Sam Hartman addresses raised expectations after undefeated start: 'We're not little old Wake Forest'
Wake Forest is the last remaining undefeated team in the ACC heading into Week 9.
That’s an unusual place to be for the Demon Deacons, especially throughout recent history. Wake Forest is looking for its first 10-win season since 2006. That’s also its only double-digit win season in program history.
Quarterback Sam Hartman is a big reason why Wake Forest is 7-0 and atop the ACC Atlantic division standings. He spoke to ESPN this week about the increased expectations — and pressure — as the Demon Deacons hit the home stretch.
“We’re not very surprised at the success, but the one thing we’re adjusting to is we’re the target of everyone we’re going to play for the rest of the year,” Hartman told ESPN this week. “We’re getting everybody’s best game. We’re not little old Wake Forest that everybody doesn’t take as seriously as they should.”
Hartman has made Wake Forest a viable contender in the ACC. He’s completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,073 yards, 19 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions through 7 games. His QB efficiency rating of 173.6 is amongst the best in the country.
Wake Forest does have a difficult schedule down the stretch. It still has games remaining vs. North Carolina, NC State and Clemson. ESPN’s FPI is projecting the Demon Deacons will finish the year with three losses down the stretch.
Wake Forest hosts Duke on Saturday with a chance to move to 8-0 on the year.