WINSTON-SALEM – NC State transformed a 24-14 halftime deficit into a 34-24 victory over Wake Forest Thursday night, riding a dominant second-half defensive performance and Hollywood Smothers' career rushing night to improve to 3-0 and open ACC play with a road win.

The Wolfpack defense, which surrendered 311 total yards and 24 points in the first half, completely shut down Wake Forest after intermission. The Demon Deacons managed just 44 yards and two first downs over the final 30 minutes, failing to score in the second half while NC State rattled off 17 unanswered points.

The victory marked NC State's fourth comeback win from a deficit of 10 or more points over the past two seasons, tying Iowa State and Missouri for most in FBS during that span. It also represented the Wolfpack's first back-to-back wins in Winston-Salem since 1993 and 1995.

First Half Fireworks

The game opened with immediate drama as Wake Forest's Chris Barnes returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, giving the Demon Deacons a 7-0 lead just 12 seconds into the contest. It marked Wake Forest's first kickoff return for a touchdown since Demond Claiborne's 100-yard return against Miami in 2024.

Wake Forest extended their advantage to 14-0 on their first offensive possession when quarterback Robby Ashford capped a seven-play, 93-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The drive featured an 82-yard passing performance by Ashford, including a spectacular 70-yard connection to Barnes that set up the score.

NC State answered back with 2:35 remaining in the opening quarter when CJ Bailey found tight end Justin Joly for a five-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-one, completing an eight-play, 75-yard drive. The score came in unusual circumstances, with smoke from a food truck fire outside the stadium drifting into the end zone.

The first quarter's most memorable moment came with 1:19 left when NC State defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley intercepted an Ashford pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown, evening the score at 14-14. The 280-pound Shirley became the first Wolfpack defensive lineman to return an interception for a touchdown since Alim McNeill in 2020.

Wake Forest regained the lead in the second quarter on another Ashford rushing touchdown, this time from one yard out to cap a nine-play, 75-yard drive that put the Demon Deacons ahead 21-14. The drive was highlighted by a 42-yard reception to Eni Falayi that moved Wake Forest deep into NC State territory.

Connor Calvert's 28-yard field goal extended Wake Forest's lead to 24-14 with 4:07 remaining in the half. The kick concluded an 11-play, 69-yard drive that included key receptions by Micah Mays Jr. and Sterling Berkhalter, both for 26 yards.

NC State managed to cut the deficit before halftime when Kanoah Vinesett connected on a 24-yard field goal with 1:00 left, sending the teams to the locker room with Wake Forest leading 24-17.

Second Half Shutdown

Whatever adjustments NC State made at halftime proved decisive. The Wolfpack defense, which had allowed 252 passing yards and 59 rushing yards in the first half, completely stifled Wake Forest's offensive attack over the final two quarters.

NC State tied the game at 24-24 with 6:22 left in the third quarter when Bailey found Joly again, this time from four yards out. The eight-play, 70-yard drive marked Joly's second touchdown of the game and first multi-touchdown performance of his career.

The Wolfpack took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter when Bailey connected with wide receiver Keenan Jackson on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 12:37 remaining. The five-play, 70-yard drive put NC State ahead 31-24, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.

Vinesett added an insurance field goal from 38 yards with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 34-24. The kick capped an eight-play, 32-yard drive that effectively sealed the victory.

Wake Forest's final drive ended when defensive back Ronnie Royal III intercepted Ashford with 5:02 remaining, his first career interception. The turnover came at a crucial moment as Wake Forest was attempting to mount a comeback drive.

Smothers Powers Ground Game

NC State's rushing attack, led by Smothers, proved to be the difference in the second half. Smothers carried 24 times for 164 yards, establishing a new career high and marking the most rushing yards by an NC State running back since Reggie Gallaspy's 220-yard performance in 2018.

The Wolfpack finished with 205 rushing yards on 44 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Smothers' performance included a crucial 42-yard run in the fourth quarter that set up NC State's go-ahead touchdown.

Bailey, meanwhile, continued his efficient play by completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. It marked the second consecutive game without a turnover for the NC State offense.

Defensive Turnaround

NC State's defensive transformation between halves proved to be the game's defining factor. After allowing Wake Forest to accumulate 267 total yards in the first half, the Wolfpack defense held the Demon Deacons to just 44 yards over the final 30 minutes.

The statistics tell the story of the shutdown: Wake Forest managed only two first downs in the second half and failed to sustain any meaningful drives. NC State's defense recorded two interceptions on the night, with Shirley's pick-six in the first quarter and Royal's game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter.

Wake Forest quarterback Ashford, who threw for 252 yards in the game, completed 21 of 35 passes but was intercepted twice and sacked twice. The Demon Deacons' rushing attack, led by Claiborne's 35 yards on 12 carries, managed just 59 total yards on the ground.

Wake Forest's Bright Spots

Despite the loss, Wake Forest received standout performances from several players. Barnes finished with 177 all-purpose yards, including his 98-yard kickoff return touchdown and 76 receiving yards. The performance marked the second consecutive game in which Barnes exceeded 100 all-purpose yards.

Claiborne scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season on the one-yard run in the first quarter, moving within one touchdown of tying Cade Carney's program record of 21 career rushing touchdowns in the College Football Playoff era.

Senior safety Nick Andersen led Wake Forest's defensive effort with 11 tackles, marking the seventh time in his career he has recorded double-digit tackles. Junior linebacker Dylan Hazen added nine tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.

Special Teams Impact

Special teams played a significant role throughout the contest. Beyond Barnes' opening kickoff return touchdown, both teams' kicking games proved reliable. Vinesett was perfect on the night for NC State, converting field goals from 24 and 38 yards, while Calvert connected on his lone field goal attempt from 28 yards for Wake Forest.

NC State's punt coverage was particularly effective, with punter Caden Noonkester averaging 40 yards on five attempts while placing two punts inside the 20-yard line.

Looking Forward

The victory moves NC State to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, extending their early-season momentum. The comeback win demonstrated the Wolfpack's resilience and ability to make crucial adjustments, qualities that could prove valuable as conference play intensifies.

For Wake Forest, the loss drops them to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. Despite the disappointing result, the Demon Deacons showed offensive explosiveness in the first half and will look to build on those positive elements moving forward.

The rivalry game lived up to its billing as the longest continuous rivalry in the ACC, with both teams combining for 58 points and nearly 720 total yards of offense. NC State's victory moves the all-time series record to 70-43-6 in favor of the Wolfpack and improves Dave Doeren's record against Wake Forest to 7-6.

The road victory in Winston-Salem represents more than just another win for NC State – it demonstrates the team's maturity and championship potential as they navigate their ACC schedule. With Bailey's steady leadership, Smothers' explosive running ability, and a defense capable of second-half shutouts, the Wolfpack appear poised for a successful conference campaign.

Key Performers

NC State:

• Hollywood Smothers: 24 carries, 164 yards rushing (career high)
• CJ Bailey: 23/32, 201 yards passing, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
• Justin Joly: 4 receptions, 22 yards, 2 TDs
• Isaiah Shirley: 1 interception returned 41 yards for TD
• Kanoah Vinesett: 2/2 field goals (24, 38 yards)

Wake Forest:

• Chris Barnes: 177 all-purpose yards (98-yard KR TD, 76 receiving yards)
• Robby Ashford: 21/35, 252 yards passing, 2 rushing TDs, 2 INTs
• Demond Claiborne: 12 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD; 8 receptions, 33 yards
• Nick Andersen: 11 tackles
• Dylan Hazen: 9 tackles, 3.5 TFL

WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest began the Jake Dickert era with a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Kennesaw State on Friday night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, as the Demon Deacons survived a defensive battle in front of 30,789 fans to open the 2025 season.

In a game that featured just 19 total points and minimal offensive fireworks, Wake Forest relied on methodical execution and timely defensive stops to secure its first victory under new head coach Dickert. The win improved Wake Forest's impressive record in season openers, continuing a trend of strong starts that has defined the program in recent years.

Early Exchange Sets Tone

The game's opening sequence established what would become a pattern of sustained drives and defensive resilience. Wake Forest struck first with a masterful 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that consumed over seven minutes of the first quarter. The methodical march culminated in a five-yard touchdown run by redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford, showcasing the balanced attack that would characterize the Demon Deacons' offensive approach throughout the evening.

Kennesaw State answered immediately with their own impressive touchdown drive. The Owls managed a 10-play, 75-yard scoring march capped by a 19-yard touchdown run from C. Bennett. However, a failed extra point attempt left Kennesaw State trailing 7-6, a missed opportunity that would prove costly in the narrow final margin.

Ashford Commands Wake Forest Offense

Ashford, making his Wake Forest debut, delivered a steady performance that balanced efficiency with timely playmaking. The redshirt senior completed 20 of 28 passes for 218 yards while adding 42 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. His dual-threat capability kept Kennesaw State's defense honest throughout the game, particularly on the opening touchdown drive where he completed all five pass attempts for 43 yards.

The receiving corps provided reliable support, with redshirt senior tight end Eni Falayi leading the way with four catches for 52 yards. His 18-yard reception marked the most productive tight end performance for Wake Forest in recent memory. Sophomore receiver Micah Mays Jr. contributed three catches for 33 yards, while Chris Barnes added three receptions for 23 yards and also handled kickoff return duties effectively.

Ground Game Provides Balance

Wake Forest's rushing attack, while not spectacular, proved effective in controlling the game's tempo. Five different players contributed to the team's 130 rushing yards, with Ashford leading the way with his 42 yards and touchdown. Running back Taye Clark added 37 yards on 11 carries, while Jamario Clements contributed 26 yards on 11 attempts, including a crucial fourth-down conversion on the opening scoring drive.

Kennesaw State countered with a more productive ground game, accumulating 158 rushing yards led by Bennett's 66 yards and touchdown on 17 carries. Quarterback Dexter Williams II added 44 yards on 14 carries, demonstrating the dual-threat capability that kept Wake Forest's defense challenged throughout the contest.

Defensive Units Shine

Both defenses delivered impressive performances in what became a field position battle for much of the evening. Wake Forest's defense effectively contained Kennesaw State's passing attack, limiting Williams II to just 12 completions on 33 attempts for 149 yards. The pressure was consistent, with the Demon Deacons recording four sacks, including efforts from Gabe Kirschke and Jayden Loving.

Redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen paced Wake Forest's defensive effort with nine total tackles and two pass breakups, providing steady coverage and run support. The defensive line contributed three tackles for loss, disrupting Kennesaw State's offensive rhythm at crucial moments.

Kennesaw State's defense proved equally stingy, recording two sacks and seven tackles for loss while forcing several three-and-out sequences. The Owls' ability to generate pressure helped keep the game competitive despite their offensive struggles in the passing game.

Fourth Quarter Drama

The game's decisive moments came in the third quarter when both teams managed their only scoring after halftime. Kennesaw State took a 9-7 lead with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter on a 29-yard field goal by D. Kinney, capping a 14-play, 64-yard drive that showcased their offensive patience and precision.

Wake Forest responded with the game-winning drive, aided by a spectacular 41-yard reception from Karate Brenson that moved the Demon Deacons into scoring position. Connor Calvert converted the ensuing 22-yard field goal attempt with 3:05 remaining in the third quarter, providing what would prove to be the winning margin.

The fourth quarter became a defensive showcase, with both teams struggling to sustain drives. Wake Forest's defense secured the victory with a crucial fourth-down stop, forcing a turnover on downs with under two minutes remaining to preserve the narrow lead.

Looking Ahead

Wake Forest's season-opening victory, while not aesthetically pleasing, demonstrated the type of resilience and execution that championship teams display in challenging circumstances. The Demon Deacons controlled time of possession 35:01 to 24:59 and converted efficiently on third downs, going 6-for-17 compared to Kennesaw State's 9-for-21 mark.

The victory sets a positive tone for the Dickert era while highlighting areas for improvement as the season progresses. Now 12-3 in season openers over the last fifteen seasons, Wake Forest will look to build on this foundation when they return to action next week, taking on in-state FCS foe Western Carolina on Saturday afternoon.

CHARLOTTE – Day 2 of the 2025 ACC Kickoff opened with a clear sense of renewal surrounding Wake Forest football. After a tough 2024 season that ended in a 4-8 record, new Head Coach Jake Dickert took center stage, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the program. But this shift goes far beyond a coaching change. As the program has officially described it, this is a full-on “program reimagining.” That means a completely new coaching staff, major roster movement through the transfer portal, and the introduction of a new cultural identity: Built in the Dark.

Head Coach Jake Dickert (Photo Credit: ACC Media)

Coach Dickert’s vision for Wake is straightforward: build a program rooted in hard, often invisible, preparation. Built in the Dark isn’t just a tagline; it’s a philosophy. It reflects a commitment to the kind of behind-the-scenes work that fuels success on Saturdays. This mentality demands a specific type of player: someone who thrives in the grind, embraces early mornings and late nights, and puts in the reps when no one’s watching.

Three players joined Dickert at the press conference to represent different pieces of this overhaul: defensive back Nick Andersen, running back Demond Claiborne, and offensive lineman Devin Kylany. Each brought a different perspective on where the team is headed and what it means to live out this new cultural identity.

Kylany, a transfer from Washington State, offered one of the clearest explanations of Built in the Dark. For him, it’s not just talk-it’s a way of life. “It's more than a statement and it's more than a mantra, it's a way of living," he said. He laid out what that looks like in practice: “If we want to win on August 29th and if we want to win on Saturdays, that starts before the kickoff. That starts with the early mornings, the late nights, the film sessions, the going to sleep at the right time, the eating the right foods, all that stuff will help us win on Saturday. So it's all about getting an advantage and making sure we can win.” That kind of detailed, full-spectrum preparation is what this new era is built on.

Offensive Lineman Devin Kylany (Photo Credit: ACC Media)

Kylany’s background as a high school wrestler also shapes how he approaches the offensive line. He didn’t hold back when offering advice to future college linemen: “PSA to any high schooler who wants to play collegiate or wants to play in the trenches: Start wrestling.” He broke it down even further: “Wrestling is all about being in a powerful position and hand fighting, and those skills directly translate to offensive line play and defensive line play, and wrestling is some of the toughest training I've ever had to do in my life: Physical, one-on-one combat that you have to win.” To him, football is a collection of individual battles (“a whole bunch of one-on-one match-ups happening at the same time”) and wrestling gave him the tools to win those fights. As a former 285-pound heavyweight, he brings that intensity and physical discipline to every rep, perfectly aligning with Dickert’s vision for a tough, technically sound team.

Nick Andersen, Wake Forest’s veteran defensive back, brings more than just experience to the reimagined program; he brings a mindset rooted in consistency, grit, and preparation. His journey from walk-on to ACC tackle leader in 2024 (122 total) reflects the program’s Built in the Dark philosophy at its core. “I think it comes down to consistent hard work,” Andersen said. “That’s something that my family instilled in me when I was a young kid, and I’ll take that for the rest of my life.” Andersen’s identity as a throwback player, someone who plays with stitches in his ear, sacrifices his body, and keeps his original jersey number, comes from deep pride in his roots. “I come from a hardworking background. Then having a lot of pride in not only the name on the back of the jersey but especially the name on the front of the jersey,” he said. That pride drives his physical style of play. “I’m not the biggest guy, I’m not the fastest guy, but putting my body on the line each and every single game and every single day… I think it’s a sense of leadership that my teammates appreciate.”

Defensive Back Nick Andersen (Photo Credit: ACC Media)

Leadership is central to Andersen’s role, particularly in a defense stacked with veteran presence. “You can have higher-level conversations,” he explained. “I can go to someone like Quincy Bryant or Dylan Hazen… and ask them what happened on that play or what do you think about this? Those higher-level conversations… will help our defense elevate.” That ability to process the game is sharpened through relentless preparation. “It’s film study throughout the week, constantly trying to get an edge,” Andersen said. “I might not have the greatest physical traits in the world, so to have a two-step advantage based off film study and then just trusting my instincts is how I can get all the footballs that I want and make as many plays as possible.”

Now under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton and co-defensive coordinator Freddie Banks, Andersen describes the new scheme as transformative: “It’s a .300-level education… these guys have opened my eyes to stuff I never could have imagined.” That openness to learning, even as the “old man of the team,” is what keeps him sharp. “My teammates embrace feedback… they want to get better,” he said. “That’s something I’m really, really thankful for.”

Demond Claiborne, the explosive running back who headlines Wake Forest’s offense, was one of the program’s top priorities when Jake Dickert took over, and the feeling was mutual. “When me and Coach Dickert met, it was solely off of: can he help me on the personal aspect of life?” Claiborne said. “A lot of coaches… were calling my phone asking if we could give you this amount of money… Coach Dickert came and his message was, how can I help you as a man off the field?” That initial conversation laid the foundation for Claiborne’s decision to stay at Wake Forest—and to embrace a new culture that gives players a voice. “Coach Dickert gave the team a voice,” he said. “He listened to where we were coming from and what we felt… it ultimately made my decision easier to stay here.”

Running Back Demond Claiborne (Photo Credit: ACC Media)

Claiborne’s fit in the new offense is ideal. Gone is the slow mesh; in its place, a scheme designed to get him into open space. “This offense allows me to get out in space more, allows me to have more one-on-one match-ups, allows me to broadcast speed more,” he said. “When the season comes around, a lot of people will be surprised about how things look.” That speed, by the way, is something he’s confident about, even if the game ratings don’t reflect it. “I think I’m a little faster than a 96 overall,” he said with a smile. But he’s not focused on flash. “My biggest goal is to stay consistent,” he said. “Not really trying to step on the field and do too much… not making it about DC but making it about the Demon Deacons and where we want to go.”

Claiborne’s grounded mentality comes from his upbringing in Aylett, Virginia, a town of just 8,000 people. “Country, country, country,” he said. “We got cows at my school, chickens at my school, turkeys at my school… those country folks, they teach you how to work and go get it.” That work ethic will be key as Claiborne looks to lead the offense, regardless of which quarterback emerges from the battle between Robby Ashford and Santino Purdie. “When I step on the field with either one of those guys, I feel safe. I feel at home,” he said. “They know what they’re doing… and in the long run it’ll be beneficial for the Demon Deacons.”

One theme ran through everything said at the podium: connection and trust. Kylany talked about how vital it is “to understand and trust everyone. Makes it way easier to play with different people around me.” That idea is at the heart of Dickert’s program: real communication, real connection, and real respect. And given the number of transfers now wearing black and gold, that chemistry off the field will be critical to performing in sync on it.

Of course, last season’s 4-8 finish is still fresh. But if anything, it only underscores how much work lies ahead, and how much optimism now surrounds the rebuild. Built in the Dark isn’t just a rallying cry. It’s a daily mindset that shapes everything from morning workouts to late-night film breakdowns. It’s about building a program with character, toughness, and purpose.

As Wake Forest enters the 2025 season, the foundation is being laid, not under stadium lights, but in quiet, focused moments behind the scenes. And the message coming from Dickert and his players is clear: this isn’t about flash. It’s about doing the work, trusting the process, and building something real, one unseen rep at a time. Whether Built in the Dark leads to wins this fall remains to be seen. But there’s no question that Wake Forest is betting on a bold, disciplined vision for the future.

WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest University turned to the Pacific Northwest to find its next football leader, naming Washington State's Jake Dickert as the 33rd head coach in program history on Wednesday. Dickert, who compiled a 23-20 record in four seasons with the Cougars, succeeds Dave Clawson following his resignation earlier this week.

The 40-year-old Dickert brings an impressive defensive pedigree and track record of player development to Winston-Salem. Under his leadership, Washington State reached three bowl games in four seasons while achieving top-20 rankings in each of the past two years, climbing as high as No. 13 in 2023.

"Jake Dickert's demonstrated commitment across his coaching career to fostering excellence and developing student-athletes with character and integrity are closely aligned with Wake Forest's mission and values," Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente said.

Dickert's tenure at Washington State was marked by signature wins and defensive excellence. His Cougars secured consecutive victories over nationally-ranked Wisconsin in 2022 and 2023, while also notching two wins in the Apple Cup rivalry against Washington. His defenses have been particularly opportunistic – since 2017, Dickert-led units have forced 166 turnovers, a mark that would rank among the top 10 nationally during that span.

"Throughout this process, our team conducted an extensive and detailed search, carefully evaluating not only Coach Dickert's coaching achievements but also his character, leadership, and alignment with the values that define Wake Forest," Athletic Director John Currie said.

The Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate has steadily climbed the coaching ranks over 17 seasons, with stops at Wyoming, South Dakota State, and Minnesota State before landing at Washington State. His defensive coordinator experience includes successful stints at Wyoming and Minnesota State, where his 2014 unit ranked second nationally in scoring defense at the Division II level.

Dickert takes over a Wake Forest program looking to rebound from a challenging 2023 campaign. The Demon Deacons aim to return to the success they enjoyed under Clawson, who led the program to seven bowl appearances in 11 seasons.

"I cannot tell you how excited, proud, and honored I am to be the head football coach at Wake Forest University," Dickert said. "My number one priority will be building relationships with our current student-athletes and earning their trust. We will have a clear focus on retaining our current roster while adding valuable pieces that fit our program and Wake Forest University."

WINSTON-SALEM – In a heart-stopping conclusion to their ACC rivalry matchup, the Duke Blue Devils snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring a dramatic 39-yard touchdown with no time remaining to defeat Wake Forest 23-17 on Saturday morning.

The game, played in chilly 41-degree weather at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, was a testament to Duke's resilience and quarterback Maalik Murphy's clutch performance. Murphy orchestrated a remarkable comeback, leading two fourth-quarter scoring drives that transformed a 17-10 deficit into an improbable victory.

With just 1:22 left on the clock and facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Murphy connected with wide receiver Jordan Moore on a breathtaking 39-yard touchdown pass that will be remembered as one of the season's most electrifying moments. The play capped a seven-play, 76-yard drive that epitomized the Blue Devils' never-say-die attitude.

The victory improved Duke's record to an impressive 9-3 overall and 5-3 in conference play, while Wake Forest concluded a challenging season at 4-8 and 2-6 in ACC competition.

“I’m so proud of the fact that we don’t panic. That’s a big part of it. We did start having more fun, even when we were down by 14 points.” Duke head coach Manny Diaz said. “I know that sounds funny, but guys started loosening up on the sideline. That made a big difference on our performance.”

Wake Forest seemed poised for victory after building a 17-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier had methodically moved the Demon Deacons' offense, connecting with receiver Horatio Fields for a pivotal 9-yard touchdown in the third quarter that appeared to give Wake Forest control.

But Murphy and the Blue Devils had other plans. With 12:57 remaining, Murphy himself punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown to knot the game at 17-17, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.

Statistically, the game was remarkably balanced. Duke finished with 333 total yards compared to Wake Forest's 318, with both teams displaying offensive efficiency. Murphy completed 26 of 34 passes for 235 yards and the game-winning touchdown, while Star Thomas emerged as a critical ground threat, rushing for 66 yards and a crucial third-quarter touchdown.

Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne led all rushers with 67 yards, and Horatio Fields was a bright spot with six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. However, the Demon Deacons' offense struggled to maintain momentum when it mattered most.

Defensively, Duke's pressure was relentless. The Blue Devils recorded five sacks and 11 tackles for loss, with Cameron Bergeron's one-sack, one-tackle-for-loss performance standing out. Wake Forest's defense fought hard but couldn't prevent Murphy's late-game heroics.

The game's turning points were numerous, but none more significant than the final play. Moore's game-winning catch will undoubtedly be replayed countless times, a fitting conclusion to a thrilling ACC contest.

“Malik and I had made eye contact and I just decided to take it down the field," Moore said after the game. “I think that's a testament to our chemistry and having that trust in him to be able to make that kind of play.”

For Duke, the victory serves as a triumphant punctuation mark on a remarkable season. For Wake Forest, it was a bitter conclusion to a challenging year.

Next up for Duke is bowl season, where they'll look to carry this momentum forward. Wake Forest will begin preparations for a rebuilding campaign, hoping to learn from this season's challenges.