Wake Forest mounted a spirited second-half comeback Friday night, but penalties and missed opportunities proved too costly as the Demon Deacons fell to fifth-ranked Miami 33-20 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
After falling behind 31-7 midway through the third quarter, Wake Forest scored two consecutive touchdowns to pull within 11 points early in the fourth. The Deacons’ defense also came alive, holding Miami to just 13 yards of offense in the final period.
But Wake Forest couldn’t finish the comeback. An offensive holding penalty in the end zone resulted in a safety moments after the Deacons had cut the deficit to 31-20. Three subsequent possessions ended with two turnovers on downs and an interception.
Miami (3-0, 2-0 ACC) appeared headed for a comfortable victory after scoring 24 unanswered points to turn a 7-7 tie into a 31-7 advantage with 8:56 remaining in the third quarter. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw three touchdown passes, while the Hurricanes controlled the second quarter, outgaining Wake Forest 184-18.
But Gio Lopez led the Deacons (2-1, 0-1) on touchdown drives of 75 and 63 yards, finding Jack Foley and Carlos Hernandez in the end zone to trim the deficit to 31-20 with 14:56 remaining. Wake’s defense repeatedly got the ball back, but the offense couldn’t capitalize.
🏈 What to Know: Miami 33, Wake Forest 20
A remarkable defensive turnaround: Miami managed just 13 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter, with seven passing yards and six rushing yards. The Hurricanes punted three times in the period and did not score an offensive point after their touchdown midway through the third quarter.
Gio Lopez leads the comeback: The Wake Forest quarterback, who played at UNC last season, completed 29 of 46 passes for 312 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His touchdown passes went to Kamrean Johnson (10 yards), Jack Foley (23) and Carlos Hernandez (17).
Mensah’s near-record night: Miami quarterback Darian Mensah finished 30 of 34 for 220 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also completed 24 consecutive passes during the game, according to the streak tracked during Friday’s broadcast. That was two shy of the FBS single-game record of 26 set by East Carolina’s Dominique Davis against Navy in 2011.
Penalties prove costly: Wake Forest was flagged 13 times for 122 yards, compared with seven penalties for 75 yards by Miami. One particularly damaging infraction came after Wake cut the lead to 31-20: An offensive holding penalty in the end zone resulted in a safety, giving Miami two points and a 33-20 advantage with 13:11 remaining. Another penalty nullified a strong Wake punt return.
Three late opportunities go begging: After the safety, Wake reached Miami’s 14-yard line but turned the ball over on downs. Another possession ended on downs near midfield. The Deacons then drove to the Miami 22 before Ethan O’Connor intercepted Lopez with 2:24 remaining.
Foley and Hernandez deliver: Jack Foley caught six passes for a game-high 118 yards and a touchdown for the Deacs, including a 49-yard reception. Carlos Hernandez added 10 catches for 69 yards and a score. Miami’s Malachi Toney led the Hurricanes with 12 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.
No running room for Wake: The Deacons finished with just 22 rushing yards on 16 attempts, an average of 1.4 yards per carry. Miami rushed for 158 yards, led by Mark Fletcher Jr.’s 85 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
A second quarter to forget: Miami scored 17 unanswered points in the period and held Wake Forest to 18 total yards and zero first downs. The Hurricanes carried a 24-7 lead into halftime as Mensah completed his first 20 passes before the break.
What’s Next for Wake Forest?
The Demon Deacons will look to bounce back next Saturday, Sept. 26 with a trip to Louisville. The ACC game kicks off at 12 p.m.
What’s next on the North Carolina college football schedule?
Wake Forest-Miami kicked off a busy weekend of college football games within the confines of the Old North State. There are 23 games set for Saturday, Sept. 19 that involve North Carolina college teams, including 17 being played in NC home stadiums. View the full Saturday schedule, including start times and TV information →
