OVERALL
Wake forced four turnovers and was generally effective at stopping Clemson’s running game, but that wasn’t nearly enough to overcome a 552-152 deficit in total yards.
Clemson’s 4 longest plays from scrimmage totaled 189 yards. Wake’s total offense for the entire game was 152 yards.
Wake Forest managed just two drives longer than 16 yards. Wake had three plays of 20 yards or longer: Hinton to Lewis for 30 yards, Wolford to Brent for 20 yards, and a Hinton run of 20 yards. The other 57 plays from scrimmage netted just 82 yards (a 1.4 yard per play average).
CLEMSON’S 4 LONGEST PLAYS
1Q – DeShaun Watson (5-star in 2014 class, Rivals #1 dual-threat QB in the country) to Germone Hopper (4-star in 2012 class, Rivals #11 WR in the country) for 63 yards. Hopper was left completely uncovered after confusion in the secondary between Brad Watson and Cameron Glenn. I’m not sure whose fault it was.
2Q - Watson to Hopper for a 47 yard touchdown. Hopper beat Dionte Austin and Watson delivered a pinpoint accurate pass. Wake sent a 5-man blitz that didn’t get close to Watson. The ESPN2 announcers criticized Austin for not getting some contact on Hopper to disrupt his route. I don’t know whether that criticism is valid or not. The staff has Austin playing with a big cushion, so is he expected to make contact with the receiver (honest question)?
1Q – Watson to Charone Peake (4-star in the 2011 class, Rivals #11 WR in the country) for a 44 yard touchdown. Peake beat Brad Watson and the pass was right on the money. Not much else to add.
1Q – Double pass play ended with a 35 yard reception by Hunter Renfroe. Clemson got Dionte Austin to bite on the play.
WOLFORD
60% completion percentage. Longest completion was 20 yards. Yards per reception was just 8 yards. I thought his accuracy was very good on some shorter throws, but he also continues to be prone to missing high on other throws. I was surprised that the ESPN2 announcers were repeatedly praising his arm strength. That’s not something I have ever given him credit for.
A post-game quote from Clawson on Wolford: “John is our most knowledgeable quarterback. He understands our offense the best and he is our most accurate passer.”
RUNNING BACKS
Bell and Colburn combined for only 22 yards on 14 carries – a stat line that sounds befitting of last year’s team. They would gain 3 yards or more on just 36% of their carries. Their longest run was just 5 yards. So not a good day for the running backs.
OFFENSIVE LINE
I’ve watched half of the Notre Dame replay and all of the Clemson replay. The biggest thing that stood out to me? BLITZES. Prior to the Notre Dame game, Wake’s opponents did not blitz often at all. I guess the thinking was that they could get pressure by rushing only four. However, Notre Dame and Clemson rushed 5 often. There were also a lot of 6 man blitzes on third down. Even the occasional seven man blitz (for example, there was one on 3rd down in 1Q of the Clemson game). For stretches in the Clemson game, the results were devastating. Two six man blitzes ended 1Q drives with Wolford sacks. Tabari Hines fumbled on a reverse when Cam Serigne wasn’t quick enough to pick up a blitzing LB that darted into the backfield and disrupted the play. Hinton’s running lanes were often filled with blitzing LBs. Most of the 1Q damage was done by LB Ben Boulware (4-star in the 2013 class, Rivals #8 ILB in the country). While the blitz pickup got marginally better after 1Q, it remained a problem. Wolford getting flushed by a six-man blitz in 2Q and Bell getting dropped by a blitzing LB for a TFL in 4Q were just two examples.
I generally try and focus on the positives with the pass protection, but I honestly don’t think that we are as far away from significant improvement as people might think. There are two problems that need to be addressed. First, right tackle continues to be an acute problem (although it has improved with Ryan Anderson). On Saturday, both Anderson and Phil Haynes were beaten repeatedly by Kevin Dodd (3-star in the 2011 class). Then there are the problems with blitz pickup, which is an area that extends beyond the O-lineman to players like Tyler Bell and Cam Serigne. Serigne is asked to do little and does not look that effective when asked to contribute. I give Tyler Bell high marks for blitz recognition and willingness to get his nose dirty, but the end results are very inconsistent. I’m not sure that I would have expected more from a true freshman though.
If Clawson can improve those two areas this offseason, and keep the unit healthy, it will be interesting to see what the pass protection looks like next year. Then there is the run blocking…..
The obvious breakdowns by OLs in the Clemson game:
Ryan Anderson (3) – Beaten twice on 3rd and long plays in 1Q, 2Q false start penalty
Phil Haynes (3) – Beaten by inside rush in 2Q (leading Wolford to throw the ball away), beaten by edge rush in 3Q (Wolford sacked), beaten by outside rush in 4Q (flushed Hinton from the pocket)
Dylan Intemann (2) – Failed to pick up stunting DL twice in 2Q
Justin Herron (1) - Gave up 2Q TFL when beaten cleanly by Shaq Lawson (4-star in the 2012 class)
DEFENSIVE LINE
There were positives and negatives from the DLs performance. On the positive side, they were active in run support with 10 solo tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. This is where Wendell Dunn is effective. Willie Yarbary got recognition from the announcers when he had back-to-back run stops. Shelldon Lewinson had three solo tackles. The run support from the DL has really improved over the last few games.
On the negative side, they failed to record a single QB sack or QB hurry. Duke Ejiofor continues to be the only DL than can generate a pass rush with any frequency.
Chris Calhoun flashed his talent twice in the game. The first was a punishing hit on Clemson’s RB that resulted in a tackle for loss, and then the INT that I thought showed his overall athleticism (he might have grabbed the pass one-handed). The true freshman is nowhere near his ceiling. I really hoping he takes a big step forward this offseason.
Tylor Harris had a pass deflection in the fourth quarter. Zeek Rodney got a hit on Watson in 4Q.
CORNERBACKS
Dionte Austin had a tough day but continues to look better than Devin Gaulden. Since Austin took over the starting job it hasn’t looked to me like offenses have challenged him any more than Brad Watson. In fact, they may have thrown at Watson more. Watson had a long day as well on Saturday. He gave up the 44 yard TD to Charone Peaks, drew a holding penalty in 3Q, and probably should have been flagged for a PI in 3Q. However, Watson got some redemption in 2Q when he took advantage of great positioning and a ball that was slightly underthrown to convert an INT. There’s no change in my view that Brad Watson is one of the best players on our defense.
OTHER NOTES
Wake was the victim of three missed calls in a short stretch late in the 2nd quarter. There were missed PI calls on KJ Brent and Cam Serigne and then when Clemson took over on offense one of their OLs tore Shelldon Lewinson’s helmet off. Then there was the “throat slash” in the 3rd quarter (oh my).
Jaboree Williams showed up a few times making impact plays despite limited playing time. One of his best performances this year. What an important player he is going to be next year.
Zach Dancel jumped a route in 1Q that should have resulted in a pick-six. Instead, the pass appeared to go through his hands and deflect off his helmet. Demetrius Kemp just missed a punt block on what I think might have been the very next play. He might have overshot the football. Either play could have kept the game closer for a while.
I am eager to get updates on the 4Q injuries to Marquel Lee, Matt Colburn and Ryan Janvion.
Wake forced four turnovers and was generally effective at stopping Clemson’s running game, but that wasn’t nearly enough to overcome a 552-152 deficit in total yards.
Clemson’s 4 longest plays from scrimmage totaled 189 yards. Wake’s total offense for the entire game was 152 yards.
Wake Forest managed just two drives longer than 16 yards. Wake had three plays of 20 yards or longer: Hinton to Lewis for 30 yards, Wolford to Brent for 20 yards, and a Hinton run of 20 yards. The other 57 plays from scrimmage netted just 82 yards (a 1.4 yard per play average).
CLEMSON’S 4 LONGEST PLAYS
1Q – DeShaun Watson (5-star in 2014 class, Rivals #1 dual-threat QB in the country) to Germone Hopper (4-star in 2012 class, Rivals #11 WR in the country) for 63 yards. Hopper was left completely uncovered after confusion in the secondary between Brad Watson and Cameron Glenn. I’m not sure whose fault it was.
2Q - Watson to Hopper for a 47 yard touchdown. Hopper beat Dionte Austin and Watson delivered a pinpoint accurate pass. Wake sent a 5-man blitz that didn’t get close to Watson. The ESPN2 announcers criticized Austin for not getting some contact on Hopper to disrupt his route. I don’t know whether that criticism is valid or not. The staff has Austin playing with a big cushion, so is he expected to make contact with the receiver (honest question)?
1Q – Watson to Charone Peake (4-star in the 2011 class, Rivals #11 WR in the country) for a 44 yard touchdown. Peake beat Brad Watson and the pass was right on the money. Not much else to add.
1Q – Double pass play ended with a 35 yard reception by Hunter Renfroe. Clemson got Dionte Austin to bite on the play.
WOLFORD
60% completion percentage. Longest completion was 20 yards. Yards per reception was just 8 yards. I thought his accuracy was very good on some shorter throws, but he also continues to be prone to missing high on other throws. I was surprised that the ESPN2 announcers were repeatedly praising his arm strength. That’s not something I have ever given him credit for.
A post-game quote from Clawson on Wolford: “John is our most knowledgeable quarterback. He understands our offense the best and he is our most accurate passer.”
RUNNING BACKS
Bell and Colburn combined for only 22 yards on 14 carries – a stat line that sounds befitting of last year’s team. They would gain 3 yards or more on just 36% of their carries. Their longest run was just 5 yards. So not a good day for the running backs.
OFFENSIVE LINE
I’ve watched half of the Notre Dame replay and all of the Clemson replay. The biggest thing that stood out to me? BLITZES. Prior to the Notre Dame game, Wake’s opponents did not blitz often at all. I guess the thinking was that they could get pressure by rushing only four. However, Notre Dame and Clemson rushed 5 often. There were also a lot of 6 man blitzes on third down. Even the occasional seven man blitz (for example, there was one on 3rd down in 1Q of the Clemson game). For stretches in the Clemson game, the results were devastating. Two six man blitzes ended 1Q drives with Wolford sacks. Tabari Hines fumbled on a reverse when Cam Serigne wasn’t quick enough to pick up a blitzing LB that darted into the backfield and disrupted the play. Hinton’s running lanes were often filled with blitzing LBs. Most of the 1Q damage was done by LB Ben Boulware (4-star in the 2013 class, Rivals #8 ILB in the country). While the blitz pickup got marginally better after 1Q, it remained a problem. Wolford getting flushed by a six-man blitz in 2Q and Bell getting dropped by a blitzing LB for a TFL in 4Q were just two examples.
I generally try and focus on the positives with the pass protection, but I honestly don’t think that we are as far away from significant improvement as people might think. There are two problems that need to be addressed. First, right tackle continues to be an acute problem (although it has improved with Ryan Anderson). On Saturday, both Anderson and Phil Haynes were beaten repeatedly by Kevin Dodd (3-star in the 2011 class). Then there are the problems with blitz pickup, which is an area that extends beyond the O-lineman to players like Tyler Bell and Cam Serigne. Serigne is asked to do little and does not look that effective when asked to contribute. I give Tyler Bell high marks for blitz recognition and willingness to get his nose dirty, but the end results are very inconsistent. I’m not sure that I would have expected more from a true freshman though.
If Clawson can improve those two areas this offseason, and keep the unit healthy, it will be interesting to see what the pass protection looks like next year. Then there is the run blocking…..
The obvious breakdowns by OLs in the Clemson game:
Ryan Anderson (3) – Beaten twice on 3rd and long plays in 1Q, 2Q false start penalty
Phil Haynes (3) – Beaten by inside rush in 2Q (leading Wolford to throw the ball away), beaten by edge rush in 3Q (Wolford sacked), beaten by outside rush in 4Q (flushed Hinton from the pocket)
Dylan Intemann (2) – Failed to pick up stunting DL twice in 2Q
Justin Herron (1) - Gave up 2Q TFL when beaten cleanly by Shaq Lawson (4-star in the 2012 class)
DEFENSIVE LINE
There were positives and negatives from the DLs performance. On the positive side, they were active in run support with 10 solo tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. This is where Wendell Dunn is effective. Willie Yarbary got recognition from the announcers when he had back-to-back run stops. Shelldon Lewinson had three solo tackles. The run support from the DL has really improved over the last few games.
On the negative side, they failed to record a single QB sack or QB hurry. Duke Ejiofor continues to be the only DL than can generate a pass rush with any frequency.
Chris Calhoun flashed his talent twice in the game. The first was a punishing hit on Clemson’s RB that resulted in a tackle for loss, and then the INT that I thought showed his overall athleticism (he might have grabbed the pass one-handed). The true freshman is nowhere near his ceiling. I really hoping he takes a big step forward this offseason.
Tylor Harris had a pass deflection in the fourth quarter. Zeek Rodney got a hit on Watson in 4Q.
CORNERBACKS
Dionte Austin had a tough day but continues to look better than Devin Gaulden. Since Austin took over the starting job it hasn’t looked to me like offenses have challenged him any more than Brad Watson. In fact, they may have thrown at Watson more. Watson had a long day as well on Saturday. He gave up the 44 yard TD to Charone Peaks, drew a holding penalty in 3Q, and probably should have been flagged for a PI in 3Q. However, Watson got some redemption in 2Q when he took advantage of great positioning and a ball that was slightly underthrown to convert an INT. There’s no change in my view that Brad Watson is one of the best players on our defense.
OTHER NOTES
Wake was the victim of three missed calls in a short stretch late in the 2nd quarter. There were missed PI calls on KJ Brent and Cam Serigne and then when Clemson took over on offense one of their OLs tore Shelldon Lewinson’s helmet off. Then there was the “throat slash” in the 3rd quarter (oh my).
Jaboree Williams showed up a few times making impact plays despite limited playing time. One of his best performances this year. What an important player he is going to be next year.
Zach Dancel jumped a route in 1Q that should have resulted in a pick-six. Instead, the pass appeared to go through his hands and deflect off his helmet. Demetrius Kemp just missed a punt block on what I think might have been the very next play. He might have overshot the football. Either play could have kept the game closer for a while.
I am eager to get updates on the 4Q injuries to Marquel Lee, Matt Colburn and Ryan Janvion.
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