It’s been a while since we’ve done a “Know Your…” so blow the dust off the books, pull up a chair and let’s start.  This week, of course, we play Wake Forest and here to help us out with the questions is Old Gold & Blog author Zach Smith.  Check out our responses to his questions here.

The Navy game was rough, but it was actually the second week in a row where the offense played terribly. Although the FSU game the week before didn’t have as many turnovers, the offense has been anemic for two straight games, and to be honest I’m not sure it has been fixed. The Deacs have no running game at all, and although I keep hearing about how we’re committed to running the ball better, I’ll definitely have to see it to believe it. I think Riley Skinner will have a much better game this week, but I’ll save my thoughts on him for question #2…

There’s no doubt in my mind that Skinner will have a much better game tonight. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll “tear you a new one” but there’s no way he throws a bunch of interceptions again. He may go back to playing a bit more conservatively and just managing the offense, but we’ll see. At this point in his career I definitely think he has the ability to put a game like the Navy game out of his mind and focus on the task at hand. He’s got plenty of gumption (great word, by the way), and is still the leader of the Wake offense

I honestly have no idea if he’ll play tonight. This situation isn’t one where you just say “oh he’ll tough it out” because a kicker with a leg injury just isn’t going to be able to perform. I definitely hope he plays, but I can’t say one way or the other if he will. The unfortunate thing is that this definitely seems like the type of game that could come down to a field goal here or there, and Swank is definitely one of the best kickers in the nation. The backup, Shane Popham, has never actually played in a college game, but I’ve seen him in practice and he’s definitely capable. He punts as well as Swank does, but doesn’t have quite the range on field goals. I would definitely hate to see him in a pressure situation, though, given his lack of experience.

One thing I think we may see is Popham doing kickoffs, punts, and extra points, while Swank still kicks field goals, just so that Swank doesn’t aggravate the injury any more than necessary. We’ll see.

You’ve always got to keep an eye out for #2 Alphonso Smith and #59 Aaron Curry. Those two are the heart and soul of a very, very talented Demon Deacon defense. I think both are likely to go in the first three rounds of the upcoming NFL draft. Curry is a linebacker who flies to the ball no matter where it is on the field, and loves to lay a big hit on people. Smith can cover receivers as well as anyone in the country, despite his small size. I expect these two to have a big impact tonight.

It’s hard to identify one guy who’s really been a break out player, but if I had to pick one I think I’d go with Boo Robinson at DT. He leads the team in sacks and always causes problems in the middle. He’s not the first guy you think of when you think of this Wake defense, but he’s definitely a key component

5. Are you aware of the small contingent of slightly mentally unstable Clemson fans who travel to WF and tailgate under the auspices of a “gee-haw’d” (he-haw meets Jihad, naturally)? If not, be glad. If so, what’s your take?

It’s a group I’ve heard of, but never seen. I don’t know a lot, so my take on them is probably worthless, but I don’t see any problem with a having a group of slightly crazy fans who like a good tailgate, even if they may draw the hatred of those they tailgate around. There may be more to this that I’m missing though, so feel free to fill me in!

I’m looking forward to a good one tonight, and I hope to hear many cheers of “Fire Bowden!” afterwards!