Eagle Bank Bowl Notes: Wake Forest 29, Navy 19

Redemption City:

The first time these teams met Riley Skinner threw four interceptions in a Wake Forest loss – arguably the worst performance of his career considering the junior signal caller had just seven interceptions total on the season. On Saturday he completed all 11 of his pass attempts for 166 yards (15.1 yards per pass attempt) and the game-winning touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

Skinner played a smart conservative game. Several times with his receivers covered down field, Skinner tucked the ball and ran rather than forcing a pass into coverage. Punting isn’t always the worst thing.

Down 13-0 late in the second quarter, Skinner opened it up completing passes of 21 and 30 yards to senior wide out D.J. Boldin (four receptions, 66 yards) while leading the Deacs on a 98-yard drive to close out the half. With the score 13-7 early in the third quarter, Skinner connected on a 32-yard pass to tailback Kevin Harris coming out of the backfield after faking a hand-off to Alphonso Smith. This set up a Josh Adams touchdown and gave Wake its first lead of the day. Trailing again in the fourth quarter, the junior quarterback spotted a wide open Chip Brinkman 44 yards down the field to position the North Carolina school for the game-winning score. Three plays later Skinner found tight end Ben Wooster in the back of the end zone. Throughout the game, Skinner did an excellent job of moving his feet in the pocket and buying more time for his receivers to get down the field.

The Demon Deacons improved to 19-3 when Skinner does not throw an interception. They are just 7-8 when he throws an interception.

Aaron Curry Is A Beast:

Going up against the triple-option offense of Navy was not the ideal setting to scout Aaron Curry’s vast array of skills. Nevertheless, the senior stood out as the best football player on either squad. The Butkus Award winner did a great job of being disciplined and taking care of his responsibilities – if his duty was to take the pitchman, he took the pitchman, and if he was assigned the quarterback, he hit the quarterback.

Curry was unstoppable as a pass-rusher. Even though he didn’t record a sack, whenever the Midshipmen dropped back to pass (which wasn’t often), Curry was able to pressure the quarterback, often laying a lick. The strongside backer used his strength, speed and spin moves to overwhelm would-be blockers. Whenever a back was asked to block Curry, who was explosive running down ball carriers, it was game over. He even looked good when he put his hand down on the ground.

The future first round pick may have made just four tackles (one TFL), but no one had a bigger impact on the game.

Mismatch:

You don’t think football is a game of match-ups? The Demon Deacons went with a surprise starter at tailback in junior Harris. Harris entered the game with 40 yards on nine carries on the season and had accumulated just 100 yards over the last two seasons following his 393 yards as a freshman in 2006. The 230-pound back outweighed eight of Navy’s starting defenders, with only the three down linemen tipping the scales more than the Wake tailback. In fact, nose guard Nate Frazier is the only Navy starter that checks in at over 250 pounds.

Harris rumbled for 136 yards on 24 carries in all, although he was stuffed twice on third-and-one in the contest. Even against the undersized Navy line, the Wake Forest offensive line struggled in short yardage situations just as it had all season. Backup Adams did his best work in the red zone, twice crossing the goal line. The 2007 ACC Freshman of the Year suffered through an injury plagued sophomore campaign.

Alphonso Smith Sets Record:

When an errant Kaipo-Nao Keheaku-Enhada pass fell into the waiting arms of Alphonso Smith, the Bronko Nagurski finalist became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time leading interceptor with his 21st career theft. Smith’s accomplishment on defense made up for his fumble on offense. Taking a reverse, the senior cornerback displayed his deft running skills, but did not protect the ball fumbling the pigskin into the hands of Navy defensive back Rashawn King, who scooped it up and strolled in from 50 yards out to give the Midshipmen a 10-0 first quarter lead. Smith (one tackle) had some trouble shedding blocks and one could imagine going up against a triple-option offense is not something the lockdown cover corner was looking forward to.

More Defensive Notes:

* Senior free safety Chip Vaughn (team-high eight tackles) made several plays particularly when he was allowed to roam free. He is a very good open field tackler, capable of delivering a solid blow with his 215-pound frame. However, whenever a blocker got his hands on Vaughn, the senior had major problems getting disengaged.

* The same could be said for senior middle linebacker Stanley Arnoux (seven tackles). He made some plays when the offensive line kept him untouched, but he can be blocked.

* One defender who seemed to flourish playing the triple-option was junior cornerback Brandon Ghee (six tackles, 1.5 TFLs) – he was beating blocks, getting penetration and making plays in the backfield.

Navy Notes:

* Fullback Eric Kettani, who didn’t have a big day as a runner, had trouble the couple of times he was asked to block Mr. Curry. Kettani ran for 50 yards on 14 carries (3.6 yards per carry) after busting loose for 175 yards versus the Demon Deacons in the regular season. He fell 18 yards short of 1,000-yard season. Shun White broke off a 39-yard run on Navy’s first offensive play, but was quiet after that (14 carries, 71 yards). Their most effective runner was Kaheaku-Enhada who ran for a season-high 83 yards on 15 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and had their lone offensive touchdown.

* Frazier was Navy’s best defender, displaying excellent quickness for a man of his size. The junior doesn’t have much closing speed if the play goes outside the tackles, but has the ability to disrupt a play from the interior. Also keep an eye on freshman Jabaree Tuani, an undersized but quick defensive end. He is likely better suited to play in a 4-3 defense rather than the 3-4 scheme the Midshipmen employed this season.

* Notable Service Assignments: Kaipo-Nao Keheaku-Enhada and Rashawn King will serve in the Marine Corps (Ground). Eric Kettani, Shun White and wide receiver Tyree Barnes will serve on Surface Warfare units.

Photo Credit: College Press Box, Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film

Q & A: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

CFI: What does it mean to win the Butkus Award and beat out all those great linebackers?

CURRY: For me the most pleasure is not beating out the other great linebackers, it's knowing that Wake Forest is being recognized on a national level. Wake Forest has players that are just as good as any other players in the country.

CFI: What was it like to meet Mr. Butkus himself?

CURRY: It was a great experience to be a linebacker and to meet arguably the best linebacker to ever play the game, a guy that all linebackers model their game after was great. I was in shock when I first met him and the most amazing thing was he still had that fear factor about him. When you see him he gives you that feeling that he's violent and could rip my head off. He was just a great person to talk to…it was amazing to talk to him. We talked a little about everything…we talked about football, life off the field, his “I Play Right Organization” to help raise awareness of the dangers of steroids for high schoolers. He presented a lot of interesting stats that were mind boggling. He said that he liked my style on film, and I saw some clips of him on YouTube and we talked about how the game is different now and then.

CFI: Any doubt Butkus could have played today?

CURRY: He definitely could have played but maybe he would have seen more fines than he used to.

CFI: Would you have liked to play in a more no holds barred era?

CURRY: Oh yeah. The game would be a lot easier if it was a no holds barred game like it was back in the past. But I think a lot of us on defense have learned to adjust to when you can and can't hit the quarterback, whether a player is defenseless or not. The best thing is to go out there and fly around and hit people, if you get a flag then so be it.

CFI: You grew up a North Carolina fan, but you’re a Demon Deacon, who do you root for on the hardwood?

CURRY: I think at heart I would be Carolina blue but I would have on some Wake paraphernalia. I don't know who I would cheer for though, I would probably try not to cheer for any team just look at the game from the outside-in and be a spectator.

CFI: So you go with the heart?

CURRY: Right, that's the one thing you can't control. Just being around Carolina all my life it has really taken over my heart. I go to Wake and I have always liked the basketball players and they know I'm a Carolina basketball fan and they give me mess about it all the time, they're all always giving me junk about converting me into a Wake Forest basketball fan. Every time they see me they've always got something to say to me about being a Carolina fan.

CFI: What can you tell us about the Navy option…

CURRY: I can tell you that the option is very hard to stop. No matter what you do, if the offense is executing and the defense isn't executing then it's going to be a long game for the defense. We feel we have to execute as well as they execute, and make this game go down to the wire. We want to be just as disciplined as they are. Going over the offense, we're trying to get used to how they’re doing things and where they’re going with the ball and watching the game film from past games and the game from last year, and we're just picking up from all of our mistakes. We're just making sure everyone takes care of their responsibility.

Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy: Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film (Wake Fores University)

Senior Spotlight: Bowl Week - December 20-21

QB Willie Tuitama/WR Mike Thomas, Arizona - Las Vegas Bowl vs. BYU

The spread attack brought over from Texas Tech by Sonny Dykes last season has agreed with the Wildcats’ signal caller and top receiver. As a junior, Willie Tuitama saw a boost in his numbers, leading the Pac-10 in both touchdown passes and passing yards. While his touchdown passes (28 to 21) and yards (3,683 to 2,763) have dipped as a senior, the California native has been more efficient in his final campaign in the desert leading the ‘Cats to their first bowl appearance under Mike Stoops. His completion percentage is a career-high 64.6 percent and he is averaging 7.59 yards per pass, up from 7.03 last season. Tuitama has a strong arm and is a good athlete, but lacks ideal size and bulk. Mike Thomas was also a Pac-10 leader a year ago when he led the conference with his 83 receptions as a junior and racked up 1,038 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns (an Arizona single season record). Like his partner Tuitama, Thomas saw a drop in production in 2008 (70 receptions, 796 yards, four touchdowns), but should not be overlooked, as he is as dangerous as ever. The wide out has very reliable hands and is stronger than he appears, with quickness and speed being his biggest strengths. The Texas native has improved significantly since his freshman campaign, becoming a more polished receiver and a better route runner. His lack of length and bulk limit his potential, but he has the ideal skill set as a slot receiver. Thomas is also a dynamic return man and dangerous on reverses, end-arounds…or whenever he touches the pigskin.

CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest - Eagle Bank Bowl vs. Navy

A pure coverman, Smith has the type of speed, quickness and fluid hips that allow him to stay with even the best wide receivers. Smith gets a good read on the ball and his hands are receiver quality, as evidenced by his 20 career interceptions, which ties him with Dre’ Bly as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time leader. Once he gets the ball in his hands Smith is dynamic – simply put, he’s a playmaker. He is also a sure tackler who can be aggressive against the run (23.5 career TFLs) and a solid blitzer (9 career sacks). He can even lay the wood despite his lack of ideal size. Smith is also durable – he hasn’t missed a game during his four years at Wake Forest and will put on the pads for the 50th time as a Demon Deacon. Smith has the swagger and cover skills to be a lockdown cover corner at the next level.

QB Tom Brandstater, Fresno St. - New Mexico Bowl vs. Colorado St.

The Bulldog has shown improvement throughout his career, which is not all that uncommon for quarterbacks at Fresno State. Brandstater’s development as a decision maker, in his accuracy and at throwing the ball down field, speaks to both his coachabilty and work ethic. He’s not a scrambler, but Brandstater has good speed and can move the chains or find the goal line with his legs if necessary. Brandstater is an impressive athlete for a man of his size, but could use some more bulk. In his lone bowl experience, which came last season, Brandstater earned the Humanitarian Bowl MVP Award in their 40-28 victory over Georgia Tech. The 6’5 signal caller completed 23-of-30 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown, adding another 40 yards on the ground, including a 24-yard scoring scamper. The 24-year old is also regarded as a leader and is very bright, as he was a Draddy Trophy semifinalist.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Wake Forest University)

Player Anatomy: LB Aaron Curry, WF

By MATT MILLER

While he may not be the household name that Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis are, Aaron Curry is the nation’s top linebacker earning the Butkus Award. His physical tools and desire on the field make him one of the top defenders in nation, regardless of position. Curry hits hard and covers extremely well for a man his size, which makes him an every-down terror for the opposition. He could be a very special player playing on Sundays for years to come.

Character / Leadership Ability: Curry is a good student who chose Wake Forest for its academics. Always firing up his teammates, he is an emotional leader on the field.

Competitive Nature / Work Ethic: Curry decided to return for his senior season to help Wake Forest make a run at the ACC title. He is a competitive player who works hard on and off the field to improve his game. H has put in a lot of hours in the weight room in an effort to improve his strength.

Football Intelligence: Curry plays fundamentally sound football. He uses good form, breaks down well,a nd always plays with his eyes up. His awareness is his main weakness—he has trouble reading plays and diagnosing what is coming next, relying too much on his athletic ability.

Size: Curry possesses ideal size for the outside linebacker position. He is very well built and has tremendous power to go along with his massive frame.

Athletic Ability: Curry is a terrific athlete, especially for the position. He has good straight line speed and is fluid in his movements for a man his size. He also possesses tremendous physical strength, both in the weight room and on the field.

Toughness / Durability: He brings it on every play; Curry plays very hard and seems to get stronger as the game goes on. He’s had no major injury concerns.

Speed: Curry has good speed for his position, clocking in at around 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. He runs well and uses his speed well without over-pursuing the play.

Instincts / Recognition: Curry has trouble diagnosing the play. He plays on pure athleticism at this point and will need better coaching to improve that part of his game at the next level.

Pass Rush: Has decent pass rush moves and can get off the edge quickly though his three sacks in 2007 don't really show it. With coaching, Curry has the physical tools to play as a rush OLB, but that is not his game.

Pursuit: Curry closes very quickly on the ball carrier and works well through traffic. He always seems to be in the opposing backfield—he had 13.5 tackles for a loss in 2007. He takes good angles to the ball.

Tackling: Packs a lot of power in his hits. Has the ability to make a high-light reel hit on a ball carrier. Fundamentally sound in his tackles, Curry is very good at wrapping up and driving the ball carrier backwards. He also stays square to the runner very well.

Coverage: Phenomenal in coverage. Curry is very smooth into his drops and moves well within his zone. Has the ability to stay with backs out of the backfield. He’s big and strong enough to stay with tight ends and has the necessary speed to run with them.

Shedding Blocks: Curry has the strength to disengage from just about any blocker—he uses his hands well to fight off blocks and always plays to the whistle.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Wake Forest University)

Eagle Bank Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Navy

By JOHN GARRETT

December 20 * 11:00 AM * ESPN

This will mark the second meeting between the two squads this season – Navy won the first meeting 24-17. The key match-up is Wake Forest’s defensive front seven vs. the Navy ground attack. Wake Forest capitalizes on its ability to create turnovers, and have relied on their defense to win games. Linebacker Aaron Curry and cornerback Alphonso Smith lead the Demon Deacons’ defense, ranked 19th best in the country overall, allowing 300.33 yards per game; the unit is also allowing just 116.1 yards on the ground. Quarterback Riley Skinner and the offense have struggled in the red zone with only 20 touchdowns in 41 trips. Part of the problem has been the shaky play of the offensive line, which may have also been a factor in the lack of consistency in the running game. Navy will make its sixth straight bowl appearance, and hasn’t allowed a single point over its past eight quarters. In the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season, the Midshipmen were able to force six turnovers. Navy comes in winners in four of their last five, the last two being shutouts. With that being said, it is the running game, not the defense that is the strength of this Midshipmen squad. Tailback Shun White – who leads the nation in rushing with 298.33 yards per game – should be heavily utilized. Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who left the first meeting with a hamstring injury, is also expected to be completely healthy for the game.

Inside the Numbers – Pass, Run & Catch:

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-5, 4-4)
Pass: Riley Skinner – 2,181 yards, 12 TDs
Run: Brandon Pendergrass – 528 yards, 5 TDs
Catch: D.J. Boldin – 77-782-3 TDs

Navy Midshipmen (8-4)
Pass: Jarod Bryant – 275 yards, 2 TDs
Run: Shun White – 1021 yards, 9 TDs
Catch: Tyree Barnes – 18-368-2 TDs

Photo Courtesy: Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film (Wake Fores University)