Was it survival or victory? To anyone who stayed for the duration of the game at Truist Field in Winston Salem, it was likely more former than latter. But at 3-0 for Wake Forest, it is what it is, with tons of work to do going into Clemson week. But as The Demon Deacons survive Liberty 37-36, in a last-minute thriller, the list of things that need to be fixed is seemingly longer than it was a week ago. At the end, it was two defensive stands that made the difference between squeaking by and coming out with a crushing loss.<\/p>\n
The Wake defense gave up a stunning 437 total yards to a team that has a quarterback whose own coach said he couldn\u2019t handle the game film from last week<\/a>. Kaidon Salter<\/a> wound up 19 of 34 for 256 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also ran for another 100 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n It did not help that Wake returned to its undisciplined style with eight penalties for 70 yards. The Demon Deacons committed three on defense on the first drive of the game.<\/p>\n Ironically though, it was the defense…a defense that underwent a complete overhaul in the off-season..that saved the day in the closing moments of the game.<\/p>\n Wake had what seemed like a sufficient enough lead at 37-30 with 3:39 left in the game. But Salter drove Liberty downfield. On fourth and four from the Wake 18-yard line, he threw a pass into a crowd in the left side of the end zone. It looked like Malik Mustapha<\/strong> had the interception that would have secured the game. But Liberty receiver Demario Douglas<\/strong> came from behind him and over him and took the ball away for the touchdown. It closed the deficit to one point. There was no question Liberty would go for the two-point conversion and the win on the road.<\/p>\n The Flames ran a double reverse to the right side. Jacorey Johns<\/strong> forced the play to the outside and Chase Jones<\/strong> got the push on CJ Yarborough<\/strong> to the sidelines to stop the conversion two yards shy. From there it was just about running out the clock to remain undefeated.<\/p>\n There was little that was pretty about Wake\u2019s execution or the production. The offense only turned in 24 yards rushing and 349 in total yards. Hartman was a rather pedestrian 26 of 44 throwing for 325 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While the yardage and touchdowns may look good on a stat line, the performance was uneven at best. The two interceptions were less from spectacular defensive play than poor execution on the reads by Hartman. There were enough missed throws and receiver drops to go around.<\/p>\n After the game, Hartman gave himself a \u201cD\u201d grade for the game. \u201cI know that tape\u2019s not going to lie. If I grade myself with a \u201cD\u201d I probably got a \u201cD,\u201d he said. He called the game a reality check.<\/p>\n It was a sloppy first quarter by both sides with only Wake managing a 33-yard field goal by Matthew Dennis<\/a>.<\/p>\n