Each week, The Daily Journal / The Daily Messenger sits down with the All-ACC running back to get some insight into what he is thinking about while trying to lead Clemson to its first ACC Championship since 1991. This week, Davis talks about tonight’s Wake Forest game and what the Tigers have to do in order to get back in the ACC race.

DJM: What’s the mood in the locker room?

Davis: Guys are kind of relaxed. We have discussed the Maryland loss and then we saw Virginia beat Maryland. We were like, “Oh, my gosh.” That was a big discussion. It was unbelievable because they didn’t even score or anything.

DJM: After what Virginia did to Maryland, does that make your feel worse?

Davis: It didn’t really do anything more. In my opinion, I think they overlooked Virginia. I still think they are a good team.

DJM: What are your thoughts on Wake Forest and going up there this year?

Davis: I think this will be an evenly matched game. They have a good defense. They haven’t given up a lot of big plays just watching them play, so the only big plays they have given up probably came from us last year. We have to do a great job of sticking with our game plan and doing everything we can to win this game.

DJM: Have you seen a difference in how much better their defense has been the last couple of years?

Davis: They are a really good defensive team, but I think we have an offense that can match up with their defense. They are really good at cornerback, so it is going to be a tough match-up for Aaron Kelly, Tyler Grisham, Jacoby (Ford) and those guys. It is definitely going to be a challenge for us, but no matter what, we have to be able to overcome those challenges.

DJM: How does the offensive line look with Cory Lambert moving inside to left guard?

Davis: They have been looking real good. They have been doing a great job. Cory is a big guy, and I like him there. He is a real big body in there, and I think he is going to do a good job.

DJM: Has Coach (Rob) Spence been extra intense this week?

Davis: He has been doing a great job getting us ready. He has been yelling all week. His voice, I have been hearing in my head at night when I have been sleeping. He has been one of the guys that has been really excited at practice and has done all the yelling on the field, just trying to get all the guys in the right places. He has definitely been the vocal point of practice.

DJM: What has this past week been like?

Davis: It has kind of been like an up-tempo-type practice. It has felt like camp a little bit because we have been in full pads. It has been a tough week.

DJM: How have things been around campus?

Davis: I kind of went out, and I have been hearing it from everybody. Guys are coming up to me and asking me, “What’s going on? You guys should have run the ball during this time. What about Coach (Tommy) Bowden? How do you feel about him?” All of those kinds of questions. I don’t answer questions like that from those guys because their opinions will change if we can pull out this win (tonight) at Wake Forest.

DJM: Do you ignore them?

Davis: Some of the guys, I ask them are they going to do us like that. I mean, come on. People are quick to have an opinion after a loss like that.

DJM: Have you wondered whether or not you should have come back the way this season has started?

Davis: I haven’t thought that one bit. I think this year is still going to be successful. That’s my opinion. If it isn’t, then you can come back and ask me that question again at the end of the year.

—Will Vandervort