2008 Woodie Awards
Clemson at Wake Forest
By: Hunter Knowles
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Sports
Clemson will take on nationally ranked Wake Forest in its first true road game of the year on Thursday night. Clemson has historically dominated the Demon Deacons. Clemson leads 56-16-1 overall in a series that dates back to 1933. In the Tommy Bowden era, Clemson also leads the series 7-2. Both losses have come while playing in Winston Salem, N.C. But last year, Clemson took care of Wake Forest at home, 44-10.
It's been a rough off week for Tiger football fans. Coach Tommy Bowden has been under much scrutiny after suffering another loss at home while being ranked. Many fans have written off Clemson's 2008 season as a disappointment, but the Tigers can right the ship with a victory over No. 25 Wake Forest on Thursday night. However, that may be easier said than done. Clemson is only 1-5 in Thursday night ACC games under Tommy Bowden. The lone Thursday victory came in 2005 at N.C. State.
Not only will the time of the game be a challenge, but Wake Forest has shown itself to be a legitimate opponent. The Demon Deacons come into the game 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
It took a last second, 41-yard field goal from Sam Swank to down Ole Miss in week two. Quarterback Riley Skinner demonstrated tremendous poise as he led Wake Forest down the field 56 yards with one minute left in the game. Even with the loss, Ole Miss did have success in the passing game. The Wake defense gave up 250 yards and four touchdowns though the air. The victory seems even more impressive now that Ole Miss beat No. 5 Florida in Gainesville.
Wake Forest's most important victory so far this year might be their defensive domination of Florida State. The Demon Deacons prevailed in their first ACC game of the year by limiting the Seminoles to just five points in Tallahassee. Wake limited FSU to just 220 yards of total offense and forced seven turnovers, five of which were interceptions. The Wake Forest offense faced struggles of its own, too. The Demon Deacons only created 276 yards of total offense while only rushing for 59 yards. Florida State might not be the dynasty it once was, but any victory in Doak Campbell Stadium is still impressive.
It's been a rough off week for Tiger football fans. Coach Tommy Bowden has been under much scrutiny after suffering another loss at home while being ranked. Many fans have written off Clemson's 2008 season as a disappointment, but the Tigers can right the ship with a victory over No. 25 Wake Forest on Thursday night. However, that may be easier said than done. Clemson is only 1-5 in Thursday night ACC games under Tommy Bowden. The lone Thursday victory came in 2005 at N.C. State.
Not only will the time of the game be a challenge, but Wake Forest has shown itself to be a legitimate opponent. The Demon Deacons come into the game 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
It took a last second, 41-yard field goal from Sam Swank to down Ole Miss in week two. Quarterback Riley Skinner demonstrated tremendous poise as he led Wake Forest down the field 56 yards with one minute left in the game. Even with the loss, Ole Miss did have success in the passing game. The Wake defense gave up 250 yards and four touchdowns though the air. The victory seems even more impressive now that Ole Miss beat No. 5 Florida in Gainesville.
Wake Forest's most important victory so far this year might be their defensive domination of Florida State. The Demon Deacons prevailed in their first ACC game of the year by limiting the Seminoles to just five points in Tallahassee. Wake limited FSU to just 220 yards of total offense and forced seven turnovers, five of which were interceptions. The Wake Forest offense faced struggles of its own, too. The Demon Deacons only created 276 yards of total offense while only rushing for 59 yards. Florida State might not be the dynasty it once was, but any victory in Doak Campbell Stadium is still impressive.
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