2022 Season: 8-5, 3-5 in ACC (6th in the Atlantic division)
Head Coach: Dave Clawson (10th season)
In his tenth season as head coach, there is a good chance Dave Clawson takes Wake Forest to a bowl game. He has already done it seven times in a row for the Demon Deacons, in addition to leading them to six out of seven winning seasons in that time. His leadership pays dividends for the squad, who will look to continue their bowl game streak.
Despite a difficult schedule last year, facing both Clemson and Florida State, Wake Forest was able to secure a winning record and a bid to the Gasparilla Bowl, where they beat Missouri 27-17.
After finishing third in the ACC for total yards and first in scoring in 2022, Wake Forest might have a hard time replacing the line that allowed for its offensive performance. Along with losing key parts of their offensive line, the Demon Deacons lost quarterback Sam Hartman in a transfer to Notre Dame, leaving their backup quarterbacks Mitch Griffis and Michael Kern to step up. Griffis only made one start in the 2022 season but finished the campaign with one interception. At the same time, wide receiver A.T. Perry, an All-ACC First Team honoree last year, went to the NFL. The team will look to the veterans like running back Justice Ellison and wide receiver Jahmal Banks to produce a quality offense.
If anyone’s leadership can make up for these roster changes, however, it is Clawson. Ranked ninth in the ACC to start the season, Wake Forest can look to get a jump in the standings with their opening matchup against Elon, followed by contests against Vanderbilt and Old Dominion. The Demon Deacons will have time to iron out the kinks in their new roster and quarterback by the time they play ACC powerhouse Clemson on Oct. 7th. Time will tell whether Clawson is once again able to roll with the punches and develop new offensive leadership or is left with a struggle of a season.
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