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1h ago

Wake Forest Crushes SMU 49-7 and Strengthens Playoff Case

The lopsided road win showcased Wake Forest’s sustained dominance and gave the team a clearer path into the College Football Playoff.

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Gio Lopez played a key role in the team's dominating start vs SMU Mustang.
Nov 14, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Dallas Afalava (52) and defensive lineman Matt Herron (97) and linebacker Frank Cusano (43) celebrate a fumble recovery during the first half against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Wake Forest routed SMU 49-7 on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, building a 42-0 halftime lead and outgaining the Mustangs 535-275.
  • Quarterback Gio Lopez was a central figure, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another while backup Steele Pizzella played mop-up time late.
  • The victory extended Wake Forest’s win streak to seven games and materially improved its CFP resume by showing consistent blowout results.
  • SMU’s realistic playoff hopes were effectively extinguished by the loss and the upset undercut pregame betting lines that favored the Mustangs.
  • National pundits who picked SMU publicly apologized at halftime and ESPN stats noted Wake Forest has outscored opponents 145-0 in first halves over four games, a run that places the team on notice heading into games at Georgia Tech and at home vs. Duke.