Lopez Leads Wake Forest to 38-14 Win Over N.C. State
Aggressive halftime defensive changes produced a 28-0 second half that strengthened Wake’s 5-1 ACC standing and sends the team to California with growing momentum.
Overview
- Quarterback Gio Lopez completed 26 of 33 passes for 303 yards, threw three touchdown passes and added a rushing score to power Wake Forest to the 38-14 road victory on Saturday.
- Wake Forest shut out N.C. State in the second half, outscoring the Wolfpack 28-0 and outgaining them about 277 yards to 60 after coaches changed to a more aggressive run defense and increased pass pressure.
- Receivers Jack Foley and Carlos Hernandez had breakout games, with Foley catching eight passes for 156 yards and a touchdown and Hernandez hauling in 12 for 117 yards and a score.
- The game began with a Wake defensive play when Braylon Johnson returned a C.J. Bailey fumble to the 2-yard line to set up an early touchdown, while Bailey completed 16 straight passes in the first half before Wake’s adjustments stalled NC State.
- The victory moved Wake to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the ACC, marked a three-game winning streak and highlighted improving defensive play as the Demon Deacons prepare to travel to Cal next weekend.