 |  |
 |
|
| Sunday, August 11 Updated: August 13, 10:19 AM ET Wake out to show last year wasn't a fluke By Gregg Doyel Special to ESPN.com |
||||||||||
|
Outlook: The outlook would be pretty darned good if the Deacons' tailback situation hadn't taken such a dismal turn this spring. First, 1,000-yard rusher Tarence Williams was found to have a foot injury that could sideline him for the first three or four games of the season. Second, capable backup Fred Staton was ruled ineligible. That puts more weight on the right arm of quarterback James MacPherson, a gutty competitor if not the most talented guy around. McPherson does have a solid core of receivers back, though, including potential monster receiver Jason Anderson.
The defense has back all five -- yes, five -- starting defensive backs, and end Calvin Pace is a sack machine, but dependable kicker Tyler Ashe is gone. Key game: It all starts Aug. 29 in the opener at Northern Illinois. That's a game the Deacons ought to win, but going on the road will make it difficult. Considering Williams' injury -- coupled with the next three games coming against East Carolina, at NC State and at Purdue -- Wake Forest will need something to show for its first month of the season. The Northern Illinois game could be its best chance. Keep an eye on: Similar to the Latrez Harrison situation at Maryland, Wake Forest will unveil a former quarterback at receiver this season, with athletic Anthony Young making the switch. Unlike Harrison, a quarterback growing up, the 6-3 Young was recruited to the Deacons as a touted receiver. Now he gets his chance. It's a good year if. . .: The Deacons don't slip back toward the basement of the ACC. Grobe got something good started last season, and with so many returning starters, a backward step would be a disaster. If its tailback situation works out, Wake Forest could prove last season's winning record was no fluke. Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer. |
|
|||||||||
