News > December 29, 2007

By Martin Rickman | Staff writer

With their second consecutive bowl game hours away, the Demon Deacons are making this just another game day, instead of displaying the awe and wonder shown at the Orange Bowl last season.

“I don’t think there’s a coach in America who isn’t scared before a bowl game,” Coach Jim Grobe said. (OGB file photo)

“Last year we had a week down there to prepare and we have just four days here," said corner Alphonso Smith. "The Orange Bowl was our first time; we were pretty loose, and this year we’re practicing like this is another game that we can win."

The Deacons put up a good showing against the Big East Champion Louisville Cardinals last season, but came up empty, leaving the best season in Wake history with a bittersweet finish.

This week, the Deacs have studied film and practiced their tails off, but all the preparation in the world means nothing when they step out on the field.

“I don’t think there’s a coach in America who isn’t scared before a bowl game,” said Wake Forest Head Coach Jim Grobe. “This has been a great experience and I think the guys have had a lot of fun. From a coaching standpoint you just hope the guys will go out and play a good game.”

Wake will have a tough test in the Co-Big East Champion Connecticut Huskies, who are coming off their best season ever.

Ranking 25th in the BCS standings, the Huskies are seemingly a mirror image of last year’s Deacon team, combining a hard-nosed, tough defense with a ball control offense that has playmaker RBs Andre Dixon and Donald Brown, as well as electric return man Larry Taylor. They also have an intelligent, mistake-free quarterback in Tyler Lorenzen, who had just five interceptions on the year.

Connecticut was 7th in turnover margin this year, while the Deacs were 16th.

Wake Forest will have a definite lift from the Meineke Car Care Bowl crowd, as Demon Deacons are expected to bring between 30 and 40 thousand fans to Bank of America Stadium. The home game atmosphere will be great for the Deacons, who have really enjoyed their week in Charlotte, participating in events like the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where each Deac had the chance to run three laps at over 160 mph.

“I’ve really enjoyed downtown Charlotte," said QB Riley Skinnner. "There are lots of great places and restaurants to explore and we’ve spent a lot of time out here. Coach didn’t give us a curfew, but with a 6 am wake-up call, we didn’t really need one."

The Deacons have a chance to cap off the week with a win, and with leaders like Smith, Skinner, LB Aaron Curry, C Steve Justice and WR Kenny Moore, who needs just two catches to tie the ACC record for receptions held by Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams, the team is ready to compete.

“I think that it’s great to have to experience of last year, it brings a more mature mindset," said Skinner. "We’re going there now to win and take care of business.”