The bowl-eligible Blue Devils earned their fourth straight win in the series, and now await their postseason destination.
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Wake Forest’s comeback effort fell short, as they finished the season 3-9 after a 27-21 loss.
Unsurprisingly, the mental recovery is easier, too.
Wake Forest quarterback John Wolford throws a pass against Duke during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. “To get that taste of a win…it makes you remember what it feels like”.
“We did some of the things that, in reverse, had been done to us”, Duke coach David Cutcliffe said, pointing to his team’s three takeaways and no turnovers. The Demon Deacons couldn’t take advantage of Duke safety Jeremy Cash’s first-half suspension, a result of his targeting ejection in last week’s loss at Virginia. Wake Forest did make a rally towards the end of the game scoring 14 points in the 4th quarter to trim the lead to 6, but Duke was able to hold on for the win.
Wake Forest, down 17-7 marched down the field to begin the second half, but kicker Mike Weaver shanked the 28-yard field goal attempt.
The Demon Deacons had one last-gasp chance after forcing a punt with 7 seconds left, but returner Tabari Hines fielded Will Monday’s punt at the 1 and was swarmed at the 5 with no time left. “I have no idea where we’re going [for a bowl game but] I know we’re going to get back to practice”. The home team looked to be gathering steam after a Duke punt and two plays of 10-plus yards, but Wolford’s third turnover of the afternoon-a diving interception by cornerback Breon Borders with 7:12 left-allowed the Blue Devils to run precious time off the clock.
“I don’t like to think about that game that we lost on that kickoff”, Deaver said.
113 Total snaps played this year, on defense and special teams, by defensive end Allen Jackson entering the game. It made it even more special.
He also can feel a little bit better heading into the unknown after a victory instead of a fifth straight loss. 500 – and for Duke, that is pretty great, considering where the program has been.
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The Blue Devils gave themselves a decent cushion early in the second half.
