Wake's 'mad dog' inspires defense

If there was one player who epitomized the sheer enthusiasm Wake Forest's defensive players wanted and needed Saturday against Virginia, it was fifth-year senior linebacker Aaron Curry.

To use a phrase he is fond of, the Fayetteville native pursued the Cavaliers like a "mad dog." His role was essential in helping the Demon Deacons (6-3, 4-2 ACC) to a 28-17 football victory before a season-high crowd of 34,014.

Curry, at 6 feet 3 and 247 pounds, moves like a guy with considerably less girth, though it seems like he uses all of that size to generate power. He punished Virginia quarterback Marc Verica, even though he wasn't part of the two sacks the sophomore endured. He harassed Virginia tailback Cedric Peerman, who had 12 carries for just 43 yards.

There was Curry stalking Peerman in the first quarter, forcing a fumble on Virginia's second series. He tackled the 208-pound tailback, stripped the ball from his arms and recovered the fumble.

Curry's play technically developed on the field, but he had gained insight during the week watching film of Peerman.

"We knew that on contact that he likes to lift the ball up, so I just decided to strip it out," Curry said.

Later, Curry bull-rushed Verica, and that led to Wake defensive tackle Boo Robinson's first career interception.

That Virginia turnover -- one of four in the game -- resulted in a Wake touchdown.

In all, Curry tallied five tackles, four solo and 2 1/2 for losses. His final stats were not spectacular like his career-high 16 tackles against Duke, yet his efforts certainly riled his teammates.

"We started off with the energy that we needed," Curry said. "Just emotional. ... Every play was a big play. I really think we need to work on finishing the same way."