THIS WEEK'S GAME: Wake Forest at Baylor, Aug. 28 -- If Wake is as good as everyone expects, this should be no contest. But the Demon Deacons can't get careless or they risk sustaining an embarrassing defeat. The Bears have a new coach in Art Briles, who built a winner in Houston, and could be dangerous.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Riley Skinner -- One of the most accurate passers in the league, Skinner has completed better than 65 percent of his throws in his first two seasons and already has equaled the school record for victories by a starting quarterback (18).

TB Josh Adams -- Adams didn't play in last season's opener but ended up rushing for 953 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2007. He also was the team's No. 2 receiver with 34 catches.

CB Alphonso Smith -- Opposing quarterbacks may be lured to pick on the 5-9 senior, but they do so at their own risk. He had a remarkable eight interceptions in 2007 and averaged about 21 yards in return yardage, bringing back three for touchdowns.

TB Brandon Pendergrass -- He's slated for backup duty behind Adams, but this redshirt freshman gives the Deacons a backup with speed at a key position. He will see time on the field.

ROSTER REPORT

--C Ryan Britt, LB Andrew Conroy and CB Marcus Williams are all listed as "out" for the opener. Britt and Conroy have knee injuries, Williams an ankle. A redshirt freshman, Britt looked ahead for a backup role. Conroy, a senior, has seen little playing time in his career, and Williams is a promising sophomore who was sidelined by the ankle injury last year.

--Senior WR Chip Brinkman has been slowed by a hamstring injury in practice but will be available against Baylor.

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