Thursday, August 28, 2014

Malone Stadium in Monroe

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The Wake Forest Demon Deacons will be looking to start off their season on the right foot on Thursday night when they go up against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks. The Warhawks were able to upset the Demon Deacons 21-19 on the road last year.

Wake Forest had their fifth consecutive losing season in 2013 after finishing with a 3-5 record in the ACC and a 7-6 record overall. They had a top 40 defense, but they only scored 18.3 points per game, which ranked them 117th in the nation.

New Demon Deacons coach Dave Clawson will rely heavily on his defense to try to help his team get some wins. Their offense will probably be below average this season, as most of their 2013 starters are gone and many of their starters this year are converted defensive players.

Louisiana Monroe did pretty much what they were expected to do by finishing with a 4-3 record in the Sun Belt conference and a 6-6 overall record. They had a tough time moving the ball on the ground in 2013 and finished with just 122.8 rushing yards per game.

The Warhawks will have a tough time making to a bowl game this season because of their difficult non-conference schedule. However, they should do better in the Sun Belt this year if running backs Tyler Cain and Centarius Donald continue to improve this year.

Injuries to Watch

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

08/22/14 TE Zach Gordon Head out indefinitely
08/04/14 DL Johnny Garcia ACL out for season
08/02/14 DB Deonte Davis Knee questionable
08/02/14 DL Desmond Floyd Foot probable Thursday vs. UL Monroe
08/02/14 RB Dominique Gibson Suspension out indefinitely
08/02/14 DB James Ward Leg out indefinitely

Louisiana Monroe Warhawks

No Injuries to report at this time

Guy's Pick: Take Wake Forest

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