Match-up Breakdown: #5 Clemson at #21 Wake Forest
Sep 24, 2022 2:48 pm
Coach ,
It’s another exciting weekend of football as we head into conference play.
This week’s CoachesClinic.com match-up takes us into ACC conference play with Clemson visiting Wake Forest.
Both Wake Forest and Clemson come into this game at 3-0. Here are the highlights of what you will see and can learn from these coaches in the match-up. Let’s start with Wake Forest.
#21 Wake Forest
The Wake Forest RPO offense is one of innovation in an era of parody. Their slow mesh and downfield reads make this an offense that must be defended differently.
Head Coach Dave Clawson presented their offense at New York State HS Coaches Association Clinic. Wake Forest went to this system in 2017 and the results of the change were dramatic as seen below:
Explosive plays help the Deacons put points on the board quickly. One way they do that is with RPO with Routes Behind, which Coach Clawson points out that in some ways replace play action. He illustrates these plays in this video:
Coach John Hunter shares the progression he uses to train his running bcks to play in the Demon Deacons RPO offense. With a slow mesh and third level RPO's the backs execute roles which make them important beyond carrying the ball.
They are needed in pass protection and often become lead blockers on the run as the QB decides to keep and add a hat to the run game on the fly. Coach Hunter illustrates the teaching in drill video and then how that translates on game video. Here is the RB Lead Block in drills and on game film in this video:
On the Defensive Side, the Deacons need to get it done upfront. DL Coach Dave Cohen likes to run double 3 techniques and he teaches them using the 3 C’s: Closing, Condensing and Cutbacks.
The Stretch or Wide Zone play is something every defense must prepare for. The ‘Get Reached’ technique is helpful in allowing his guys to win in their situations. He explains the technique in this video (click on image for video):
On the back end, DB Coach Paul Williams’ guys will be tasked with providing shutdown coverage and great run support. The Creep Tackle is one of the first things he teaches. He explains how they teach technique without beating up the bodies of the DBs. (click on image for video):
#5 Clemson
Clemson looks to return to the CFB Playoff in 2022, but must do so under the guidance of two new coordinators in OC Brandon Streeter and DC Wes Goodwin. Both were promoted from within the program, providing continuity for Dabo Swinney.
DJ Uiagalelei needs to step up and lead from the QB position but has OC/QB Coach Brandon Streeter to guide him. DJ will be throwing to a talented group of receivers including Antonio Williams, Will Taylor, Beau Collins, EJ Willams, and others. Coach Streeter shares exactly what expects from his QB in this video (click on image for video):
DC Wes Goodwin has been a part of some great defenses at Clemson and is now tasked with leading the unit. For him it will all start with having a solid weekly process which he details here:
This is a big game for both teams in terms of getting to the ACC Championship as well as climbing in the national rankings.
Enjoy all the games and what you are able to learn from them.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski
P.S. Check-out schemes, strategies, and techniques from our other CoachesClinic.com coaches as well.
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