Can Sam Hartman fulfill his promise to Wake Forest?
Wake Forest had a miraculous season in 2021 under the Dave Clawson era. While winning a tiebreaker with Clemson and NC State to signify at the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte. The Demon Deacons suffered a 45-21 setback to Pittsburgh. After the painful loss, frustrations were taken out on Rutgers in the Gator Bowl by a 38-10. Capping off an 11-win season, tying the 2006 team for the most in school history.
The Demon Deacons have now appeared in six consecutive bowl games. After appearing in just 10 total bowls from 1908-2015. HC Dave Clawson has done a fantastic job in the Triad for the Deacons, and are not showing signs of slowing down. Wake Forest might not be identified as a “football school”, but Clawson can make Wake just that.
Sam Hartman’s Projected Final Season
“Wake Forest invested in me and I want to invest back in Wake Forest. I felt like I owed it to them and their belief in me. … I wanted to make it right.”. The words by the returning QB during ACC media day. Can Sam fulfil his promise to the Demon Deacons and keep Wake a powerhouse this season?
The offensive coordinator, Warren Ruggiero, has made Wake a high-powered offense. The Deacons have been averaging at least 30 points per game dating back to 2017. QB Sam Hartman really thrived under Ruggiero’s guidance, throwing for 3,924 yards, 36 touchdowns and while running for 342 yards for 11 more scores. As you would expect, look for WR A.T. Perry for a breakout year as last season he accumulated 1,166 yards and 14 scores.
The defense on the other hand will be the key for success. Wake Forest is only returning 64% production on defense which ranks 78th in the nation. There were moments when the defense allowed more than 30 points seven times which their record was 4-3. What could have been worst case scenario 7-5 season if it were not for the offense.
2022 WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS SCHEDULE
- Thu., Sept. 1 – vs. VMI
- Sat., Sept. 10 – at Vanderbilt
- Sat., Sept. 17 – vs. Liberty
- Sat., Sept. 24 – vs. Clemson
- Sat., Oct. 1 – at FSU
- Sat., Oct. 8 – vs. Army
- Sat., Oct. 22 – vs. Boston College
- Sat., Oct. 29 – at Louisville
- Sat., Nov. 5 – at NC State
- Sat., Nov. 12 – vs. UNC
- Sat., Nov. 19 – vs. Syracuse
- Sat., Nov. 26 – at Duke
Will the promise to Wake Forest be made?
The non-conference schedule will give the Deacons a handful of wins. That should be a perfect 4-0 record, then look at the conference schedule can be intimidating. Wake Forest gets Clemson at home, but trips to Florida State, Louisville and NC State will each be massive tests. Each opponent listed for the tough road games are all top-20 in returning production.
Wake Forest should grab one win out of the four which can be questionable. The high-powered offense should be able to seal one more victory, which is why I am leaning with the over here. Unfortunately, I do not think the Demon Deacons will be back in the ACC title game.
Non-conference schedule prediction: 4-0
Conference schedule prediction: 5-4
Pick: Over 8.5 wins
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