Wake Forest Depth Chart vs. Syracuse: Injuries are still a problem

The Wake Forest depth chart came out today ahead of the media luncheon and there is still no sign of Jessie Bates, III or Cade Carney on the two-deep, effectively eliminating any chance that either will suit up against Syracuse this weekend.

Each player missed the game against Notre Dame last weekend, and the loss of Bates was evident as Notre Dame gashed the Wake Forest defense through the air and on the ground en route to over 700 yards and 48 points.

This week will not be a reprieve for the defense either. While Syracuse ranks just 69th offensively in S&P, it boats the nation’s 25th best passing attack behind QB Eric Dungey and the electric receiving duo of Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips. Both receivers have caught over 70 passes this season and been targeted 235 times (63% of all targets are to these two guys).

My guess is they go to the air early and often to try to exploit the young corners and redshirt safety Luke Masterson, who will get the start again over Bates.

Matt Colburn handled the running back duties admirably in the absence of Carney, racking up his second straight 100 yard rushing game, and fourth of his career (Indiana & Delaware in 2016, and Louisville & Notre Dame in 2017).

Everybody else who has been banged up is listed on the depth chart, and that includes: Cam Serigne, Zeke Rodney, Chuck Wade, and Arkeem Byrd.

Arkeem Byrd was listed as the backup running back last week too, but did not make the trip to Notre Dame at all.