The Wake Forest Demon Deacons took a big step forward in 2017 earning their first winning season since 2008. After two seasons of going 3-9 under Dave Clawson, the Deacons went 7-6 under Clawson in 2016.
Clawson is one of the best program rebuilders in college football, rebuilding Fordham and Bowling Green before arriving in Wake Forest in 2014. For Wake Forest, the rebuild is a bit quicker than expected especially with six losing seasons before his arrival and two following his arrival. Last season, Wake Forest saw a major improvement in their defense but their offense was one of the worst in the country.