Key takeaways from Clemson football OT win over Wake Forest

2. Takeaways for Wake Forest.

The key to the Demon Deacons’ tempo offense is the ability to push the football down the field. Wake Forest was successful with the vertical passing game today, with two receivers averaging over 20 yards per reception. Wide receiver Donovan Greene averaged 26.5 yards per reception, and Jahmal Banks averaged 23.5 yards per catch.

The Deacons’ offensive line did a tremendous job of blocking Clemon’s deep and talented defensive line to give Hartman time to throw deep. Specifically, the offensive line did a great job communicating with one another when Clemson blitzed so Hartman could take advantage of man-to-man coverage.

Wake Forest seems to have the same Achilles’ heel it had last year, the defense. Going back to last season, if the defense was better, last season could have been even better than it was. While playing defense alongside a tempo offense is difficult, Wake Forest cannot give up points as quickly as they do.

The Deacons were better against the run this afternoon than last season, but DJ Uiagalelei had his best game this afternoon. Head coach Dave Clawson has to fix the defense if they want to contend earnestly this fall.