Oct 19, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Hank Bachmeier (9) throws a looks to pass the ball against the Connecticut Huskies in the second quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
There is urgency for Wake Forest to make the most of its trip to the West Coast.
The Demon Deacons (3-4, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) face host Stanford (2-5, 1-3) on Saturday. Wake Forest has won two of its last three games, but must continue to emerge from an early slump to get closer to bowl eligibility.
“For us to get a fourth win and go out and get it before the bye week is very important if we want to get to where we want to get to,” Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said.
Stanford will play at home a week after being blown out at home by nationally ranked SMU. The Cardinal, who have lost four straight, were also defeated by Clemson, which is now in the top 10.
“I consider Stanford to be a good team with a tight schedule,” Clawson said. “Sometimes your record depends on your schedule.”
Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier will play in his home state. His brother, Tiger Bachmeier, is a catcher at Stanford.
But the biggest question involving the Cardinals could be at the quarterback position. Freshman quarterback Elijah Brown of Stanford came on in relief in the game against SMU, throwing for one touchdown and two interceptions. He took the place of Ashton Daniels, a junior.
“We’re not sure which quarterback we’re going to see,” Clawson said.
Stanford coach Troy Taylor said Brown has been making progress.
“We’ve incorporated it,” Taylor said. “He’s gotten a lot of reps in fall camp. I think he’ll continue to get more comfortable.”
Stanford’s 133 yards per game isn’t enough, in Taylor’s opinion.
“We have to run the ball to help our quarterbacks,” he said.
Stanford has been aggressive on offense, attempting 24 fourth-down plays (second most nationally) and converting 12 times.
Wake Forest has had narrow wins in its only two road games, beating North Carolina State 34-30 and beating Connecticut 23-20. Stanford has a 1-3 record at home.
“We have a tough stretch against very good opponents,” Taylor said. “We have another chance to play another home game.”
Wake Forest is trying to win for the 15th time in its last 20 October games, dating back to the 2020 season.
This will be the third all-time meeting between these teams, who won at home when they met in non-conference games in 2009 and 2010. Stanford’s victory was a 68-24 blowout in the rematch.
–Field level media
