TEXAS A&M (7-5) VS. WAKE FOREST (7-5)
Site: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Kickoff: Friday, 1 p.m. TV: ESPN.
Line: Wake Forest by 3.
All-time series: First meeting.
Last meeting: None.
TEXAS A&M
Coach: Jeff Banks (interim).
All-time postseason: 17-21.
Last postseason appearance: Lost to Kansas State 33-28 in 2016 Texas Bowl.
Draft spotlight: FS Armani Watts. The four-year starter might be one of the most dynamic, game changing defenders in the class. Though lacking a bit in size, he shows the ability to cover the slot, roam in deep coverage, impact the running game and makes plays on the ball. Read full report here.
Other Aggies to watch: *WR Christian Kirk, DE Qualen Cunningham, DB Priest Willis, P Shane Tripucka.
Aggie Fodder: Banks is the third interim coach to lead the Aggies in a bowl. A&M won the 2007 Alamo Bowl under Gary Darnell; lost the 2011 Texas Bowl with Tim DeRuyter. … Four of A&M’s seven wins have been of the comeback variety, not counting a win over Arkansas that saw eight lead changes. … Kirk has scored on one of every six punt returns for his career.
WAKE FOREST
Coach: Dave Clawson (4th season, 20-29; overall 9th season, 52-60).
All-time postseason: 7-4.
Last postseason appearance: Beat Temple 34-26 in 2016 Military Bowl.
Draft spotlight: DE Duke Ejiofor. Every now and then I come across a guy that I simply write “Man Strength” next to. Ejiofor is that guy. The top player on that defense by far is the main reason the unit as a whole is among the leaders in tackles for loss per game. Read full report here.
Other Demon Deacons to watch: QB John Wolford, TE Cam Serigne, *C Ryan Anderson.
Deacon Data: Wake’s 404 points and 4,509 yards of offense are school records, and are guaranteed to set school records for per-game average. … Wolford is one of just 10 QBs ever to throw for at least 25 TDs, run for 10 or more TDs and throw 6 INTs or fewer. Four were Heisman winners. … The Deacons are seeking their 450th all-time victory since starting football in 1888.
* underclass draft prospect