Bandwagon: “a popular trend that attracts growing support,” according to dictionary.com. It's a word that I've heard floating around Demon Deacon Nation recently, and it's not something I'm too fond of.

I'd like to think Wake fans are unique and special; people who are not fans because it's the cool thing to do (which, sorry folks, it still isn't). However, it's a term I have seen thrown around in association with Wake fans over the past week and personally I'm offended. I think you should be too.

I am only 16 years old, and have hardly had to endure what some of you have throughout the history of Wake Football. Still, anyone who has been around more than a few years has been through some difficult times. With the recent success, however, it seems that we've acquired more fans who may not have always been there during the rough times.

Trust me; we all remember the days of the constant beatdowns (some more than others), the days when winning just ONE game felt like winning a big bowl game, when Groves would hold more opposing fans than Wake fans. Thankfully, with the achievements of the past few teams, the whole attitude around the program has pretty much done a complete 360, and for the most part it has been for the better.

Obviously winning is going to bring high expectations and, I believe, we all had those high expectations coming into this season. Now, having lost three of the last four, we have suffered quite the letdown. Nonetheless, I still believe this team can win out and have a successful year. Sure it will be tough, but look at the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 (their Super Bowl year). They were 7-5 at one point and on the brink of losing all hope, but managed to finish the season winning 7 in a row including three road playoff games.

There are countless other examples of teams who have been all but down and out, but these are times that test a fan’s faith. Alphonso Smith said it best “Our thought process on this team is 9-3,’’ (Alphonso)Smith said outside the locker room after Saturday’s 16-10 loss at Miami. “If you don’t believe it, get off the bandwagon. If you’re on this team and 9-3 is not on your mind, go to Coach Fair and say `I don’t want to be a part of this’ and turn your stuff in. That’s it.

“We have to focus on us, and focus on what’s at hand. At hand right now is Duke. This defeat (at Miami) is water under the bridge. We can’t go back and beat ourselves up for it, or we’re going to lose to Duke. then our goal will have to change to 8-4. Our thought process right now is 9-3, and if you don’t believe that, peace out. “

“That goes for everyone, teammates, fans, everyone.’’

--Dan Collins' blog - My Take On Wake

Smith summed it up as best as it can be. You either believe in 9-3, or “see ya.” Hopefully you will take this to heart. Sure, I expect some criticism for writing this, but I wouldn't write it if I didn't truly believe in this team. We've been there with this group of guys through the good times, now it's time to be there in the hard times.

That's why I urge you all to flock to BB&T Field this Saturday at 3:30 PM and cheer as loud as you ever have for your Demon Deacons. No, there won't be any national TV scene like there was a few Thursday nights ago. No, there won't be any big Jets flying over the stadium before game time. It'll just be good ole' Football, the way it's supposed to be played.

Here's to 9-3!

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The November 1 homecoming game against Duke will be an ESPN360 broadcast with a 3:30 kickoff. Pretty good game time, but obviously not the most attractive TV slot (if you can really even call it that). It's hard to argue, though. I can't imagine Wake vs. Duke has a whole lot of national interest right now.

Edit: I'm an idiot. This game is not homecoming. Homecoming is the following weekend against Virginia. Thanks for the catch Anon.

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Today ESPN.com's Heather Dinnich ranked the 12 ACC football schedules for 2008, and had this to say about Wake Forest:

10. Wake Forest -- If these guys can get through the first half of their schedule, look out. Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Georgia Tech are off the schedule. A road trip to Baylor, followed by a home game against Ole Miss and a trip to FSU make for a tough start to the season.

At first glance I thought this was way too low, but the more I think about it I realize it's probably only a little bit too low.

I've put a fair amount of stock into the fact that Wake is the only ACC team without any FCS schools on the schedule, which led me to believe Wake has one of the tougher scheuldes in the ACC. Further analysis proves that's not quite the case.

Georgia Tech has Georgia on the schedule, as well as trips to Clemson and Virginia Tech. Virginia has Southern Cal and UConn. Miami has Florida and Texas A&M. I don't envy any of those schedules.

Still, the fact remains that Wake doesn't have a single FCS opponent. Sure, Clemson has to come to Winston-Salem on a Thursday night, but Florida State on the road is no picnic, and neither are back-to-back road games with Maryland and Miami.

Based on HD's rundown, I'd say Wake definitely has a more difficult scheudule than Clemson and Duke (the two schools immedietly above Wake in the list). But, when compared to the rest of the ACC I realize Wake is probably in better shape schedule-wise than I first thought. Now it's up to the Deacs to take advantage.

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