Head coach Dabo Swinney held a media conference call, Sunday, less than 24 hours removed from No. 5 Clemson’s 48-20 victory over Louisiana Tech. D.J. Uiagalelei (17-29, 221 yards, two touchdowns) posted good numbers for the third straight game and Will Shipley set a career high with 139 yards on the ground. Clemson will next make its way into ACC play with a trip to Wake Forest’s campus in Winston-Salem, NC.
Wake Forest is coming off a hard-fought 37-36 victory over Liberty. The 21st-ranked Demon Deacons needed to thwart the Flames’ two-point conversion attempt with 1:11 remaining to avoid the upset. Quarterback Sam Hartman (Oceanside Collegiate) and Wake’s passing attack poses a significant challenge for Clemson. La. Tech was able to put up 311 yards through the air against the Tigers, Saturday, and Hartman threw for 4,228 yards in 2021. Under Dave Clawson’s guidance, Wake Forest has made six straight bowls and snapped Clemson’s stranglehold on the Atlantic Division with an appearance in the ACC Championship last season.
This game will put multiple streaks on the line when the ACC foes kick at noon, Saturday. Wake Forest hasn’t lost at home since falling to Trevor Lawrence and Clemson 37-13 in 2020, having won its last 11 at Truist Field. Clemson will be looking to win its 14th straight in the series and tenth straight overall. The Deacons last beat the Tigers Oct. 9, 2008, in Tommy Bowden’s final game as head coach. Swinney took over four days after the 12-7 defeat and has yet to drop a decision to Wake Forest.
Key comments from Dabo Swinney
- Freshman WR Adam Randall (Myrtle Beach) should be full go this week. Got about 18 snaps vs. La. Tech and shouldn’t have any restrictions at Wake
- Will Shipley’s motor runs at a level that’s hard to coach. He’s passionate. He wins every sprint in summer workouts. That’s just how he’s wired
- Wake QB Sam Hartman (Oceanside Collegiate) is a winner. Follows up with how crafty he is and how well he understands his offense. Feels like he’s been seeing him for 12 years
- All injuries are day-to-day. Won’t know who’s available for Wake until later in the week
- Disappointed with some of the penalties vs. La. Tech. Six penalties is certainly something we need to clean up
- Did a lot of good things offensively including hitting big plays (two one-play TDs), no sacks surrendered by offensive line, no turnovers and stayed balanced with the run game. Loves how QB D.J. Uiagaielei is competing.
