Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson is showing respect for his team’s FCS opponent, Elon, ahead of their season opener on Thursday night. Clawson has a soft spot for FCS schools, having previously coached at that level himself. He understands the difference in talent and scholarships between the two teams, with Elon having 63 scholarships compared to Wake Forest’s 85. However, Clawson believes that this game is Elon’s Super Bowl and a chance for them to compete at a higher level.
Clawson appreciates players who have a chip on their shoulder, which is why he has a lot of respect for Elon’s team. Similarly, Elon head coach Tony Trisciani has experienced success with his team, reaching the FCS playoffs last season and finishing with a ranking of 18th in the coaches poll.
Clawson’s scouting report on Elon highlights the experience on their offensive line, the talent of their running back, and the capabilities of their quarterback and wide receiver. He acknowledges that Wake Forest will face a major step up in talent compared to their opener last year.
Despite losing 11 starters, Wake Forest enters the game with high expectations. Quarterback Mitch Griffis will start his second straight opener, now as the clear-cut starter with Sam Hartman moving on to Notre Dame. Trisciani acknowledges that Wake Forest is a strong team, known for developing players and not beating themselves.
Wake Forest has a strong record against FCS opponents, with a perfect 9-0 record under Clawson. They have not lost to an FCS opponent since 2000.
The game between Wake Forest and Elon is seen as a great opportunity for Elon to play against high academic schools like Duke and Vanderbilt in the future. Trisciani is focused on his team outplaying Wake Forest and executing their game plan.
In addition to the game itself, Allegacy Stadium has undergone enhancements, including new LED lighting that will provide a brighter and more energy-efficient environment. This aligns with Wake Forest’s sustainability efforts and enhances the fan experience.
Overall, both teams are preparing for an exciting season opener, with Wake Forest looking to continue their success and Elon aiming to prove themselves against a tough opponent. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised on the ACC Network.
