Game One (Wake Forest) Thoughts - 2026

[catdaddyp]

I’m not going to do as in-depth of a take on this game, though will touch on a handful of things.

 

Offense:

CB is a playmaker and will only get better with game experience. His mobility is going to be invaluable to this offense. Also, Roggow looked confident and in command with the backups, which is something every team wants to see out of their backup quarterback, but often isn’t the case. What was even more impressive is that Roggow moved the offense with all backups in around him.

 

I really like what we have at the skill positions and look forward to when the OL starts to gel.

 

Speaking of the OL, they were overwhelmed in the first half against Wake’s ones. Once the twos came in, our OL more than held their own. I think we have some guys in place to have another solid OL, but it’s probably going to take a few games to figure it out.

 

 

Defense:

I’m already on the JD Williams bandwagon. He looked like he belonged and was a load in the middle. However, I didn’t like that he seemed to get gassed so quickly. 

Omari Obor looked explosive against the backups and also when he was left unblocked against the ones. He’ll need to continue to develop as a pass rusher, but he’s going to be difficult for MAC opponents to deal with. Waye and Kavals also had their moments. Outside of those guys, our pass rush and effectiveness against the run was almost nonexistent.

 

I liked what I saw out of Daunte Curtis and Donelius Johnson at linebacker. I believe they should be receiving most of the snaps from here on out.

 

It’s hard to say much about the secondary. They at least tried to play physically, but they were put in bad spots way too often.

 

 

Besides all of the penalties, I think Wake is a solid team that should at least make a bowl game. The Zips came out, fought to the end, and came away with some positives to build on. Next week should be a blowout as Robert Morris just isn’t that good. 

 

I’ll come back later and add the depth chart and PFF stats when they are released.