CFI: DEFENDING ACC CHAMP STILL IN THE MIX

BY ARTHUR DiCESARE
ACC ATLANTIC INSIDER

After Wake Forest’s dream season last year, which saw them win their first ACC championship since 1970 (second overall) and earn the schools first BCS birth, this season began slowly at 0-2. After getting starting quarterback and one of last year’s heroes Riley Skinner back after an early season injury, they have rattled off six straight wins. Wake currently sits in second place in the Atlantic division at 4-1, behind Boston College who beat Wake the first week of the season.

Wake Forest, who is ranked for the first time this season at No. 21, would need help to be able to defend their conference championship. Either way, Wake has proved that last year was no fluke. The Deacons have shown character and the ability to shake defeat and continue to play winning football.

This week, Wake travels to Charlottesville, Virginia to take on the 23rd ranked and ACC Costal division leaders. If Wake wants to hang around in the ACC race they will have to prove themselves over the next couple of weeks on the road: this week at Virginia, and then next week at No. 25 Clemson. This might cause the Deacons a problem considering Wake has not had a notable road game since their week one lose at Boston College.

"We felt that way for a while now,” head coach Jim Grobe said of his schedule. “We know that our schedule for this whole season was going to be a tough one. We felt like Maryland was tough. They were healthy back when we played them; I think they're a little beat up right now. Florida State, Navy, North Carolina. It's just a brutal stretch and we've got four really tough ones left."

Wake has been lead offensively by versatile senior wideout Kenneth Moore, a converted running back and the best kept secret on offense in the ACC. Moore is on pace for 900-plus receiving yards, 350-plus yards rushing and 10-plus touchdowns. Moore, who also returns punts and kicks, is a dangerous player when the ball is in his hands; he is blessed with great open field moves and tremendous vision. Moore plays better against quality opponents as well. Case in point, his 15 catches and a touchdown against BC and touchdowns against Nebraska and Florida State.

Regardless of the difficult schedule Grobe has proven under his guidance Wake Forest has staying power in the ACC. Wake probably doesn’t have enough to make a repeat trip to Jacksonville but with 60 percent of Wake’s rosters consisting of freshman and sophomores, another trip could be in line shortly.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gene Galil; LINK: accfootballphotos.com