The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 3-0 for the first time since 2008, and for the first time under head coach Dave Clawson, after they defeated the Delaware Blue Hens 38-21 at home on Saturday night. The game’s score looks a lot closer than the statistics would indicate. Wake Forest outgained Delaware 481 total yards to 94 total yards and had 29 first downs in the contest. Delaware only had 8 and three of those were due to penalties.
Turnovers Made The Game Close
Two of Delaware’s touchdowns were scored after Wake Forest turned the ball over in their own red zone. Coach Clawson said in his postgame press conference, “It becomes a more competitive game when you turn the ball over.” This was absolutely true regarding this game. Although Delaware had very little offensive success in the first half, they found themselves trailing by just three points with 6:17 left in the second quarter.
Turning Point Of The Game
The turning point of the game occurred when Wake Forest tallied another touchdown after a long drive late in the second quarter. Matt Colburn scored on a one yard touchdown run with 0:44 left in the first half. This was his first touchdown since last season’s opener against the Elon Phoenix. That 14 play, 75 yard drive to end the half gave the Deacons the much needed momentum going into the break. Wake Forest would score on their next two possessions to seal the victory.
Deacons Lose Hinton, Wolford Rallies The Team
The win did not come without some bad news. Starting quarterback Kendall Hinton left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury. It is unclear what the timetable is for his return to the field. John Wolford, who already has started for the Deacons struggled in his first possession after getting hit a few times and threw the Deacons’ only interception. However, he settled in and was able to lead three different touchdown drives and scored the Deacons’ first passing touchdown of the season on a quick slant pass to Alex Bachman for four yards.
Delaware Struggles Offensively
After two convincing wins against FCS competition, the Blue Hens played Wake Forest a division up. The difficulties of this task showed in Delaware’s lack of an offense. Delaware coach Dave Brock said after the game on the offense, “It was not good enough. We didn’t do very much, which was frustrating.” Delaware only managed 2.5 yards a carry and only 1.9 yards per pass. It is going to be difficult to get a win with that limited of production from your offense.
Up Next
Wake Forest will travel to Indiana to take on the undefeated Hoosiers next week. Delaware will have a bye week and then travel to play James Madison on October 1st.