Scouting Wake Forest

Players To Watch:

CB Alphonso Smith tied conference records for interceptions returned for touchdowns for a season when he brought back his third pick all the way in the win over Duke. It was the fourth of the junior's career, which also ties a conference career record.

C Steve Justice is on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy (top collegiate center), Outland Trophy (top interior lineman) and Lombardi Trophy (best lineman or linebacker). He is the leader of an offensive line that has surrendered only six sacks.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: After struggling with their running game in the opener against Boston College (two net yards in a loss), the Demon Deacons have bounced back and are now averaging 139 yards an outing (173.3 over the last four games). WR Kenny Moores gives them a playmaker who can either take a pass or handoff on a reverse and score. QB Riley Skinner has thrown one more interception than he did all last year (7-6) but still is an accurate passer.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Wake is solid enough against the run, giving up about 111 yards per game to opponents. Take out the Boston College game, when they were burned for 408 yards, and the Deacons actually would rank second in yards giving up through the air, about 166 yards per game. That would rank second in the league to Clemson's 135 yards. The Deacons have nine interceptions in five games, second overall to BC's 16. The Deacons have returned four interceptions and a fumble for touchdowns.