Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame Preview
Start writing a post
Sports

Wake Forest Is Facing The Fighting Irish This Weekend And Taking Steps To Bring Them Down

The Fighting Irish are ranked #8 in the country, but I think the Wake has a real chance to win at home this Saturday.

106
Wake Forest Is Facing The Fighting Irish This Weekend And Taking Steps To Bring Them Down

Wake fans should be ecstatic for the home game against Notre Dame on Saturday. Not only is the game sold out, but Notre Dame is also coming in as one of the most hyped teams in the country (ranked #8), I really think the Deacs have a chance to pull out an upset for the ages. Here's how we can topple Notre Dame:

1. Mistake-free football 

Giphy

It is crucial that quarterback Sam Hartman does not keep making freshman mistakes as he did against both Tulane and Boston College. He needs to go through all of his reads correctly and make sure that his receivers are very open before passing to them. He should be looking to sophomore star receiver Greg Dortch the whole game, especially if Notre Dame is in man defense because he is the only receiver on the team who can consistently create separation from defenders.

If Notre Dame strictly plays zone defense, which they have been known to do, Hartman should just to complete a lot of short routes that keep drives going. It would be an issue if he kept forcing throws deep down the field because then, Notre Dame would have a chance to force a few turnovers.

2. Maintain disciplined defense 

Giphy

The big downfall of the Deacs so far this season has been big-play defense. Against Tulane, Terren Encalade caught two big touchdowns over the top of Wake's iffy secondary. Boston College and its quarterback Anthony Brown consistently carved up the Deacs for long touchdowns after long touchdowns.

It will be crucial that no one on Notre Dame gets past our secondary because if someone is even close to open deep, ND quarterback Brandon Wimbush is known to air the ball out. Michigan thought they routinely were covering Notre Dame well, especially in the end zone, but Wimbush continued to throw the ball deep successfully. The Deacs need to make sure that they are very disciplined while defending the long ball.

3. Contain Wimbush 

Giphy

Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush is an electrifying runner with the ball in his hands, which is especially important coming from the quarterback position. However, he is a very inconsistent passer. He has a very impressive arm and likes to throw it deep, but he is prone to make a few mistakes here and there.

The key with the linebackers for Wake is to make sure he can't run too often and make him throw the ball. Eventually, he will make a mistake and throw an interception on a short route. The key to Notre Dame's offense is Wimbush's legs, and if the Deacs contain him, then we have a chance.

4. A few big plays from Dortch

Giphy

Greg Dortch, a potential All-American player at both receiver and punt returner, is so quick and electrifying with or without the ball in his hands. He is one of the best punt returners in the country, and he is a threat to return it every time to the end zone. If he returned one for a touchdown against ND, it would get the crowd going into a frenzy, and give the Deacs momentum for the rest of the game. He will also need to gain a lot of yards through the air, and hopefully, will be able to break a couple receptions loose for big gains.

5. Crowd support

Giphy

When the crowd goes crazy, the team gets hyped up even more. There's nothing better than hearing the chants of "Wake!" from one side of the stadium and "Forest!" from the other. And when our fight song plays, the Irish's loyal sons are going to go marching back to South Bend. Get ready Coach Kelly, the Deacs are hungry this week. GO DEACS!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71159
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133068
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments