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ACC Football: Power Rankings for the 2022 season

By Dante Pryor

Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 5: The mascot of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons poses for a photo during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 5, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 5: The mascot of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons poses for a photo during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 5, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Record: 7-5, 3-5

Team Leaders:

Offense: Sam Hartman (Passing), 3421 YDS, 35 TDS

Justice Ellison (Rushing) 635 YDS, 5 TDS

A.T. Perry (Receiving) 70 Rec, 980 YDS, 11 TDS

Defense: Ryan Smenda, Jr. (Tackles) 105 total tackles

Seven Players with one interception

Jasheen Davis (Sacks), 7.0

Key Wins: @ Florida State 31-21

Bad Losses: V. Clemson 51-45

Season Overview: Wake Forest had a tale of two seasons. The Demon Deacons went into the Clemson game undefeated and went 4-4 after the loss. It might be too far to use the quit factor here, but that Clemson loss took a lot out of their sails. The success or failure of the Demons rested on the right arm of Sam Hartman. When he played well, they won, save the Clemson game.

When he had the worst three-game stretch of his career, they lost.

2023 Outlook: Dave Clawson and the Demon Deacons are in an interesting space. Sam Hartman has another year of eligibility, but Clawson and his staff might be ready for the Mitch Griffis era to start. Clawson has stated that Hartman has not made a decision but would not fault him for leaving either for the NFL or a huge NIL deal from another school.

The Deacons regressed to the mean after an 11-win 2021. The question for the Deacons is simple. Is there another level for the smallest school in the Power Five?

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