Notre Dame Opponent Preview: Wake Forest Demon Deacons Offense

Nov 10, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Tanner Price (10) rolls out as he looks to pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-US PRESSWIRE

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

November 17, 2012 at 3:30 pm

TV: NBC

Last Meeting: Wake Forest 17-Notre Dame 24

Line: Notre Dame (-24.0)

Wake Forest is the most incompetent Offensive football team that Notre Dame has played this season. To illustrate this point, Wake Forest only scored 20 points against Liberty. Wake Forest is averaging 20.1 points per game. Away from home, the Demon Deacons are averaging only 9.0 points per game and 6.5 points against teams ranked in the AP Poll.

The Demon Deacons ranked 114th on the ground in rushing yards with 102.7 yards per game. Again, the Wake Forest rushing attack is a story of being at home and being on the road. The Demon Deacons are only averaging 58.75 yards per game rushing on the road.

Wake Forest performs a little better through the air. They currently ranked 88th, which is 3 spots ahead of Notre Dame. The Demon Deacons are throwing the ball for an average of 207.0 yards per game but only 132.5 yards per game on the road. Overall, the Demon Deacons only average 191.3 total yards per game on the road.

Tanner Price, QB, Junior

The 6’2” 205 lbs Quarterback from Austin, Texas is in his third season as the Wake Forest starter. Price is an integral part of the Demon Deacon Offense. Tanner Price ranks 77th in the country in passing yards this season with 196.5 yards per game. However, Price ranks lower in passing efficiency with a 111.92 mark, which is good for 96th overall. Price is a competent Quarterback who can be very efficient if given the time to throw. He has been less efficient this season than last. He is a capable runner but is not someone who will typically make a Defense pay with his feet. He actually is -10 yards for the season currently but does have 2 touchdowns. Price has been sacked 23 times this already or an average of 2.3 sacks per game. This total ranks 88th in the country.

Micheal Campanaro, WR, Junior

Campanaro is probably the most explosive Offensive threat that Wake Forest currently possesses. At 5’11” 195, Campanaro is not a phyiscally imposing Wide Receiver but he is well built for his size. He recently broke a school record with 16 receptions against Boston College. Campanaro has put up great statistics despite being hampered by a hand injury. He has caught 65 passes for 618 yards in 8 games. This ranks Campanaro 42nd in the nation in receiving yards per game. Campanaro has good speed that can help him get behind a Defense.

Overall, Wake Forest does not have a lot to threaten Notre Dame’s experienced and talented Defense with. Campanaro is a very talented player but he is only one man. He can quickly be isolated from the game. Another thing that is important to point out is how porous Wake’s Offensive Line is. The Demon Deacons attack is predicated on the passing game. Notre Dame’s Defensive Line should be able to “pin its ears back” and come after Price frequently on Saturday. This will also prevent the ball from getting in Campanaro’s hands. It’s hard to throw a ball from your back.