Game Preview: Wake Forest vs Indiana - SCACCHoops.com

Game Preview: Wake Forest vs Indiana

by Blogger So Dear

Posted: 9/25/2015 10:23:23 PM


Can the Deacs overcome the #iufb4gameday movement?

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons return home after a thrilling 17-14 victory over Army. The Deacs will be hosting the Indiana Hoosiers, who enter the contest with a 3-0 record. The Hoosiers have a prolific offense, but leave a lot to be desired on the defensive side of the ball. Can Wake get the win and move to 3-1 on the  year? Let's see how the two teams match up.

The Indiana offense averages 40.7 points and 558 yards per game. They are led by running back Jordan Howard, who is averaging 169 yards on 26 attempts per game, which translates to an average of 6.5 yards/carry. The transfer from UAB has been an excellent replacement to Tevin Coleman, who now  plays for the Atlanta Falcons. The Hoosiers also do an excellent job of moving the ball through the air. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld is averaging over 300 yards per game. His favorite receiver is junior Ricky Jones. Jones is averaging 123 receiving yards per game, and already has two touchdowns. When Jones isn't catching passes, Sudfeld likes to target Simmie Cobbs Jr.

The Wake Forest defense has its hands full. Wake Forest's defense this year has been one that bends, but does not break. I thought they were spectacular against Army, but Indiana is a different beast. This is an offense that has great balance. Because of that balance, Indiana could make very effective use of the play-action pass. This could be especially problematic for a relatively inexperienced secondary. Wake has to force turnovers in this one. It's baffling that Wake's only forced turnovers have been turnovers on down. That trend has to change if Wake Forest is going to be successful in this one. Indiana only has two lost turnovers on the year. That's not an encouraging sign.

The great news for Wake Forest fans is that Indiana's defense isn't something to write home about. They currently allow 34.7 points per game. The pass defense be like...

 

 

 

Seriously, they allow 392 passing yards per game, which is dead last in the country. Keep in mind they've played Southern Illinois, Florida International (basically an airport, h/t Matt Brown), and Western Kentucky. Wake Forest's passing attack should do well. Either John Wolford or Kendall Hinton should be able to hit Cortez Lewis and K.J. Brent over-the-top for some nice yardage.

Indiana has an average rush defense. It will be interesting to see if Wake Forest continues to try an establish the running game, despite the lack of success they have had so far this season. If Hinton gets the nod, then I expect Wake to utilize his mobility with several designed runs.

I'm still not sure who wins this game. I'm definitely leaning towards the Hoosiers based on their offensive explosiveness. Slight hope is that Indiana is overlooking this Wake Forest game and already focusing on Ohio State, but I don't actually believe in trap games. I just hedged about 15 times in that paragraph, and I'm okay with that.

I hope those of you attending have a great game and a great Homecoming. For those who are watching on TV, be sure to chat along on our gamethread. As always, go Deacs!

 

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Categories: Football, Wake Forest

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