Wake Forest rallies past SU 64-63
John Wolford passed for three touchdowns and ran for three more, accounting for 499 yards of total offense, and Wake Forest overcame a 14-yard halftime deficit to defeat Syracuse 64-43 on Saturday and clinch a bowl berth.
Wolford was 25-of-38 for 363 yards passing and he rushed for 136 more, the first 100-plus-yard game rushing in his career. He has accounted for 69 touchdowns in his career, shattering the school record of 65.
Wolford scored on runs of 3, 9, and 29 yards. His 29yard run with 11:48 in the game gave Wake Forest a 47-43 lead and capped a furious rally. The Demon Deacons (6-4, 3-3 Atlantic coast conference) trailed 38-24 at halftime but outscored Syracuse (4-6, 2-4) 40-5 in the second half.
Tight end Cam Serigne caught touchdown passes of 31, 19 and six yards. His 6-yard touchdown gave Wake Forest a 54-43 margin. Matt Colburn ran for 237 yards on 31 carries and scored on a 76-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The teams accounted for 1,355 yards — 734 by Wake, the most in school history.
Syracuse must win its final two games — at Louisville and at home against Boston College — to secure its first bowl berth in four years.
Playing without star quarterback Eric Dungey, Syracuse didn’t miss a beat — at least in the first half — with backup Zach Mahoney. Mahoney was 22of-35 for 297 yards passing and three touchdowns in the first half, but was just 11-of-25 for 87 yards after intermission.
Ravian Pierce had two touchdown receptions for Syracuse and Steve Ishmael had 14 receptions for 145 yards.
Wake Forest scored on its first three possessions, but then the Syracuse defense stiffened, forcing four consecutive punts before Mike Weaver hit a 41-yard field goal as time ran out in the second quarter to make it 38-24 at halftime.
THE TAKEAWAY
Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons can now celebrate a successful season and its offense is in high gear with Wolford leading the way.
Syracuse: This was a demoralizing loss for Syracuse. After building a 3824 lead at the half, the defense crumbled and now the Orange faces the daunting task of winning two straight to make it into the postseason.
UP NEXT
Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons begin a two-game home stand to close out the season. First up: Saturday against North Carolina State.
Syracuse: The Orange has another key game, Saturday at Louisville. Last season, Lamar Jackson dominated Syracuse last year.