Last Thursday’s prime time matchup ended disappointingly for Wake Forest as they fell to NC State 34-24. In their first ACC contest of the year, the Demon Deacons were able to fend off the Wolfpack in the first half, but failed to score a single point in the second half.
The Demon Deacons were home underdogs heading into Thursday’s game, and fans from both teams filled Allegacy Stadium in hopes of seeing their team win. The stadium was buzzing with excitement when the opening kickoff sailed straight to the speedy Chris Barnes.
Barnes cut all the way across the field and flew along the sideline for a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown. Assorted beverages went flying across the Wake Forest student section as the Demon Deacons were able to strike first.
However, a few sloppy plays by the defensive secondary and a brutal Robby Ashford pick-six thrown right to 280-pound defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley kept the score close. Luckily for the Demon Deacons, their momentum from the first play of the game allowed them to lead 24-17 at halftime.
Then, at a moment’s notice, the wheels fell off the track.
The Demon Deacons’ offense stalled with multiple three-and-out drives to start the second half, which tired out the defense as they had to stay on the field for what seemed like the entire third quarter.
“We weren’t able to establish anything offensively in the second half,” Coach Dickert said following Thursday’s loss. “We need to be fundamentally better. And we’ll look at everything for next week.”
Dickert is right.
In the final two quarters, the Demon Deacons had zero third-down conversions, gained just two first downs and held the ball for just eight total minutes. Not to mention the 47 total yards gained.
It looked like a completely different team from the one from the first half. If they want to have any competitive shot against Georgia Tech, this Wake Forest offense needs to be better.
After limiting opposing offenses to a combined 19 points in their first two games, the Demon Deacons’ defense collapsed in the late goings of week three. While all starting defensemen looked worn out by the fourth quarter, some of the veteran members maintained accountability for their weak performances.
“The defense was trying to do more than what their job was,” said senior linebacker Dylan Hazen. “I think that all just dials down to the emotions. As leaders, we need to do a better job of keeping everyone calm.”
Next week, Wake Forest will be heading into their bye week, a perfect time to reset before playing 18th-ranked George Tech at home in week five. Both Coach Dickert and the players know that these off days will be crucial in their path to success in 2025.
“We can’t just let all the work we did in the offseason mean nothing,” said safety Nick Anderson. “Let’s come back, grow from this and have a great year.”
