Tigers Prepping for Dangerous Wake Forest Team
CLEMSON — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney normally does not know a lot about the opponents the Tigers are set to face early in the week.
However that does not apply to this week's opponent, Wake Forest, because he has seen plenty of the Demon Deacons on film.
"I've seen Wake a ton over the last few weeks and on both sides of the ball because of the crossover teams we've played on our schedule," Swinney said. "They are very well coached. They don't beat themselves and don't make a lot of mistakes. They have a unique style offensively. Their style is very different and it creates some conflict with your run-pass reads."
One of the things that makes the Demon Deacons so tough on offense — averaging 35.7 points per game, 314.1 yards per game and 487.3 yards per game — is the play of their quarterback Jamie Newman.
Newman currently ranks 13th in the FBS in passing yards, averaging 287.1 yards per game, and ninth in total offense, averaging 324.8 yards per game — meaning the Tigers will have to be prepared for pro-level quarterback.
"He's really, really good," Swinney said. "This quarterback ... he's the real deal. He's big, accurate and will be a pro ... for sure. Very impressive. We're going to have our hands full."
The Tiger defense will not only have to deal with a dangerous quarterback, but a group of wide receivers that are among the best in the ACC and a scheme, which involves Newman riding the mesh for an extremely long time before pulling the ball from the running back or giving it.
"You have to teach some things differently against them. It's the players and their execution. Their wideouts are outstanding," Swinney said. "The division has been settled but for us it's about getting an 11th win and our seniors. We need to stay on course for bigger postseason opportunities.
"It's a very tough Wake Forest team coming in, a very dangerous team."
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