 3-0 Win at South Carolina
Senior forward Zack Schilawski scored a pair of goals to lead No. 3 Wake Forest to a 3-0 victory against South Carolina on Tuesday night at Stone Stadium. With the win, the Deacs improve to 10-2-2 on the season, while South Carolina drops to 7-5-2. Wake also runs its road record to a perfect 7-0 on the year.

CBNB: ACC Power Rankings
While it appeared as though Wake had overcome some of the problems that had plagued them at the start of the season, it is clear that there are still some issues in Winston-Salem.

Midseason report: Wake Forest - ACC - ESPN
Considering the Demon Deacons entered this season with eight new starters on defense and had to replace the best defenders to come through the program in Alphonso Smith and Aaron Curry, it’s impressive Wake Forest even had itself in a position to challenge for the Atlantic Division title.

Demon Deacons don't want to look back at ugly defeat | ugly, deacons, want - ACC Football - Burlington Times News
"I don’t necessarily think the questions are back," Grobe said Tuesday. "I don’t know if we have questions as much as the feeling that we’d better play better."

Skeen to make debut vs. Tulane
"Jamie's someone who definitely has the ability to help us win games. He's played at a very high level. He's had some success at that level. I'm really excited about him joining our team, and I'm excited about him pushing some of the other guys in practice the first semester."

Mids Play Host to Wake Forest on Homecoming Weekend

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Postgame Report Card: Wake Forest 42, Maryland 32

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:11:00 -0500

Maryland's short reign atop the Atlantic Division is over with the loss to Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. The Deacs had the type of team that could beat Maryland, a strong passing team against a weakened secondary, and they exploited this advantage over and over again.It is hard to place blame in correct places. Wake Forest is just a better team, could the secondary have really stopped Riley Skinner? Could the Terps running game be effective with the "running back by committee?"...

A horrific defensive half for the Terps

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:25:00 -0500

I had said before the game that I was interested to see how fifth-year Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner would handle Maryland's blitzes. Terps fans, you know the answer but you don't have to like it. How did Skinner do? He led touchdown drives on the Demon Deacons’ first five possessions of the game. The drives went 67, 80, 66, 57 and 77 yards to give Wake Forest a 35-10 lead in the second quarter. Wake had only one punt in the first half, and it came with under ...

Three Wake drives, three TDs

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:39:52 -0500

QB Riley Skinner, Wake Forest's fifth-year senior, has led touchdown drives on his first three possessions. The drives went 67, 80 and 66 yards and Wake Forest leads 21-7 early in the second. How badly does Maryland a stop? The 21 points were Wake's highest in the first quarter this season. Total offense? Wake had 213 at the end of the period and Maryland had 22.

Pregame: Maryland at Wake Forest

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Maryland got a nice win last week, upsetting Clemson 24-21 and (somehow) sitting atop the Atlantic Division with a 1-0 conference record, but still has a long way to go for bowl contention at a 2-3 overall record. But, as Chris Turner said, win through the ACC and they can go to the Orange Bowl; at least they took the first step. But Maryland hits the road for the first time in a month as they head down to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest.The Maryland Terrapins (2-3, 1-0 ACC) take on the ...

Boom Goes The Dynamite. No, Seriously.

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:02:49 -0500

Someone should have explained this to former Wake Forest RB Luke Caparelli before he decided to post his plans to blow up the Wake Forest campus on his Facebook page. He also claimed to have an Uzi "locked and loaded in his bag".

Florida State-Wake Forest Thursday Night College Football Pick

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:57:50 -0500

An in depth look and analysis into the Thursday Night College Football game between Florida State and Wake Forest. I like the home underdog in this match up. I'll go over a list of reasons why to take Wake Forest with the points in this matchup.

Wake Forest Football Preview

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:59:41 -0500

Wake Forest tries to make another run at the ACC title. Read our Wake Forest writer's feelings about the upcoming season.