Wake Forest still looks like a tournament team, but it is also the definition of "the bubble" right now. There are 12 ACC games remaining and going forward, the Deacs must protect the Joel while proving they can pick up big wins on the road. For Wake Forest to get an invitation to the "Big Dance," there are some non-negotiables.

Plus, a mailbag segment where Ben and Essex discuss topics like Wake's basketball injury status, the upcoming QB battle, Deacs' football predictions and our favorite press boxes.

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North Carolina has the potential to be a Final Four bound team. It can compete for a national championship. Both the offensive and defensive metrics are incredibly strong, and the Heels have star power in RJ Davis and Armando Bacot. It will take near-perfect basketball for Wake Forest to take down North Carolina Monday night, but it's possible.

Plus, BOTG welcomes a very special guest, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, to help break down the game.

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The final minute of Wake Forest-NC State was marred by incredibly poor refereeing. They inserted themselves into the game, to the detriment of both teams at different times, and thus had an impact on the result. But Wake Forest never should've been in that position. The Deacs led by 11 with under 10 minutes to go. But, because of foul trouble and a continuing turnover trend, Wake Forest let a big opportunity get away. Now, the Deacs will have to fight back.

Join us for a recap of the wild game at NC State, as well as preparation for Louisville this Saturday.

Wake Forest's 20 turnovers in the loss to Florida State isn't going to cut it in just about any game. But that's just it, one game. The Deacs have done a lot of good things thus far, the metrics reflect it. Now, it's about moving forward. Wake Forest can still be a serious force in the ACC.

The early portion of the season is behind us. Now is the critical time for the Deacs. Currently, eight Quad 1 games are on the schedule. This is the stretch that will decide whether Wake Forest dances in March. But the Deacs are "in position to be in position."

Plus, a preview of Saturday's game against Virginia, and a discussion with Deacons Illustrated's Conor O'Neill.

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Wake Forest found a way to beat a very good Miami team despite the foul trouble, the cold streaks and the Hurricane runs. Behind key three-pointers from Hunter Sallis and Boopie Miller, the Deacs forced overtime in a regulation where they didn't lead for the final 10 minutes. Then, Wake Forest clawed out of a five-point hole in the extra period. That's resiliency. That's maturity.

Now, the conversation is beginning on Wake Forest. Can the Deacs compete for an ACC title? Can Wake Forest make a run to/in the NCAA Tournament? Wake Forest has a chance to start 4-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2004-05. To do it, it'll need to beat Florida State on Tuesday. Get ready for the game with BOTG, where we preview the matchup and break down the victory over Miami.

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Wake Forest hasn't been 2-0 in the ACC since the 2008-09 season. Miami will put that undefeated conference record to the test, matching the Deacs' high-octane offense with one of its own. Between Nijel Pack, Wooga Poplar, Matthew Cleveland and Norchad Omier, the Hurricanes will be hard to stop. But it's possible. Wake Forest's defense is much improved. Miami's is porous.

With the right combination of offensive success, gritty defense, rebounding, turnovers and other keys, this is a game the Deacs can pull out. And if Wake Forest passes the test, it will be further proof of what this team is capable of: contending in the ACC and making a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Plus, our recaps and thoughts on the Deacons' two wins vs Virginia Tech and Boston College to open conference play.

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The time for Wake Forest's first ACC matchup has come. Virginia Tech travels to the Joel on Dec. 30 for a game that will feature a dynamic offense against a stout defense. And, the battle will start in the middle with Efton Reid facing off with VT's Lynn Kidd. To win, the Deacs need to be more than just their offense, though. A commitment to defense, rebounding and coming out ready to play is paramount. This team, for stretches, has been nearly unbeatable. Can they do it to open up the conference?

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Wake Forest's blowout wins over Delaware State and Presbyterian were just that: blowouts. But that does not mean the victories were without concerns. The Demon Deacons have consistently started slow against inferior opponents. That has also, though, allowed for opportunities to formulate game-ending runs in the blink of an eye. The Deacs have proven they can get it done in stretches. Now, entering ACC play, it's about putting it all together for 40 minutes.

Plus, a discussion on the "usual suspects," the utilization of Efton Reid and Parker Friedrichsen, and a minutes squeeze on the horizon.

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Wake Forest has added veteran quarterback Hank Bachmeier in the transfer portal while losing key pieces at halfback (Justice Ellison) and wideout (Jahmal Banks, Ke’Shawn Williams, Wesley Grimes). The Deacs have also grown thin in the secondary with the departures of AJ Williams, Chelen Garnes, Malik Mustapha and Caelen Carson. For the first time in a long time, Wake is headed for an open quarterback battle in camp. Plenty of questions remain in the transfer portal and beyond.

All that and more on the BOTG Pod.

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Listen at Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boots-on-the-ground-pod/id1704942201

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JxIByv01dKvjidAXIlkyD?si=a8ba381176a343b2

Wake Forest's breakaway victory over NJIT was highlighted by the coming-of-age performance by freshman Parker Friedrichsen, whose 19 points the Deacs couldn't live without. Essex and Ben break down the win, Friedrichsen's performance and the continued growth of both Boopie Miller and Zach Keller. Plus, our thoughts on the game going on behind the shadows: the metrics, and Steve Forbes' comments on the topic after the game.

All that and more on the BOTG Pod.

Follow the Boots On The Ground Pod on X @BootsOTGPod.

Listen at Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boots-on-the-ground-pod/id1704942201

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JxIByv01dKvjidAXIlkyD?si=a8ba381176a343b2