Chris Barnes questionable, Micah Mays Jr. out for Saturday’s game
Wake Forest won’t have its top perimeter threat for the second straight game and might not have its leading receiver for Saturday’s game against North Carolina.
Wide receiver Micah Mays Jr. is listed as out on the initial availability report, released Thursday night by the ACC. Chris Barnes is listed as questionable for the Deacons.
Mays will be, and Barnes would be, a significant absence for a Wake Forest aerial attack that’s struggled in recent weeks.
Mays missed last weekend’s win at Virginia. His last catch was Wake’s only touchdown in a 42-7 loss at Florida State. He has 17 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns this year.
Barnes leads the Deacons with 34 catches and 504 yards. He caught all three of his touchdown passes against Oregon State. Barnes also has 54 rushing yards and 234 kick return yards (on six returns).
In Wake’s last three games, the Deacons have completed 45 of 91 passes for 442 yards and two touchdowns, with three interceptions. Mostly because of how good Wake’s defense and special teams have been, plus a few key drives when it mattered, the Deacons have won two of those three games — both against teams tied for first place in the ACC.
There is good news for the Deacons: Offensive lineman Clinton Richard and tight end Harry Lodge could return, as they’re both listed as probable. Richard started the season opener but broke a bone in his foot and hasn’t played since. Lodge has not played since Wake’s overtime loss to Georgia Tech on Sept. 27.
On the UNC side of things
The Tar Heels only have two players listed as anything other than out, but both are significant inclusions.
Defensive backs Thaddeus Dixon and Kaleb Cost are questionable to play against the Deacons on Saturday.
Dixon was one of the most important transfers UNC brought in its massive class of newcomers. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick at Washington last season. Dixon has not played since UNC’s loss to Clemson on Oct. 4.
Cost is a junior who has 39 tackles and four passes broken-up this season.
For the full availability report, click here.
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