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Grobe instead signed a 10-year contract extension late last year, choosing to build on the dynamic success he and his staff have injected into the Deacons' program in their two seasons in Winston-Salem, N.C. No one is confusing Wake Forest with Florida State, but Grobe has turned the ACC's traditional homecoming guest into a formidable force. In both of Grobe's seasons at Wake Forest, the Deacons have been bowl-eligible, and last year, when the Deacons were invited to the Seattle Bowl, they showed they belonged by beating Oregon. "We're ahead of schedule," Grobe says. "I don't think anyone thought we'd be this far along." While installing a ball-control offense that blends short passes with a heavy reliance on the ground game, Grobe also has worked on the Deacons' mental approach, gradually teaching them to think differently about themselves. "When we first got here, maybe we had some guys who would look down the road and see who they thought we could play with and who we couldn't," Grobe said. "They might have said we couldn't play with a Clemson or Florida State. "[Last season] our guys didn't care who they played. They knew they could play with them." OFFENSIVE KEYS: It hasn't taken long for Grobe to put his imprint on the Deacons, turning them into a ground-chewing team that has become increasingly difficult for opponents to contain. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The Deacons were among the most opportunistic defenses in the country last season, forcing turnovers out of their 3-3-5 scheme. They will employ the same scheme this season, stacking three linebackers in the middle with a focus on limiting big plays. SPECIAL TEAMS: Few things worked well for Wake Forest on special teams last fall. The Deacons need sophomore Matt Wisnosky to boot the ball deeper on kickoffs and take some of the pressure off the coverage team. After a poor start, Wisnosky gradually improved his field-goal kicking, eventually converting 17-of-25 for the season. Ryan Plackemeier became the Deacons' punter midway through the 2002 season and improved as the year progressed.FINAL ANALYSIS: Wake Forest is no longer an easy out for ACC foes. Grobe has convinced his team it can compete with anyone in the league.For the Deacons to reach a second consecutive bowl game, they need to get solid play from Randolph at quarterback. They're not looking for a hero, only for a player who can handle the essentials and minimize mistakes. The Deacons have a difficult start, playing at Boston College then coming home to face potential national power N.C. State followed by Purdue. Nevertheless, when the Deacons are able to run their offense effectively, chewing clock in the process, and can create turnovers with their defense, they're trouble for anyone on their schedule. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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