If publicity in preseason football magazines counted for anything toward the upcoming season, Wake Forest might consider itself flush with football capital. But as the Demon Deacons hold their second practice of the season today, preseason magazines and votes from media members who predicted them to finish second in the ACC's Atlantic Division essentially amount to a shaky IOU.

Jim Grobe's team, which finished 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the ACC last season and won the Meineke Car Care Bowl, must once again earn its way.

Winners of 20 games in the past two seasons, the Deacs open this season at Baylor on Aug. 28, then follow that contest with a respectable schedule that includes dates against Mississippi (Sept. 6), Clemson (Oct. 9) and Vanderbilt (Nov. 29).

And for the first time in school history, the Deacs enter the season ranked among the nation's top 25 teams. The USA Today coaches preseason poll ranks them 23rd.

Many wonder if the Deacs can handle such high expectations. That's just one factor Grobe's team must address in the preseason. Here are a few more questions they will try to answer during the 24 practice days before they depart for Waco, Texas, for their opener.

WHO WILL CATCH THE BALL?

In the backfield, the Deacs start two ACC Rookies of the Year.

Junior quarterback Riley Skinner, the 2006 winner, returns after a season in which he led the nation in pass completion percentage (72.4). The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder passed for 2,204 yards and 12 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. Sophomore tailback Josh Adams, the 2007 winner, set school records for rushing yards (953), rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (12) by a redshirt freshman.

Yet with the graduation of wide receiver Kenneth Moore, who set an ACC record last season with 98 receptions, the Deacs must find reliable outside and deep threats. It's a concern Grobe monitored during the spring game in April. It's one he'll continue to evaluate.

Here are some names the Deacs will work into passing formations: redshirt seniors Chip Brinkman (6-1, 195) and D.J. Boldin (6-0, 220), and sophomores Jordan Williams (6-3, 200) and Marshall Williams 6-1, 193). Redshirt freshman Devon Brown (5-9, 185) also could find himself in the rotation.

Add redshirt junior tight end Ben Wooster (6-5, 235) to that mix. With the departure of senior tight ends John Tereshinski and Zac Selmon, he will be called upon for sure hands.

CAN NEW O-LINE BUILD CHEMISTRY?

With the graduation of three offensive linemen, the Deacs must cultivate chemistry in a revised unit. Protecting quarterback Riley Skinner and opening lanes for Josh Adams will be top priority, so this line will lose a lot of sweat in organizing itself for those tasks.

The Deacs must replace All-American center Steve Justice, starting left tackle Louis Frazier and right tackle Matt Brim. Starting right guard Chris DeGeare will miss the season to work on academics.

Two redshirt juniors, right guard Barrett McMillin and left tackle Joe Birdsong, return as offensive line starters, though junior right guard Jeff Griffin and left guard Russell Nenon also have some experience. Junior center Trey Bailey has replaced Justice in the preseason.

Wake Forest offensive coordinator Steed Lobotzke, who works with the offensive line, is in his eighth season. His task is to mold this group into a line like the one that gave up 27 sacks in 2007.

CAN A GOOD DEFENSE IMPROVE?

Returning nine starters on defense, the Deacs boast one of the ACC's most experienced and hard-hitting units. That's an easy distinction when you have players such as redshirt senior cornerback Alphonso Smith (5-9,190) and middle linebacker Stanley Arnoux (6-1, 240).

Smith had eight interceptions last season, tying the national lead, and returned three for touchdowns. Arnoux, a fierce tackler, organized the defense on the field.

Wake Forest led the nation in defensive touchdowns, scoring on six interceptions and two fumble returns. It's a feat the Deacs may not be able to repeat.

So it will be the unit's mission to improve overall this season. Last season, it ranked sixth in total defense in the ACC, giving up 340 yards per game. The Deacs will look to get better in third-down situations and prevent opponents from bombing them in the air, as they gave up 231 passing yards per game last season.

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