I also think it's a microcosm into the how the staff was functioning as a whole, on-field and off-field. Lack of communication, preparation, and ultimately empathy for what these players are dealing with. The staff - particularly player development staff - should be protecting the team from this sort of crap rather than pulling them into it, and it's hard to believe no one on the coaching staff could recognize this as the landmine it was.
I recently listened to a podcast interview with a leader on the team last season, and I was surprised to hear him use the phrase "it was time" in reference to the change while also lauding Cutcliffe and the staff. It now makes more sense.
After the UVA debacle, the Wake game was always going to be a steep climb. The listless 28-0 first half, particularly the route-running and tackling, now makes a bit more sense. A more experienced coaching staff might have been able to keep this from spiraling, but these guys never had a chance.