WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) Patience has been a necessity through the years at Wake Forest. Fifth-year coach Dave Clawson hopes it continues to pay off.

After following two 3-9 finishes with two bowl victories, Clawson has what appears to be his best team yet at the school - one that could contend for a title in a tough division that also features perennial ACC powers Clemson and Florida State.

"It's a lot more enjoyable being up here after consecutive winning seasons and consecutive bowl wins," Clawson said. "And the thing that I'm most excited about is I really believe that we've built a foundation that we can sustain success. I think if you look at the history of Wake Forest football, there (have) been flashes of success, but I think that we've built something that we can sustain, created a regional and a national narrative that Wake Forest is a place that people aren't surprised when we go to bowl games."