Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest's Bowl Eligibility shows Clawson's Growth

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are bowl eligible for the first time since 2011. In head coach Dave Clawson’s third season, the Demon Deacons have shown their growth in the ACC this year.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have shown their growth over the past two seasons. They’ve doubled their win total from the past two seasons with a wild win over Virginia this week. At 6-3, the Demon Deacons have taken on the defensive identity of their coach. And it’s largely responsible for much of the team’s success.

Against Virginia, the Wake Forest defense used two interceptions in the fourth quarter to take the lead from the Cavaliers late in the game 27-20. Cornerback Cameron Glenn ran an interception back 44 yards. The turnover put Wake Forest in field goal position to tie the game at 20. Cornerback Jessie Bates ran back an interception 39 yards for a touchdown to give them the lead. The Demon Deacons are one of three teams in the ACC with two defensive touchdowns.

Who is Dave Clawson?

Dave Clawson arrived at Wake Forest in 2013 from Bowling Green. There, he coached the fifth ranked scoring defense in the FBS. He led the Bowling Green Falcons to their first MAC Championship since 1992. They upset 15th ranked Northern Illinois in the championship 47-27.

As the Demon Deacons head coach, Clawson has turned a 3-9 program into what’s there today in his third season. Now, they’re on their way to their first winning season since 2008. The defense ranks 14th in scoring defense allowing 18.2 points a game. After losing two games in a row, they have earned that elusive sixth victory.

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Demon Deacons tie with Louisville, Florida State, and Clemson for first in turnovers per game in the ACC. Each team’s defense forces 2.2 turnovers per game. They have allowed the least amount of points in ACC contests this season, allowing just 98 points to opposing offenses. At 3-2 in the ACC, they rank third in the Atlantic in the division.

Big Games Coming Up

This week, Wake Forest faces the Louisville Cardinals. The Demon Deacons will get the opportunity to showcase what they can do on the defensive side of the ball. They face Louisville on the road. The secondary and their ability to contain a lethal quarterback like Lamar Jackson will be put to the test. It will be interesting to see if they’re up for the challenge.

The Demon Deacons will step into some unfamiliar territory come Saturday. It will be interesting to see if they’re up to the challenge. They lost 17-6 to Florida State back in Week Seven. The offense couldn’t seem to produce more than two field goals then but Week 10 should tell a different story.

Things won’t get any easier in Week 11 either when Wake hosts the Clemson Tigers. The next two games will be interesting story to say the least as Clawson closes out his third season as head coach.