Don't look now, but here comes Wake

CLEMSON — Following last week's 37-10 win over North Carolina, Jim Grobe said something that probably wouldn't be particularly noteworthy if uttered by another coach.

"I think we're a better football team than we have been at any time this season," he said.

Grobe, in his seventh year at Wake Forest, usually calls it as he sees it. When he's worried about his team, he says it. Same deal when he thinks he's onto something special.

So there's reason for the opposition to be nervous when Grobe suggests things could be coming together as the season comes to its most critical point.

Take a look at the Atlantic Division standings. No. 21 Wake Forest — the same Wake Forest everyone wrote off after an 0-2 start, and the same one that was picked to finish fourth in the division — is lurking behind Boston College with a 4-1 conference record (6-2 overall).

The Demon Deacons have won six consecutive games since those losses to Boston College and Nebraska, though they haven't necessarily looked great doing it. They were inches away from falling behind 31-3 against Maryland before a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Alphonso Smith sparked a miraculous comeback and a 31-24 overtime victory.

They had to fight off a frenzied rally by Duke in a 41-36 win in Durham, N.C. They looked overmatched at times against Florida State before persevering for a 24-21 victory.

Their two victories since — 44-24 over Navy, and the 27-point win over North Carolina — haven't been stop-the-presses stuff. But when was the last time a team had to be spectacular to win this conference?

This is starting to feel like last year, when Wake Forest used opportunism and resourcefulness to post an 11-3 record and its first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 1970.

That team finished the year ranked 96th nationally in total offense, 45th in total defense. It needed a miracle to beat Duke and lost by double digits to Virginia Tech and Clemson.

But that team also finished sixth nationally in turnover margin, collecting 13 more than it committed. It had an efficient passer (Riley Skinner), a defense that played with an attitude, and a special-teams ace (Sam Swank).

Currently, Skinner is picking up momentum after returning from a shoulder injury. The running game is improving with redshirt freshman Josh Adams. The defense is showing growing stinginess against the run. Swank is still nailing field goals and placing his punts.

And yes, that same old opportunism is there. The Deacons are tied for second in the ACC in turnover margin. They've scored nine non-offensive touchdowns and haven't committed a turnover in their past two games.

Having a friendly schedule always helps, and Grobe's team has one this year. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Miami are not on the slate. Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State are.

But would anyone be surprised to see Wake win Saturday at Virginia? Or next week at Clemson?

Until Grobe takes off for a more high-profile job, this team isn't going away. Might as well get used to it.

Game Ball

Matt Ryan, Boston College

He stepped to the Heisman forefront with a stunning recovery last week at Virginia Tech, guiding the Eagles to two touchdowns in the waning moments in a 14-10 win.

Game of the Week

No. 11 Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech

How in the world are the Yellow Jackets going to score? Then again, how in the world are the Hokies going to score?

Name of the week

Vegas Franklin, DL, Miami

Wonder if he has any inside betting info?

Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com.