'Deacs Abatte to get Exposed?

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1, 1-1) will travel to Raleigh to play the NC State Wolfpack (3-2, 2-0) this Saturday. The Deacons are coming off their first loss of the season to Clemson. This game is the most important game on the 'Deacs schedule right now. For several reasons.

The first reason is, good teams bounce back from losses and the 'Deacs want and deserve respect. Was the 5-0 start a fluke? Was it because of inferior competition? Well, we'll find out this weekend. I think Wake has a good team. They played 45 minutes of awesome football against the Tigers; unfortunately, a football game is 60 minutes. So, if Wake want to stay relavent, then it needs a good showing this weekend.

Second reason, momentum. Jim Grobe had his troops rolling throught the first 5 and 3/4 games this season. And, then a botched field goal attempt stopped his teams momentum like a NASCAR safer barrier. Grobe and his football team need a quick start against in a hostile environment this weekend. Win or lose the 'Deacs need a strong performance if they hope to continue on to a great season.

Third and finally, Wake cannot afford to lose anymore ground in the conference race. A loss this weekend would essentially put the team 2 games both State and Clemson. Wake still has to play Atlantic Division foes Boston College, Florida State and Maryland. Maryland being the only of those three that Wake will be favored in. On top of that Wake has to play Virginia Tech and North Carolin of the Coastal Division. So, the only "gimme" remaining on the schedule is the Carolina game.

How can the Demon Deacs win this game? Run the ball. They have always given the 'Pack fits with their misdirection running game. If they find themselves in a position where they have to throw the ball, then thye might as well pack it up because the 'Pack has one of the nation's stingiest pass defense. So, get ahead early and be able to utilize the ground game. That would also neutralize the crowd. Carter-Finley is quickly becomming one of the toughest places to play in the conference and country (just ask FSU). So, quietting the crowd will play heavily in the 'Deacs favor.

How can State win? Well, clemson exposed the 'Deacs run defense by putting up 199 yards on the ground. So, running the ball with the two-headed monster of Tony Baker and Andre Brown will be the key to winning. Especially, if Daniel Evans doesn't turn the ball over. If the 'Pack can force the Wake secondary to make more tackles than redshirt-Junior linebacker Jon Abbate, then the 'Pack should win the game. Abbate, who is the heart and soul of that defense if not the whole team, needs to be a big part of things for Wake to win. Clemson kept him quiet and left Winston-Salem with a win. With no Ben(jamin) "P-diddy, puff daddy, Diddy..." Mauk and no De'Angelo Bryant, Abbate is the 'Deacs go to guy.

Pictures:
1. http://www.cutigers.com/2005/wake/slides/2%20108.jpg
2. http://www.newsobserver.com/media/2006/09/25/02/reg-1406697-892836.embedded.jpg