Previewing Wake Forest: A Q&A with BloggerSoDear

BTP: Dave Clawson seems to be having a very similar season to Dave Doeren's first year here at NC State. What is the general feeling among Wake fans of Clawson so far?

Wake fans are still optimistic about Clawson. He did an excellent job to finish out the 2014 recruiting cycle, and currently has a top 40 2015 recruiting class, which would be Wake's best class ever (at least on paper). He has not won a conference game, but I believe Wake fans are seeing just how little developed talent the previous coaching staff left. For the most part, we've seen a team who competes every game, and has shown week-to-week improvement. We had a 4th quarter lead at Louisville, we were leading at Florida State after the 1st quarter (granted we got blown out), we showed great resiliency in our second half comeback against Boston College, and the guys played their hearts out against Clemson. In year one, I'm satisfied with that foundation.

Has there been any update to the status of Cam Serigne, and if he cannot go, how will Wake's offense adjust?

Clawson announced at his Tuesday press conference that Serigne is questionable and that they'll know more as the week goes on. Unfortunately, that's the only update I'm aware of. Serigne would be a big loss for us because he creates mismatches from the tight end position and has 4 touchdown receptions on the year, which is tied for first on our team. If he cannot go, then it will be up to true freshman Devin Pike to step into Serigne's spot. Pike is more physical, but isn't as fast. Serigne's loss would also take us completely out of our ability to run two tight end sets, because we simply don't have the depth this year. I would suspect we look to target slot receiver E.J. Scott more in Serigne's absence.

What do you see as Wake's advantage in this game?

Our biggest advantage in this one has to be our defense, and specifically our secondary. Kevin Johnson is an outstanding corner, and should be an early round draft pick. Bud Noel is another senior corner who will play on Sundays. If Wake is going to be successful in this game, then we're going to need them to force a few turnovers and switch field position like they did against Clemson.

How about a disadvantage?

Our offense. While North Carolina State's defense isn't good, our offense is historically bad. Our offensive line has been an issue for us this season, and it's bothersome that State had 8 sacks against Syracuse not too long ago. Really it comes down to can our offense keep up with your offense, and unfortunately for Wake fans I think the answer is no.

Alright, let's hear a prediction. Will Dave Clawson get his first ACC win in Raleigh?

As much as I hope he does, I just don't Wake having enough offensive firepower to keep up with Jacoby Brissett. I'll take State to win 20-17.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions, Robert. You can find him on twitter @Robert_Reinhard.