What did he learn later from the Elon film?
They realized at the time they didn’t close the game out and at their highest level they eliminate the possibility of a comeback
They didn’t play to their identity
“The scoreboard lies to you so it’s human nature to soften once you build a lead. Good teams don’t do that. We have to fight through that.”
Lack of complimentary nature in integrated strategy; 3-and-outs put the defense in a tough position in the kicking game
In the first half Elon didn’t convert a third down, in the second half it converted almost every one
Elon came with a fighting spirit and counter-punched
They made it through and experienced an onside kick
Asked about Warren Ruggiero and “the slow mesh”
They go way back; when they were at Bowling Green on the camp circuit they roomed together
Warren woke up at 5 every morning with coffee and a legal pad and was drawing up plays and there is genius in his play design
So they earned about his style of offense there
“You don’t see anything like it out there.”
Said he’s had to defend them a few times and “it’s a challenge” in the same way it is to defend Army or Navy
Wake is about making explosive plays and scoring points
They’re done that through a high-powered offense
They’ll put the ball in the mesh, the QB will hold it and step down into the LOS and hold it as long as possible until you show where you’ll give them space
They can split defenses in the run game and passing game
It’s an abnormal approach
The QB and WR connect often on 50/50 balls
Their ability to dictate terms will be important as will winning the turnover battle
Wake does that well
“You have to score touchdowns to beat these teams.”
How tough is it to get players ready to deal with it and they spend time in the offseason on preparing for them?
They did as a staff but not as a team
They can’t lose focus on what’s in front of them
But as a staff they can advance-scout them
The look is similar to an option offense and they won’t be perfect in defending it, they’ll adjust and adapt
Patience is a huge part
As a defensive coach you can take it personally any time there’s a yard gained or point scored but every time they snap the ball and aren’t in the end zone, you tighten their opportunity for points
You have to look for chances to get them off the field when you’re behind in the chains
You want to make an aggressive call and you can do that within structure but if you’re reckless there they get a TD
Do they prepare for Sam Hartman?
From what he’s known, they’ll change subtly in personality based on who it is but it’s a system
Anyone they put at QB has found success and rhythm
So they focus on defending the system
He’s pulling for Sam Hartman as he’s battling his injury
That’ll be the most stressful part
Does anything change for them offensively given Wake is high-powered?
They’ll play to their identity which is establishing a run game
Having possession can help them
The longer that offense is on the sideline the fewer chances they have to score
Finishing drives with 7 is important
You don’t want to go 7-3 on drives
They can’t have the 3-and-outs like they had against Elon and that stresses the defense
Is this a big game for the program?
Wake’s a standard-bearer having sustained success and that’s what they’re after here
Against Hawaii, they played four quarters of their styles and brand and they felt great; against Elon they didn’t and they didn’t feel great
It’s more a focus on their identity and how they play
Over time they’ll maximize opportunities for which they’re presented
It’s more about their process and routines
If they do that, they put themselves in position for a good result
If not, they give opportunity to opponents
10 true freshman have combined for 350-something snaps so far, is that what they expected? And what are they expecting going forward?
They recruited this class to have an impact but they have to earn it (and they have)
The trend should be for that number to creep up as they get comfortable and learn
That’s all part of the design
They have a lot of young players
Skinner, Griffin, Hernandez, Ketschek, are they back?
Hernandez “day to day” and questionable
Griffin has improved and practiced today
Skinner is improving and did more today and he expects him to be available “to a certain capacity”
Ketschek not available this week
Truesdell/Berry/Smith
Berry and Smith not available
Truesdell getting better and might play
Mike Wright’s performance?
At times against Elon, they had opportunities to get into plays that gave them a better shot away from the teeth of the defense
As he gets more comfortable he’ll improve there
When the ball’s in his hands, good things tend to happen
Great players can have an impact when the ball’s not in their hands; teams will hone in on him and carrying out fakes and such cause stress on defense too
Should they have played more guys Saturday?
Yes, they should have played more guys
They need to create buy-in at all levels
When guys practice at a certain level they’ve got to be out there
The ability to play more people will help them
They were probably another score away throughout the night from getting more guys in
When you play against a high-tempo team rotations and substitutions are important and that’s the case this week
Some of their inability to get off the field was their guys were worn out
Outtara?
They’ll find out whether he can help them this week
Daevon Walker and Cameron Carter
They’re with the team but not available
They’re with them and helping and will be excited for them to return
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