Charlotte, N.C. ? Put to rest those derogatory nicknames for Wake Forest. There’s nothing weak about the Demon Deacons under coach Jim Grobe.
Behind do-it-all receiver Kenneth Moore and a swarming defense full of big plays, Wake Forest rallied to beat fellow upstart Connecticut, 24-10, in the Meineke Bowl on Saturday.
Often called “Weak Forest” for a long history of ineptitude, Wake Forest (9-4) secured the second-most victories in school history, behind only last year’s improbable 11-3 mark that included an Atlantic Coast Conference title and an Orange Bowl berth.
“You know 20 wins in two years for little ol’ Wake Forest isn’t too bad,” Grobe said.
While this year wasn’t as stellar, Wake Forest finished with nine victories in its last 11 games – including a bowl win after last year’s loss to Louisville in the school’s first Bowl Championship Series appearance.
The Demon Deacons had to come from behind to do it, reeling off the final 24 points after falling behind 10-0 at halftime against the Huskies, who were playing in only their second bowl game.
“We’re not about losing anymore,” Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith said. “We’re not about coming close or competing in a game.”
It was a disappointing end to the Huskies’ best season since they completed the move from Division I-AA six years ago. UConn was limited to nine first downs and failed to score an offensive touchdown.