Sigh of Relief - Slimshoom's Blog

Slimshoom's Blog

Sigh of Relief

Posted on November 15, 2008 at 12:01 AM.

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Wake Forest - 43 @ Marshall - 34

8/29/2009 - Huntington, West Virginia

The Demon Deacons didn't expect this much of a fight from the Thundering Herd. But in front of the hometown crowd, Marshall put up 34 points and 400 offensive yards against a Demon Deacons defense that is young and inexperienced, and showed that on the field yesterday.

"Our defense has to improve....bottom line," Wake Forest Head coach Jim Grobe said in his post-game press conference yesterday. "We can't expect our offense to carry us every game, especially when we start playing teams with better defenses."

On the offensive side of the ball it was either feast or famine for the Deacons, who on occasion showed the ability to score from anywhere on the field at any given time. However, five turnovers, including three fumbles, hampered the offensive attack and is causing some Wake Forest fans to shake their heads.

The game was played in a torrential downpour, and both teams turned the ball over at a torrid pace. There were ten combined turnovers yesterday, five by each time. Six were interceptions, and four were fumbles recovered by the opposing defense.

Speaking about fumbles, there was one early by Marshall Quarterback Brian Anderson that was scooped up by freshman defensive end Raymond Houston and returned all the way for a touchdown that spotted the Deacons a 14-0 lead.

Both quarterback Riley Skinner and running back Josh Adams had solid opening weekend performances and paced the offense. Skinner threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. The senior also rushed for 75 yards on 13 carries and found the endzone once running the ball. Adams rushed for 139 yards on 31 carries but did not score.

Junior Marshall Williams is stepping into some big shoes, as he will take the spot of D.J. Boldin, who had one of the best seasons ever for a Deacons receiver in 2008. Williams caught six touchdown passes last season, and got off to a good start yesterday by leading all receivers with six receptions for 93 yards, including a 49 yard touchdown catch. Taking over for former All-American kicker Sam Swank, sophomore John Stamper hit both of his field goal attempts in his first collegiate action ever.

Up Next: vs #22 Nebraska