WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest opens its 108th season of college football by hosting Baylor on Saturday, Sept. 5, at BB&T Field. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised regionally on ABC and nationally on ESPN2 and will also be available on the Wake Forest ISP Radio Network.
Wake Forest is in the midst of its greatest period of football success in school history. The Demon Deacons are one of just 22 school in the Bowl Subdivision to have won 28 or more games over the last three seasons. The Deacons have won eight or more games and have been to a bowl game in each of the last three seasons.
Wake Forest opens the season against Baylor for the second straight year. In 2008, Wake posted a 41-13 win over the Bears in Waco. It was the Deacons’ first-ever win over Baylor after losing the first four meetings, including the 1949 Dixie Bowl.
Wake Forest is receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN poll, ranking the Deacons tied for 47th in the country.
Quickie Notes
- Wake Forest is 49-55-3 all-time in season openers. The Deacons have won two of their last three to start the season. Under Jim Grobe, the Deacons are 4-4 in season openers.
- If Wake Forest finishes the 2009 season with a record above .500, it would mark the first time since 1944-48 that the Deacons have had a winning record in four or more consecutive seasons.
- The Demon Deacons are 68-37-2 all-time in home openers. Wake has won 10 of its last 13 home openers and are 6-2 in the first home game of the year under Jim Grobe, including a 30-28 defeat of Ole Miss in 2008.
- The Deacons are 26-8 in non-conference games under Jim Grobe.
Next Up…
Wake Forest welcomes Pac 10 foe Stanford to town next weekend for a noon tilt. It will mark the first-ever regular season game between Wake Forest and a Pac 10 team, and it is the first time the Deacs have played a team from the state of California. The Deacons will host in-state rival Elon the following Saturday, Sept. 19.
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Tags: acc football
Clemson, SC – Head Coach Dabo Swinney and members of the Tiger football team and staff held their first weekly press conference on Tuesday, September 1 to preview the upcoming Clemson vs. Middle Tennessee football game.
Swinney Press Conference Quotes
Opening Statement:
“I am excited about playing some football. I don’t know about you, but it seems like it has been the longest preseason ever. I am excited about opening up at Death Valley.
“We are getting ready to play a very good Middle Tennessee team. I have been calling them Clemson North simply because they have at least nine guys that either coached, worked or played here on their staff. These are guys that will really understand Death Valley and really understand playing here.
“I have a lot of respect for Coach (Rick) Stockstill. He is one of the best guys in the business. Willie Simmons lived in my basement for six months when he was a GA here and is now coaching running backs for them. They have a lot of Clemson connections.
“This is a good football team. They beat Maryland last year and Maryland beat us so that is all you need to know. They lost to Mississippi State, Kentucky and Virginia by single digits over the last two years. It is a team that has played with some very big programs. They are a very capable bunch. I do think we have had very good preparation. I like where the team is right now, we have a very focused bunch and they are ready to play.
“We have to play with tremendous effort every play. You have to take care of the football. If you look at the last part of last season when we didn’t take care of the ball we lost, and that is something we have stressed in the spring and the preseason. Hopefully that will show on game day. That is a critical factor in every ball game.
“The quarterback decision-making will be critical. Our offensive line’s ability to recognize and adjust to what happens in the course of a game will be important, because you have to prepare for a lot. The type of discipline you play with up front will be a big factor in the game and you have to minimize penalties. I think that’s always a critical part of the game.”
“Defensively we need to stop the run. I know Tony Franklin is their coordinator and we talk about the true spread they use. They will spread you out to run the football. Tony got Auburn ready in about 10 days when they beat us in the Chick-fil-A bowl in overtime two years ago. If you remember that game they really hurt us with the draw so us being able to stop the run is critical.
“You talk a lot about passing and that’s important because they are going to throw the ball all over the place, but they really want to run the ball if they can. Their quarterback played running back for them previously. This guy wasn’t the starter last year, but he started several games the year before. He is a veteran player and has played a good bit of running back in his day so he is a guy we have to contain.
“We can’t let their quarterback do what he wants to do and make big plays with his feet. I think the other side of that is they don’t give up a lot of sacks and get rid of the ball quickly, so how you match up is important. When a team spreads you out you have to be able to tackle and minimize yards after the catch because you are going to have to play in space.
“Special teams is another area that is critical, it is something we have worked hard on. I will be highly disappointed if we don’t play well in that area. In a game like this it is something like a fake punt or blocked kick that you have to be aware of in any type of opener because you have been able to study a lot of the opponent schemes. They are good on both sides of the ball and have seven starters back on both sides. I think it is going to be a true test for us.”
On Clemson starting quarterback Kyle Parker:
“He is a very poised young man. He has a tremendous arm, is accurate and is an outstanding decision maker. We have had a very competitive situation here so you have to make decisions based on what you see in practice. He has just been the best guy. He has been very consistent all spring and fall camp. He has earned the right to be the starter. Has big play capability with his arm and his feet. He has the ability to run the ball and is a tough kid. I am excited about him. I think he is a real winner.”
How different do you think it will be for Parker in front of 80,000 fans rather than 10,000?
“Kyle is a very even keel kid. He is steady all the time and doesn’t really get overwhelmed with anything. I think the baseball experience helps him a little bit. When you step in the batters box and there is a guy throwing 90 mph at you there is nowhere for you to hide, and it is a long walk back to the dugout after you strike out. It is just a difference atmosphere.
“Kyle was struggling going into the baseball regional last year, but then he it the single that sent the team to the Super Regional. I think that shows what the kid is made of. He will be fine. Especially at home where you have friendly fire. ” How different is this year’s team than last year’s team?
“I hope we are very different. I will leave that up to you all to talk about and write about. I know that it is different players, coaches, offseason, spring ball, summer, camp, and voices. I think from where we were in the middle of the season, we should be a very different football team. We will find out Saturday.
Is there more or less pressure than last year?
“Probably about the same to be honest. Every game you want to win no matter what. You only get 12 Saturdays and it is pressure to win every week. When it all comes together you want to win so there is always that pressure. I put a lot of pressure on myself, so I don’t feel any outside pressure. I want to get it done because we all work hard and our fans deserve it. Anytime you sit in this seat it is the same.
On Jacoby Ford’s injury:
“He has not been cautious the last several days. It is always something you worry about with a skill guy, but he has practiced great and worked well. He was out there last night working with Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler on getting some extra release work. He seems great.”
On Richard Jackson as starter at kicker:
“He is going to be the guy we go with this week. I let him call his own shot last night. He kicked if from the right hash from 53 yards out and it went through the uprights. He has become more and more consistent and has done a good job. Spencer Benton has had a little pull and been out of the battle for a week or so. Jackson took advantage of that and will be the starting field-goal kicker/place kicker. Right now Spencer will do kick-offs and Zimmerman will be punter.”
How much did you know Coach Stockstill?
“I knew him from recruiting. He was always one of the good guys. He was one of the first guys I met on the road, when I started recruiting for Alabama. We had a lot in common. He did a great job at Clemson for a long time whether it be in coaching or recruiting. He has done a great job with the Middle Tennessee program. He has gotten their APR up and generated a lot of excitement.”
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Tags: acc football
Ralph Friedgen Radio Show Debuts Wednesday http://ow.ly/nG3A
Mark Paschal has officially joined Inside Carolina staff. Former Tar Heel linebacker will host “Inside Carolina Call-In” http://ow.ly/nG0H
RT @ACCGridiron: 4 ACC schools selected in top 10 college FB entrances (VT, Clemson, FSU, Miami). http://tinyurl.com/klho9x
Seminoles Honing In On Game Plan For Hurricanes http://ow.ly/nFKT
Virginia Tech #Hokies Notebook for tomorrow’s paper http://ow.ly/nFJE
Falcons acquire former Clemson star Tye Hill http://ow.ly/nFJf
RT @DP_Sports: Dave Fairbank: Groh won’t reveal much about U.Va.’s new offense. #uva http://ow.ly/nFdo
RT @DP_Sports: Virgina Tech notes: Beamer advocates exhibition game. #vatech #hokies #acc #sec #alabama #sec http://ow.ly/nFcL
RT @TarHeelMonthly: http://twitpic.com/g58ho – New THM cover, featuring the unheralded Cam Thomas, is posted. Readers should get it mid-Sept
WRAL: Spurrier: S. Carolina needs offensive balance to beat NCSU http://bit.ly/qj78J
RT @ESPN_ACC: NC State injury report: CB Morgan out for opener – http://tinyurl.com/mbe76v
On Second Thought: Grobe Not Infallible http://bit.ly/XCR1k
Food Chain: Toughest Boston College 2009 Football Games http://ow.ly/nCvt
The games that will define Florida State’s season http://ow.ly/nCtr
RT @D1scourse: More from Ralph on the kickers: http://bit.ly/1a7Qzk
Florida State Football 2009 Depth Chart #FSU http://ow.ly/nD9h
ACC Sports: ACC Football Commitment Lists: Atlantic Division, September 1 http://bit.ly/SrxJm
What to watch for: Shinskie’s status http://bit.ly/IlgeZ
RT @DP_Sports: David Teel: Virginia Tech is Cornerback U. http://ow.ly/nCpQ
BC starts 2011 recruiting and other links http://bit.ly/JyWpq
From my @genefoto cell phone during long ESPN commercial breaks RT @joeovies: Who will be using Twitter during the South Car/NC State game?
RT @VTCampusBlog: VT Press conference going on now. Notes will be posted this afternoon! http://bit.ly/fJ73c
Fridge Inspires Terps http://ow.ly/nz9L
BusterSports.com: FSU Fans M.I.A. for Miami game… http://bit.ly/3SKr1e
Clemson Game Day Ticket and Parking Guide http://ow.ly/nC3e
Blogpoll roundtable. A particular blogger asks questions, posted at their blog, & the rest of us holler back answers http://ow.ly/nC05
RT @YANCSSB: Degenerates (Still) Love The Pack http://bit.ly/moNXi
BusterSports.com’s N.C. State Wolfpack football preview… http://bit.ly/S0H7e
Slimmer North Carolina defensive tackle Aleric Mullins eager for Saturday http://ow.ly/nBUz
Side-by-side comparison of the old and new ‘Hoo Vision. http://twitpic.com/bh6ja
Clemson’s Swinney says he’s prepared for detractors http://ow.ly/nBRM
RT @TechSideline: We just posted our roster cards for Hokies vs Bama game – let us know of any errors or additions http://tinyurl.com/n6j6y4
The lower division conundrum, circa 2009 http://ow.ly/nBQu
BusterSports.com’s UNC Tar Heels football preview… http://bit.ly/1I8spH
Jacoby Ford finally healthy, anxious for return http://ow.ly/nyL3
RT @sportstalksc: Dabo Swinney and Kyle Parker audio up http://www.sportstalksc.com
ACC Football Preview: Secondary http://ow.ly/nBMb
Hatefest 2009: Why I hate… UVA http://ow.ly/nBKt
Steve Spurrier’s Weekly Press Conference Quotes. Quotes from Tuesday’s press conference http://ow.ly/nBJx
Getting dressed up for the debut of Greg Paulus for his first game at Syracuse http://ow.ly/nyKF
RT @TomahawkNation: New T Nation feature — weekly Seminole weather outlook http://bit.ly/10zEfy
RT @ESPN_ACC: ACC’s lunchtime links – http://tinyurl.com/nbf2y7
RT @USATODAYsports: NCAA wins temporary stay in Fla. State records fight vs. media http://bit.ly/11vHiz
RT @hokiesports: We’re streaming today’s football press conference live on Hokies All-Access. Watch it free here: http://tinyurl.com/nd33qn
The Baylor Blur: Quarterback Griffin has speed to burn http://ow.ly/nyIC
New QB, same old approach for Tech’s defense http://ow.ly/nyHy
Between the Goal Posts: Shinskie says he’s ready http://ow.ly/nyGW
Wolfpack vs Gamecocks’ matchup heats up http://ow.ly/nyGy
Pack’s C.J. Wilson ready for start http://ow.ly/nyG1
Third Year May Be Charm Again for O’Brien http://ow.ly/nyFJ
Chan Gailey will find another job; he always does http://ow.ly/nyFb
Concussions get more attention. Physicians, trainers take more precautions in diagnosis http://ow.ly/nyEc
First games can set tone for season http://ow.ly/nyDI
Holtz enjoys ties to Pack, Gamecocks http://ow.ly/nyz2
Brain test makes an impact on reporter http://ow.ly/nypc
Improved offense has Duke saying the B-word http://ow.ly/nymF
The non-prophet returns. Senior quarterback Jameel Sewell returns to Virginia’s roster after sitting out last year http://ow.ly/nyms
Talking Randy Shannon, Notre Dame, schedule etc., with UM’s Kirby Hocutt http://ow.ly/nym4
This week’s best college football games on TV http://ow.ly/nylp
‘Renaissance man’ Hall looks to do it all for Cavaliers. Senior competes for starting quarterback job with Sewell, Verica http://ow.ly/nylf
Scouting the Blue Devils http://ow.ly/nyl6
2009 Heisman Trophy Preview http://ow.ly/nykH
Boston College Eagles try to soar under new coach http://ow.ly/nyk2
N&O: Q&A with Pack RB Toney Baker http://bit.ly/663UE
WRAL-TV Video: Butch Davis looks to replace some important parts http://ow.ly/nzL3
#Hokies Beamer remembers big games of the past http://ow.ly/nyjH
RT @accnow: #NCSU RB Toney Baker will try to control his emotions Thursday vs. S.C.: http://bit.ly/Z8aX2
Deacon Dump 9/1: Moore continuing to impress with Panthers http://ow.ly/nzFM
College Football: Week One—Fans’ Complete TV Guide http://ow.ly/nyjq
Unknown UVa LBs look to create identity http://ow.ly/nwOx
Saturday Night Lights. Carolina will open the 2009 season under new lights and lofty expectations. http://ow.ly/nwOo
Catch up on yesterday’s ACC Football News Links http://ow.ly/nz8T
Duke football coach David Cutcliffe Radio Show To Debut TODAY! http://ow.ly/nwNK
RT @AJBuster: BusterSports.com’s Tommy Bowden Cites Top ACC Players http://bit.ly/1Kx10O
New Wallace Wade Video Board Installation Continues http://ow.ly/nwNo
Big-time college sports has grown out of control. Changes Needed to Curb Violations http://ow.ly/nz05
Former Georgia Tech player happy with decision to leave http://ow.ly/nwNd
What Tech fans need to know about Jacksonville State http://ow.ly/nwMM
Listen to Tuesday’s Bobby Bowden Daily Minute Podcast: http://ow.ly/nySg
RT @InsideCarolina: Tuesday’s UNC Links: Today’s Carolina links from around the ‘net http://bit.ly/whERa
David Cutcliffe Has Duke Fans Believing Again http://ow.ly/nwMF
football football football football football and what kind of beer do I want for the tailgate? http://ow.ly/nwMl
Preseason defensive coordinator power rankings – 1. Bud Foster, Virginia Tech http://ow.ly/nyJw
RT @BianchiWrites: Steve Spurrier winning my poll for worst NFL quarterback in state history. Vote: http://bit.ly/3mKfZR
ACC Insider: Football preview, Virginia http://ow.ly/nwLN
Wake Forest Football Press Conference Live Chat will begin at approximately 11 a.m. Today http://ow.ly/nyEO
The Hot Corner: Hot 10 Watch List As King Football Retakes Its Throne http://ow.ly/nwLE
RT @ACCSports: The Sep. 1 Daily Links are up: http://bit.ly/4uCxaj
RT @ACCGridiron: Check out the Hakeem Nicks Q&A in the Sporting News Today…page 9
Clemson Football Practice Report: Monday, August 31 http://ow.ly/nyAo
Watch Coach Swinney’s Press Conference Live on TigerCast Tuesday at 11:00 AM http://ow.ly/nyyF
Florida State Seminoles 2009 football preview http://ow.ly/nwLf
Coach Groh on Season Opener Against William & Mary http://ow.ly/nwL3
Seminoles notes: Youth, speed will mark Florida State’s defense, coach says http://ow.ly/nwKR
Baker runs back into mix for Wolfpack http://ow.ly/nwKo
Clemson vs. Middle Tennessee Football Game Notes http://ow.ly/nynS
‘Canes prepared for Seminoles QB Christian Ponder http://ow.ly/nwK7
Wolfpack Will Prevail in ACC, SEC Showdown vs. South Carolina http://ow.ly/nwJI
Cutcliffe’s Yellow Brick Road. “I’m still looking for a brain, a heart and some courage.” http://ow.ly/nylR
Normality returns to Cavs’ routines http://ow.ly/nwIV
NCSU vs USC Kickoff on Thurs at 7:03. Pictures from last year’s NC State at South Carolina football game http://ow.ly/nyix
Ranking the ACC Coastal: Six Significant Factors, One Ticket to Tampa http://ow.ly/nwIG
Seminoles release depth chart http://ow.ly/nwIA
Clemson’s Parker hoping to hit home run in debut http://ow.ly/nwIs
Wujciak hoping to break out. Terps Junior linebacker in fine form after spring knee surgery http://ow.ly/nwIi
Tigers have prints all over MTSU staff. Blue Raiders boast five coaches, nine total staff members with Clemson ties http://ow.ly/nwI7
JSU prepares for Georgia Tech. Gamecocks face big challenges http://ow.ly/nwHN
UVa not ready to choose QB http://ow.ly/nwHy
Richmond’s date at Duke could go either way http://ow.ly/nwHe
Wake Forest quarterback Skinner was destined to be a Deacon http://ow.ly/nwGV
Maryland Minute 8.31.09 – Gonnella/Pinegar Earn Schollies, Turner’s New Confidence, Terps 22 Point UDogs v. Cal http://ow.ly/nwFw
Inside Carolina takes an in-depth look at the major points of emphasis for the Tar Heels on both sides of the ball. http://ow.ly/nwEi
NCSU Willie Young Ups The Smack-Talk Ante http://ow.ly/nwDK
Good morning you all. We are getting so much closer to the start of college football season. NC State kicks it into gear on Thurs at 7:03 pm
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Tags: acc football
Head Coach Jim Grobe
On getting ready for Saturday…
“There’s no preseason game for college football so the first time you really find out whether you’re ready to play is in the first game. It makes the coaches a little bit nervous and it puts the players on edge. But we’re as ready as we can be, you’ve just got to go out and play.
We really haven’t had many bad practices. For the most part we’ve had good competition, good effort in practice. It’s been one of the better Augusts I think we’ve had since I’ve been here.
The problem in August is you to compete against each other in offensive in defense. We got to where we limited our mistakes against our offense and our defense, then you start working on Baylor and reliving a lot of those mistakes again. Hopefully by Saturday we’ll have it worked out.”
On Robert Griffin (QB) and Baylor…
“He’s very talented. They do a great job running the option. He’s got great foot speed. He makes a lot of people miss. They really make you work hard to stop their running game, but he’s a very talented thrower and they have some really dangerous receivers. They’re the whole package. They’re not a one dimensional football team.”
On Wake Forest’s defense…
“Last year we had some big plays out of Alphonso Smith and Aaron Curry. It’ll be fun to find out who is going to step up. The expectations are that this a young defense and that we’ll probably start slow and come up at the end of the year. But I think we are challenging this group to start fast. A key for us this year will be if the offense is able to stay on the field a little longer than we did last year. With a young defense you’d hate to go three and out a lot on offense. A big part of playing good defense is having an offense that can hang on to the football for a while and spend more time than the defense out there.”
Senior defensive tackle John Russell
On players improving in the last weeks of camp…
“I’ve seen a lot of those guys assume a leadership role which is something they didn’t have to do last year because we had a lot of senior leadership. In terms of playing ability, I already knew they were great players because I’ve been with them for three or four years. A lot of the guys like Hunter Haynes, Matt Woodleif and Jonathan Jones, that they are really good players they just haven’t had a chance to shine because of guys that were playing in front of them. There’s a lot of ability out there. I think we’ve had a good camp in terms of nurturing it and getting guys headed in the right direction and knowing where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do.”
On the low expectations of the Deacon defense…
“As a defensive player you don’t like to hear it. In a way you take offense to it. You have to take it as a challenge to get better. We’ve all talked about taking that perspective of being a weakling and changing it from day 1. That’s something we’ve taken pride in and our coaches haven’t let us forgot that people are expecting us to be weak and soft and inexperienced. We take it to heart and grow off of it is what we’re trying to do.”
On countering Baylor QB Robert Griffin…
“Robert Griffin. He’s the guy. He’s the franchise. He’s Vince Young type athlete. He even wears number 10. It’s kind of spooky seeing him out there. We’re just hoping to slow him down, because he’s going to make his plays. He had three or four plays last year that were just unbelievable.”
Junior center Russell Nenon
On getting ready for game day…
“I’m pretty excited, and I’m ready to get things rolling. I can’t believe it’s game week already. We had a great preseason and we’re ready to prove that the offensive line is a new being. Offensively, we’ve been clicking since day one. Riley could hit a needle about fifty yards away. It’s crazy to see how accurate he is, and we’re going to give him time and he’s going to do his job, so hopefully that ends up very good for our offense. It’s a great feeling to see our hard work being successful, and so I’m excited to see what happens on Saturday.”
On helping the defense…
“Obviously it’s hard to replace someone like Aaron Curry in the first game and Alphonso, but knowing that we have the dependability in the secondary that we have and that if the defense is sputtering the offense can pick us up, hopefully we can pull our weight this year and not put our defense in some of the situations that we did last year. It’s a great feeling to know that I’ve been around these guys for a long, long time.”
Senior cornerback Brandon Ghee
On opening 2009 play…
“It feels great. I feel like I’ve been waiting for a year to get the opportunity to play. We’ve got new faces, very young and talented. I can’t wait until Saturday. We’ve got a lot of talent, I think we are going to do well.”
On defensive leaders…
“I’m trying to step up to the [leadership] role, we have Boo Robinson, John Russell. This team as a whole, we’re all going to step up and stick together. There’s going to be a lot of mistakes but there’s also going to be a lot of great plays.”
On Jonathan Jones…
“Jonathan Jones has played in the shadow of Aaron Curry, but he’s doing really well. He’s a very talented, strong athlete.”
On breaking in new players…
“I think we’ve come along way since spring ball. We’ll make some mistakes, everybody makes mistakes, it doesn’t matter what team it is. I think when we make the mistakes we’ve got to stick together. That’s where experience comes in.”
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Tags: acc football
RT @DP_Sports: David Teel: Virginia Tech is Cornerback U. http://ow.ly/nCpQ 10:23:39 What to watch for: Shinskie's status http://bit.ly/IlgeZ 10:30:58 ACC Sports: ACC Football Commitment Lists: Atlantic Division, September 1 http://bit.ly/SrxJm 10:50:33 Florida State Football 2009 Depth Chart #FSU http://ow.ly/nD9h 11:30:41 RT @D1scourse: More from Ralph on the kickers: http://bit.ly/1a7Qzk 11:32:24 The games that will define [...]
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Tags: ACC Football News·accfootballnews·tweets
