Week 1: Wake Forest at Baylor

On the surface, this meeting has the look of an easy Demon Deacon stroll into a season full of optimism seen in a No. 23 national ranking. But there’s optimism, foolish or not, in Waco, too, with Art Briles bringing a new energy and expectations to the Bears. Baylor returns 12 starters and the game is in Waco, which may not be a snake pit for visiting teams, but should at least be full for the opening of a season and era.

Wake quarterback Riley Skinner led the nation in passing accuracy, hitting on 72.4 percent of his throws. He’s looking for some playmaking receivers to emerge, but has second-team All-ACC back Josh Adams to hand off to. The defense brings back nine of the top 10 tacklers from 2007, experience that should be crucial in facing a wide-open Baylor offense.

As of Tuesday, Briles still hadn’t named a starter at quarterback, never a good sign. And it’s a cluttered race, with holdover Blake Szymanski, freshman Robert Griffin and Miami transfer Kirby Freeman all in the mix. There are some solid pieces on offense. The line is decent. Wide receiver David Gettis could flourish in Briles’ spread offense. The linebackers, led by Joe Pawelek, are the strength of a defense.

Notes:

Things were better for Baylor the last time it faced Wake Forest. That was 1961, when the Bears rolled 31-0 in Waco.

As unsettled as the Bears are at quarterback, they’re auditioning running backs, too. Four players – including a converted safety, Ray Sims, and a converted defensive end, Andrew Judy – are battling for carries.

Change has been a common theme with the Bears. Six different players have changed positions, including Krys Buerck, a wideout a year ago and now No. 1 at a cornerback slot.

Wake Forest’s No. 23 ranking in both the Associated Press and coaches polls represent the first time ever the school has been ranked in the preseason.

Deacons coach Jim Grobe hasn’t made a habit of playing true freshmen, but he did take Kenny Okoro to Waco. Okoro is a true freshman cornerback whom Grobe said will play only in an emergency.

Key Player (Bears) – David Gettis, WR

Always considered an elite talent, Gettis hasn’t quite lived up to his advance billing with the Bears. Briles’ offense should give Gettis an opportunity to finally produce a breakout. It’s a breakout the Bears need, with so many questions at the other skill positions.

Key Player (Demon Deacons) – Riley Skinner, QB

Skinner is 18-6 as a starter, giving the Demon Deacons a solid, stable leader. On the road for this opener, Skinner’s veteran presence should serve Wake Forest well, preventing any chance of an unlikely upset. With what figures to be a stout defense in place, Skinner need just manage the offense for now.

Wake Forest by 17