Predicting ceiling, floor for Wake Forest in 2024 season
For just the fourth time in Dave Clawson‘s tenure at Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons finished with a losing record. Losing Sam Hartman to Notre Dame hurt the program, seeing one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country play elsewhere in 2023. Now, everyone in Winston-Salem is hoping for a big bounceback season.
On3’s Andy Staples and ESPN’s Roddy Jones gave out their ceiling and floor for Wake Forest heading into the 2024 season. In their eyes, getting back to a bowl game would be a huge success for them after breaking a seven-year streak last year.
There is a scenario where another losing record falls on the resume, though. Back-to-back years under .500 have not occurred since Clawson’s first two seasons with the Demon Deacons. Not something he wants back on the resume come December.
Ceiling: 7-5
Looking at it from an optimistic point of view, Jones believes there is a chance Wake Forest “surprises” people out there. A lot depends on Louisiana Tech transfer quarterback Hank Bachmeier and how quickly he adapts to the unique offense.
“I do think there is an ability for this Wake team to surprise,” Jones said. “Particularly if you can get ??? to buy into that offense… How quickly can you adapt into the nuances of that long mesh? How much do they decide to do that?”
And then an area Wake Forest has been excellent in for years, coaching, can continue to be great. Staples points out how Clawson has been playing from behind with modern college football but still has found a way to win games.
Jones agrees.
“It’s one of the best coaching staffs in the country,” Jones said. “I firmly believe that. I do think this Wake team has the ability to surprise.”
Floor: 4-8
A team can only be as good as its schedule allows them to be. Wake Forest does not have an easy one, specifically in the nonconference. Staples points out two tough opponents coming to their place which should prove to be difficult matchups.
“Ole Miss is coming to you in the nonconference,” Staples said. “Ole Miss is going to be awesome. They’re loaded. That’s not a team you want to play in your nonconference.
“After that, you got to play Louisiana-Lafayette. They’re one of the better teams in the Sun Belt. I don’t like having to play them between Ole Miss and NC State.”