Sep 53 min read

Wake Forest, Virginia Hope to Impress in ACC Opener

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-0) open up Atlantic Coast Conference play on Sept. 7 against the Virginia Cavaliers (1-0). Virginia leads the all-time head-to-head series 34-17, but Wake Forest has won the last five straight matchups. These ACC teams meet at 7 p.m. EST in Winston-Salem, N.C.

What's at Stake

Both Wake Forest and Virginia opened their seasons with FCS opponents, and both took home comfortable victories. This matchup gives both teams a chance to continue their positive momentum in 2024 after disappointing 2023 campaigns.

Wake Forest struggled on offense last season and finished 4-8. Head coach Dave Clawson had been building the Demon Deacons into a true contender, leading the team to an ACC Championship appearance in 2021. But Wake Forest has failed to reach that pinnacle since, with quarterback play being the main culprit behind a lackluster offense. Clawson's excellent track record in 11 years as head coach has saved him from the hot seat thus far. He needs his team to produce some positive results this season, however, to keep his seat cool.

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott also could use some positive results. His first two seasons have yielded a dismal 6-16 record. Last year's team did show some progress despite its 3-9 record. Five of their losses were by a touchdown or less, and the team saw several young stars break out late in the season. If the pass defense can continue to show improvement, then this could be the year things start clicking for the Cavaliers.

Key Players: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Demond Claiborne, Running Back

After an incredible performance in spring camp, Claiborne looked primed for a breakout season in 2024. Against North Carolina A&T last week, the junior running back affirmed the preseason hype. He rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries in his first game as the starter. Claiborne will face a much stiffer test this week against the Cavaliers' experienced front seven.

Jasheen Davis, Defensive End

The senior defensive lineman was named to the 2024 Bednarik Award Watch List in the preseason, and for good reason. Davis has been a force since coming to Wake Forest. His 20 career sacks put him in a tie for fifth for the most sacks in program history.

For the Demon Deacons' defensive line, getting to the quarterback will be mandatory against Virginia. Cavaliers sophomore quarterback Anthony Colandrea is dynamic at times but has shown he is prone to mistakes. By forcing him to make quick decisions, Davis and the rest of the defensive line can take advantage of mistakes and get the ball back to their offense.

Jasheen Davis Wake Forest — © Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Key Players: Virginia Cavaliers

Anthony Colandrea, Quarterback

The exciting sophomore quarterback broke onto the scene for the Cavaliers late last season. After nearly upsetting the highly-ranked Louisville Cardinals, Colandrea successfully led the Cavaliers to an upset win over the talented Duke Blue Devils. After beating out senior quarterback Tony Muskett for the starting job in spring camp, Colandrea now has a chance to build on his stellar freshman season. He is off to a hot start in 2024, going 17-for-23 for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns in Virginia's season-opening win. Colandrea should have an opportunity to continue his success against Wake Forest's inexperienced secondary.

Kam Butler, Defensive End

After a devastating shoulder injury ended what had the makings of a special season in 2023, Butler is back and ready to be a force in his seventh season. Butler led the Cavaliers in sacks last season despite playing just four games in 2023. Virginia's defense as a whole fell off dramatically after his injury. With Butler back wreaking havoc on the line, the pass rush should help cover for a questionable pass defense for the Cavaliers.

Trends to Watch

Virginia has been much more explosive on offense with Colandrea at quarterback. In last week's game against Richmond, the Cavaliers had seven plays of 30-plus yards. Wake Forest ranked 118th nationally in explosive plays allowed in 2023, and the secondary has not made any significant improvements in 2024. If Colandrea is making smart decisions, then the Cavaliers' offense has the opportunity to expose this Wake Forest defense.