2006 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2006
Team=Wake Forest Demon Deacons


Conference=Atlantic Coast Conference
Division=(Atlantic)
ShortConference=ACC
CoachRank=17
APRank=18
Record=11-3
ConfRecord=6-2
HeadCoach=Jim Grobe
OffCoach=Steed Lobotzke
DefCoach=Dean Hood
OScheme=Spread
DScheme=4-3
StadiumArena=Groves Stadium
(c. 31,500, FieldTurf)
Champion=ACC Champion
BowlTourney=Orange Bowl
BowlTourneyResult= Louisville 24 Wake Forest 13

The 2006 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team represented Wake Forest University during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Jim Grobe in his fifth season at the school and played its home games at Groves Stadium. The team finished the regular season with a record of 10 wins and two losses and won the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. With a win in the conference championship game, Wake Forest's first conference championship in 36 years, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/120206aaa.html|title=Wake Forest Wins First ACC Title Since 1970|accessdate=2007-07-16] they represented the ACC in the Orange Bowl. The team ended the season with an 11-3 record and a number 17 ranking in the nation.

Pre-Season

After finishing 4-7 in 2005 and in a tie for fourth place in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, the Deacons were picked in the pre-season to finish last in the division.cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072406aad.html|title=Deacons Picked To Finish Sixth In ACC's Atlantic Division|accessdate=2007-07-16]

Coaching change

After Deacons' wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman left to take an assistant coaching position at Virginia Tech, Tim Billings was hired as his replacement. Billings was touted as having 23-years of experience at the college football level, including a six-year stint as head coach of Southeast Missouri State. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030806aaa.html|title=Tim Billings Hired To Coach Wide Receivers|accessdate=2007-07-16]

Roster changes

Although the Deacons returned an ACC high 18 starters from the 2005 team, they lost four key starters to graduation. On defense, the only starter to leave was nose tackle, Goryal Scales. On offense, three starters graduated, including wide receiver Chris Davis, quarterback Cory Randolph, and running back and ACC Player of the Year award-winner [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113005aab.html|title=Barclay Named ACC Player of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-16] Chris Barclay. Finally, Ray Guy Award-winning punter [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120805aah.html|title=Plackemeier Wins Ray Guy Award|accessdate=2007-07-16] Ryan Plackemeier also graduated. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031406aaa.html|title=Deacons Conduct Timing Day For NFL Scouts|accessdate=2007-07-16]

Recruiting

During recruiting, the Deacons signed 15 new players for the team, including a number of three-star recruits and Josh Adams, a top-10 ranked running back. The team added eight players on offense, six on defense and a kicker, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020106aar.html|title=Deacons Add 15 On National Signing Day|accessdate=2007-07-16] however before the season began, tight end recruit, Dennis Godfrey, decided not to enroll to the school. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072806aab.html|title=Wake Forest Football Recruit Will Not Enroll|accessdate=2007-07-16] College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Josh Adams
position = RB
hometown = Cary, NC
highschool = Cary HS
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 172
40 = 4.54
commitdate = 1/25/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 80College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Dan Caldwell
position = K
hometown = Oxford, AL
highschool = Oxford HS
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 235
40 = NA
commitdate = 12/27/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Lucas Caparelli
position = RB
hometown = Burke, VA
highschool = Robinson Secondary
feet = 5
inches = 11
weight = 185
40 = 4.4
commitdate = 1/7/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 71College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Michael Carter
position = DT
hometown = Memphis, TN
highschool = Melrose HS
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 282
40 = 4.9
commitdate = 12/14/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Alex Frye
position = DB
hometown = Fayetteville, NC
highschool = Jack Britt
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 195
40 = 4.55
commitdate = 1/7/2006
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Cannon Gaskin
position = OL
hometown = Jacksonville, FL
highschool = Bolles School
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 260
40 = NA
commitdate = 12/5/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 72College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Dennis Godfrey
position = TE
hometown = Sanford, NC
highschool = Lee County Senior HS
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 255
40 = 5.0
commitdate = 6/20/2005
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Hunter Haynes
position = LB
hometown = Jacksonville, FL
highschool = Nease HS
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 218
40 = 4.65
commitdate = 11/3/2005
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 78College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Zach MacDowall
position = QB
hometown = Kennesaw, GA
highschool = Harrison HS
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 197
40 = 4.8
commitdate = 7/20/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 70College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Russell Nenon
position = OL
hometown = Memphis, TN
highschool = Memphis University School
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 280
40 = 5.1
commitdate = 12/14/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 74College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Tripp Russell
position = DE
hometown = Winston-Salem, NC
highschool = Mount Tabor HS
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 230
40 = 4.8
commitdate = 8/27/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = NACollege Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Teddy Tomlin
position = DT
hometown = Lake City, FL
highschool = Columbia High School-South
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 275
40 = NA
commitdate = 12/4/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Marcus Williams
position = DB
hometown = McDonough, GA
highschool = Eagles Landing HS
feet = 5
inches = 9
weight = 172
40 = 4.53
commitdate = 12/22/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 40College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Marshall Williams
position = WR
hometown = Durham, NC
highschool = Riverside HS
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 164
40 = 4.6
commitdate = 6/27/2005
scout stars = 2
rivals stars = 2
espn grade = 69College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Matthew Woodlief
position = LB
hometown = Catawba, NC
highschool = Bandys HS
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 230
40 = 4.4
commitdate = 7/18/2005
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3
espn grade = 64College Athlete Recruit End
40 = yes
year = 2006
rivals ref title = Wake Forest Commit List 2006
scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: Wake Forest
espn ref title = 2006 Player Commitments - Wake Forest
rivals school = 93
scout s = 192
espn schoolid = 154
scout overall = #65
rivals overall = #75
accessdate = 2007-07-16
collapse = yes

Award candidates

Five Demon Deacon players were named to pre-season national award watchlists:
*Jon Abbate - Chuck Bednarik Award [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061306aaf.html|title=Abbate Named To Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List|accessdate=2007-07-16]
*Micah Andrews - Doak Walker Award [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083106aab.html|title=Andrews Selected As Doak Walker Award Candidate|accessdate=2007-07-16]
*Josh Gattis - Jim Thorpe Award [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080306aae.html|title=Gattis Named To Jim Thorpe Award Watch List|accessdate=2007-07-16]
*Sam Swank - Lou Groza Award [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081506aac.html|title=Swank Named To Lou Groza Award Watch List|accessdate=2007-07-16]
*Steve Vallos - Outland Trophy [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061906aab.html|title=Vallos Selected To Outland Trophy Watch List|accessdate=2007-07-16]

Along with the award candidates, six players were named as pre-season All-Americans on three lists. Andrews and Vallos on the first team and Abbate and Gattis on the second team were named so by the Sporting News, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051106aac.html|title=Sporting News Lists Andrews, Vallos As First Team Preseason All-ACC|accessdate=2007-07-16] Abbate and Vallos were named on the first team by the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060106aac.html|title=Abbate, Vallos Selected First Team Preseason All-ACC By Blue Ribbon|accessdate=2007-07-16] and finally, Vallos on the third team and Abbate, Gattis, Matt Robinson, and Swank as honorable mentions by Street & Smith. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062706aae.html|title=Five Deacons Garner Preseason All-America Honors From Street & Smith's|accessdate=2007-07-16]

eason

Roster

Personnel

chedule

CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/02/2006
time = 6:30 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Syracuse
opprank =
site_stadium = Groves Stadium
site_cityst = Winston-Salem, NC
gamename =
tv = ESPN 360
score = 20-10
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/09/2006
time = 12:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Duke
opprank =
site_stadium = Groves Stadium
site_cityst = Winston-Salem, NC
gamename =
tv = LF Sports
score = 14-13
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/16/2006
time = 12:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Connecticut
opprank =
site_stadium = Rentschler Field
site_cityst = East Hartford, CT
gamename =
tv = ESPN 360
score = 24-13
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/23/2006
time = 6:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Mississippi
opprank =
site_stadium = Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
site_cityst = Oxford, MS
gamename =
tv = CSS
score = 27-3
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/30/2006
time = 3:30 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Liberty
opprank =
site_stadium = Groves Stadium
site_cityst = Winston-Salem, NC
gamename =
tv = ESPN 360
score = 34-14
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/07/2006
time = 12:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Clemson
opprank = 12
site_stadium = Groves Stadium
site_cityst = Winston-Salem, NC
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score = 27-17
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/14/2006
time = 12:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = NC State
opprank =
site_stadium = Carter-Finley Stadium
site_cityst = Raleigh, North Carolina
gamename =
tv = LF Sports
score = 25-23
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/28/2006
time = 3:30 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 24
opponent = North Carolina
opprank =
site_stadium = Keenan Stadium
site_cityst = Chapel Hill, NC
gamename =
tv = ESPNU
score = 24-17
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/04/2006
time = 7:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 23
opponent = Boston College
opprank = 16
site_stadium = Groves Stadium
site_cityst = Winston-Salem, NC
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 21-14
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/11/2006
time = 8:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 19
opponent = Florida State
opprank =
site_stadium = Doak Campbell Stadium
site_cityst = Tallahassee, FL
gamename =
tv = ABC
score = 30-0
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/18/2006
time = 7:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank = 14
opponent = Virginia Tech
opprank = 19
site_stadium = Groves Stadium
site_cityst = Winston-Salem, NC
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 27-6
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/25/2006
time = 7:45 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 20
opponent = Maryland
opprank =
site_stadium = Byrd Stadium
site_cityst = College Park, MD
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score = 38-24
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 12/02/2006
time = 1:00 p.m.
w/l = w
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral = yes
rank = 16
opponent = Georgia Tech
opprank = 22
site_stadium = Alltel Stadium
site_cityst = Jacksonville, FL
gamename = ACC Championship Game
tv = ABC
score = 9-6
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 01/02/2007
time = 8:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral = yes
rank = 15
opponent = Louisville
opprank = 6
site_stadium = Dolphin Stadium
site_cityst = Miami Gardens, FL
gamename = FedEx Orange Bowl
tv = Fox
score = 24-13
overtime =

Game capsules

yracuse

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Orange
R1=7
R2=3
R3=0
R4=0
RT=10
Home=Demon Deacons
H1=7
H2=3
H3=3
H4=7
HT=20In the first game of the season, the Deacons took on the Syracuse Orange. For the first half everytime the Deacons scored, like quarterback Ben Mauk's 14-yard pass to Willie Idlette, the Orange answered. The half ended with the teams tied 10-10. In the second half, despite throwing an interception early in the quarter, Mauk led the Deacons to an eventual field goal to give them a 13-10 lead in the third quarter. However, before the field goal, Mauk suffered a catastrophic injury to his right arm when two Syracuse players fell on the arm as he was attempting to recover a fumble.cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3097398&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos3 |title='Bionic' quarterback leading surging Bearcats |first=Joe |last=Starkey |publisher="ESPN.com" |date=2007-11-06 |accessdate=2007-12-12] He was replaced by Riley Skinner who only threw one pass. In the fourth quarter, on the final scoring drive, the Deacons took nearly eight minutes off the clock with their running game, and scored on a 19-yard run by De'Angelo Bryant. The Deacons won the game 20-10, but had to make a decision on their quarterback. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262450154|title=Costly win: Wake doubles up 'Cuse, but loses QB Mauk|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Duke

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Blue Devils
R1=3
R2=7
R3=3
R4=0
RT=13
Home=Demon Deacons
H1=0
H2=0
H3=7
H4=7
HT=14With Riley Skinner given the go-ahead to take over as the starting quarterback, the Deacons had to take on visiting Duke, a team who had only won one game in 2005. Duke, however, took an early lead with a 27-yard field goal and a 47-yard touchdown pass to take a 10-0 lead at halftime. Finally answering, Skinner threw the first touchdown pass of his career, a 5-yard pass to John Tereshinski, to bring them within three. The Blue Devils kicked another field goal, this one of 39-yards to take a 13-7 lead into the fourth quarter. Late in the fourth, the Deacons took their first lead of the game on a 2-yard touchdown run by Micah Andrews. With a minute remaining, the Blue Devils started a drive that brought them to the Deacons 11-yard line. With six seconds remaining, they attempted a game winning field goal, however, Chip Vaughn was able to block the attempt to give the Deacons a 14-13 win. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262520154|title=Blocked FG on final play dooms Duke in loss to Wake|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Connecticut

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Demon Deacons
R1=14
R2=0
R3=0
R4=10
RT=24
Home=Huskies
H1=7
H2=6
H3=0
H4=0
HT=13On their first road game of the season, the Deacons went to face the Connecticut Huskies. They took an early lead on an interception of D.J. Hernandez by Jeremy Thompson, who returned the ball 86-yards for the touchdown. Hernandez was able to bring the Huskies back and tied the game later in the quarter on a 6-yard pass, but Micah Andrews' 6-yard run for a touchdown gave the Deacons a lead they would never relinquish. In the second quarter, Lou Allen's 15-yard touchdown brought the Huskies within one after a missed extra point, to have the half end with the Deacons ahead 14-13. With no score in the third quarter, the Deacons padded their lead in the fourth with a 43-yard field goal by Sam Swank and another 6-yard touchdown run, this time by Richard Belton, to give the final score of the game as 24-13. With the win, the Deacons were 3-0 for the first time in 19 years. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262590041|title=WAKE FOREST 24, CONNECTICUT 13|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Mississippi

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Demon Deacons
R1=7
R2=3
R3=17
R4=0
RT=27
Home=Rebels
H1=0
H2=3
H3=0
H4=0
HT=3The Deacons visited Ole Miss for their fourth game, and once again relied on their running and kicking games to win a game. Despite not having Micah Andrews, De'Angelo Bryant took over for him and gave the Deacons an early lead on a 9-yard touchdown. With a 38-yard field goal by Swank, and the Rebels' only answer of a 26-yard field goal, the Deacons took a 10-3 lead into the half. In the third quarter the Deacons added two more rushing touchdowns and another field goal to pad their lead. With no score in the fourth, the Deacons won the game 27-3. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262660145|title=Wake Forest 27, Mississippi 3|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Liberty

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Flames
R1=0
R2=7
R3=0
R4=7
RT=14
Home=Demon Deacons
H1=10
H2=17
H3=0
H4=7
HT=34The Deacons next took on the Division I FCS Liberty Flames. This time winning without only relying on their running game. Skinner threw for 218 yards including a 59-yard touchdown that that gave the Deacons a 27-7 lead at halftime. Although the Flames were able to score twice, the Deacons easily outscored and outplayed them, winning 34-14. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262730154|title=Wake whips Liberty, 5-0 for first time since '87|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Clemson

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#12 Tigers
R1=3
R2=0
R3=0
R4=24
RT=27
Home=Demon Deacons
H1=7
H2=7
H3=3
H4=0
HT=17The #12 ranked Clemson Tigers next came to visit the Deacons. Although the Tigers took an early lead with a field goal, a pair of touchdown passes, one by Skinner and the other on a trick play Nate Morton to Skinner, gave the Deacons a 14-3 lead at the half. In the third quarter, a 22-yard field goal by Swank gave the Deacons a 17-3 lead that wouldn't hold. On the first play of the fourth quarter a fumble on the Deacons' 35-yard line was returned by Gaines Adams for a touchdown. Three minutes later the Tigers tied the game on a 20-yard pass and then took a lead with a 72-yard touchdown run. With a final field goal, the Tigers ended the game, winning 27-17 and breaking the Deacons' winning streak. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262800154|title=Down 14 in the fourth, Clemson rallies past Wake|accessdate=2007-07-18]

North Carolina State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Demon Deacons
R1=7
R2=15
R3=0
R4=3
RT=25
Home=Wolfpack
H1=0
H2=14
H3=0
H4=9
HT=23The Deacons next visited the NC State Wolfpack. Taking an early lead with a touchdown run and a 51-yard field goal, the Wolfpack came back and scored two touchdowns to give them a 14-10 lead. However, after Swank kicked a 53-yard field goal, the Deacon defense forced a safety with a minute left in the half. Skinner was able to capitalize with a 57-yard touchdown pass to Nate Morton to take a 22-14 lead into the half. In the fourth quarter, with the Wolfpack down five after a field goal, Swank kicked another 53-yard field goal to give the Deacons an eight point advantage. With a touchdown with five minutes remaining, the Wolfpack brought the score within two points, however failed on the two point conversion attempt. After holding the Deacons, the Wolfpack moved to the 40-yard line before a pass intercepted by Josh Gattis ended the game. The Deacons won the game 25-23 and were 6-1 for the first time since 1979. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262870152|title=Late INT halts NC State rally, preserves win for Wake|accessdate=2007-07-18] After the game the team was ranked

North Carolina

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#24 Demon Deacons
R1=7
R2=7
R3=0
R4=10
RT=24
Home=Tar Heels
H1=7
H2=7
H3=3
H4=0
HT=17The Deacons next visited the North Carolina Tar Heels. After a blocked punt was returned for a touchdown by the Deacons, the Tar Heels were able to tie the game with a 1-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, after another touchdown by the Deacons, the Tar Heels once again answered and the teams were tied 14-14 at the half. In the third quarter the Tar Heels took their first lead with a 35-yard field goal. The Deacons wouldn't answer until early in the fourth quarter on a Swank field goal. They took their final lead on a Skinner pass of 39-yards. Down by a touchdown, the Tar Heels drove to scoring range, however, an errant pass on the final play of the game was intercepted by Jon Abbate to seal the win for the Deacons, 24-17. With the win the team was 7-1 for only the third time in school history. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263010153|title=Wake holds off UNC; Deacons off to best start since '79|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Boston College

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#16 Eagles
R1=0
R2=7
R3=7
R4=0
RT=14
Home=#23 Demon Deacons
H1=7
H2=7
H3=7
H4=0
HT=21The #16 ranked Boston College Eagles next faced the Deacons. The Deacons took the lead midway through the first quarter on a 9-yard reverse by Willie Idlette. After a drive that ended on the first play of the second quarter gave the Eagles a 1-yard touchdown run, the Deacons answered later in the quarter with a 46-yard touchdown pass by Skinner. On the Eagles' next drive, quarterback Matt Ryan threw an interception in the endzone that ended their scoring chance. The half ended with the Deacons winning 14-7. On the Deacons first play of the second half, after holding the Eagles on a fourth down attempt, Kevin Marion ran for an 81-yard touchdown. Ryan answered later on a 2-yard scramble to put the Eagles down 21-14 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, the Eagles, after missing a 40-yard field goal, forced an interception from Skinner. On their drive, however, after an 11-yard run, L.V. Whitworth fumbled the ball to end the drive. On their last chance in the game, after converting a fourth down, Ryan threw a second interception in the endzone to Patrick Ghee, to seal the win for the Deacons, 21-14. The Deacons beat a ranked team for the first time in nine chances, were 8-1 for the first time since 1944, and tied a school record for wins in a season. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263080154|title=Wake denies BC late, holds on for monumental program win|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Florida State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#19 Demon Deacons
R1=3
R2=17
R3=10
R4=0
RT=30
Home=Seminoles
H1=0
H2=0
H3=0
H4=0
HT=0The Deacons next went to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles, a team the Deacons hadn't beaten in Tallahassee since 1959 and who they had lost to 14 straight games. The Deacons dominated the game, however, and had a 20-0 lead at halftime. With both Seminole quarterbacks throwing two interceptions each, one of which was returned for a 48-yard touchdown, the Deacons held the Seminoles scoreless for the first time at home since Bobby Bowden started as their coach. With a final score of 30-0, the Deacons won a school record ninth game in the season. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263150052|title=Wake gets historic 9th win, shuts out Noles in Tallahassee|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Virginia Tech

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#19 Hokies
R1=7
R2=0
R3=17
R4=3
RT=27
Home=#14 Demon Deacons
H1=0
H2=3
H3=3
H4=0
HT=6The #19 Virginia Tech Hokies next visited the Deacons. The Hokies took an early lead on a 49-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. After losing ACC-leading rusher Branden Ore in the first quarter, the Hokies didn't score again until after the half. The Deacons, however, couldn't take advantage, and only scored a field goal to trail 7-3 at halftime. Early in the third quarter, the Hokies scored again on a long pass of 53-yards. The Deacons answered with another field goal, but the Hokies kept an 11-point lead after their own field goal. After a fumble was returned by the Hokies for 35-yards, the Deacons never answered again. The Hokies padded their lead with a fourth quarter field goal, to give them the win, 27-6. With the loss, the Deacons were unable to clinch the Coastal Division of the ACC, however still had a chance to against Maryland. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263220154|title=No. 19 Virginia Tech knocks down No. 14 Wake Forest|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Maryland

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#20 Demon Deacons
R1=7
R2=14
R3=10
R4=7
RT=38
Home=Terrapins
H1=7
H2=7
H3=3
H4=7
HT=24The Deacons visited the Maryland Terrapins for their final game of the regular season and with a chance to win the ACC Atlantic Division. The Terrapins took a touchdown lead midway through the first quarter, however a Kevin Harris 2-yard touchdown run answered for the Deacons. The Deacons then scored two touchdowns, including a 49-yard pass from Skinner to Willie Idlette to take the lead. The Terrapins scored late in the half to bring the halftime score to 21-14 in favor of the Deacons. In the third quarter both teams traded field goals, but another Harris touchdown run gave the Deacons another two touchdown lead. In the fourth, both teams scored short touchdowns, but the early lead was enough for the Deacons who won 38-24. With the win, the Deacons won the Atlantic Division of the ACC and advanced to the ACC Championship game against the Coastal Division champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263290120|title=Deacons tops Terps to cap best regular season in Wake history|accessdate=2007-07-18]

ACC Championship Game

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#16 Demon Deacons
R1=0
R2=3
R3=0
R4=6
RT=9
Home=#22 Yellow Jackets
H1=3
H2=0
H3=0
H4=3
HT=6The Deacons next went to Jacksonville to face the #22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second annual ACC Championship game. Both teams' defenses dominated the game, as each held the opposing offenses to under 300 yards for the game. The Deacons defense intercepted two Reggie Ball passes to help their effort. In the first half, both teams kicked field goals to go to halftime tied at 3. Early in the fourth quarter the Yellow Jackets took another lead with a second field goal to take a 6-3 lead. However, the Deacons came back and kicked two more field goals, the second with three minutes remaining in the game, to win the game 9-6. The winning score was the lowest for a conference champion ever. With the win, the Deacons won their second ACC Championship and won the ACC's spot in the BCS. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263360059|title=Skinner, Swank lift Wake to ACC title; next stop: Orange Bowl|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Orange Bowl

Linescore Amfootball
Road=#6 Cardinals
R1=0
R2=10
R3=0
R4=14
RT=24
Home=#15 Demon Deacons
H1=0
H2=3
H3=7
H4=3
HT=13In the Deacons first BCS bowl game they went to the Orange Bowl to play the #6 Louisville Cardinals. Louisville was the winner of the Big East. The Deacons took an early lead with a field goal, however the Cardinals answered with their own field goal and a touchdown in the first quarter to take a 10-3 lead to halftime. In the third quarter, Skinner tied the game on a 30-yard touchdown pass and took a three point lead in the fourth after a 36-yard field goal. The lead didn't last too long, as the Cardinals scored a quick touchdown and another one later in the quarter. With the scores the Cardinals took a 24-13 win. Even with the loss, the Deacons finished their best season in school history. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=270020154|title=Louisville overcomes mistakes, takes down Wake Forest|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Post Season

Awards

Conference

Upon winning the conference many Deacons' players and coach Jim Grobe were awarded conference honors. Grobe was unanimously named the ACC Coach of the Year by the media. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aad.html|title=Grobe Unanimously Selected ACC Coach Of The Year|accessdate=2007-07-18] Along with Grobe's honor, Riley Skinner was singled out by the media and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aac.html|title=Skinner Voted ACC Rookie of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-18] Along with the individual awards, nine players, five on the first team, one on the second, and three honorable mention, a Wake Forest record, were named to the All-ACC team. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112706aad.html|title=Wake Forest Places School Record Nine On All-ACC Team|accessdate=2007-07-18]

National

Two players and once again Jim Grobe were honored as finalists for national awards. Zac Selmon was named as a Wuerffel Trophy finalist, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110806aaa.html|title=Selmon Named Finalist For Wuerffel Trophy|accessdate=2007-07-18] Sam Swank was named as a semifinalist for both the Lou Groza Award and the Ray Guy Award, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110306aab.html|title=Swank Chosen As Semifinalist For Lou Groza and Ray Guy Awards|accessdate=2007-07-18] and Grobe was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112906aaa.html|title=Grobe Chosen As Finalist For Eddie Robinson Coach Of The Year Award|accessdate=2007-07-18] Although none won, Grobe was named coach of the year by five other organizations, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121206aac.html|title=Grobe Selected National Coach Of The Year By Two Sources|accessdate=2007-07-18] [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011007aaa.html|title=Grobe Voted National Coach Of The Year By His Peers|accessdate=2007-07-18] [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122006aaa.html|title=Grobe wins AP Coach of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-18] [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123006aab.html|title=Grobe Named Bobby Dodd Coach Of The Year|accessdate=2007-07-18] including the AP award and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

Along with the award winners, six players were named by four sources to their All-America teams. Sam Swank was named to the first teams of Rivals.com, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aae.html|title=Swank Named Rivals.Com First Team All-American|accessdate=2007-07-18] ESPN, [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121506aab.html|title=Swank Named ESPN First Team All-American|accessdate=2007-07-18] and Sports Illustrated. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120806aaa.html|title=Four Deacons Earn All-America Honors From Sports Illustrated|accessdate=2007-07-18] Also named by Sports Illustrated were Steve Vallos also on the first team and Jon Abbate and Josh Gattis as honorable mentions. Vallos was also named by the Sporting News to their team. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121206aab.html|title=2006 Sporting News All-America Team|accessdate=2007-07-18] Finally, Jeff Griffin on the second team and Riley Skinner on the third team, were named by the Sporting News to their Freshman All-American team. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120706aaa.html|title=Griffin, Skinner Named Freshman All-Americans|accessdate=2007-07-18]

Roster changes

Ten former starters left due to graduation or being drafted in the 2007 NFL Draft. Mauk, who had to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery on his injured throwing arm, graduated and then left to pursue a master's degree. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020107aaa.html|title=Mauk Decides Not To Return For 2007 Season|accessdate=2007-07-18] He took advantage of a now-repealed NCAA rule allowing graduate students with remaining academic eligibility to transfer and gain immediate eligibility at their new school, and finished his college career as the starting quarterback at the University of Cincinnati. Nine other players went on to the NFL, including Josh Gattis who was selected in the fifth round of the draft by Jacksonville and Steve Vallos who was selected in the seventh round by Seattle. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042907aaa.html|title=Nine Deacons Headed To The NFL|accessdate=2007-07-18] After the season, former recruit Dennis Godfrey enrolled with the new class. [cite web|url=http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011607aac.html|title=Godfrey Enrolls At Wake Forest|accessdate=2007-07-18]

References

External links

* [http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/wake-m-footbl-body.html The Official Site of the Demon Deacons]