The UConn Huskies (4-2) host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-4, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) in a Week 8 matchup on Saturday. Wake Forest is coming off a 49-14 blowout loss at the hands of the Clemson Tigers in Week 7, while the Huskies are looking to build on their three-game win streak, topping the Temple Owls 29-20 last time out.
Despite their 2-4 start, Wake Forest entered the game as a 2.5-point favorite coming into East Hartford. The Demon Deacons carried a 13-6 lead into the half.
Wake Forest vs. UConn box score
Wake Forest player stats
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UConn player stats
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Wake Forest vs. UConn game summary
The defense was the game's name early on, as the first points came with just four minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The Demon Deacons got things going with a field goal to take a 3-0 lead over the Huskies with under four minutes remaining in the opening period. The Huskies responded with an 11-play, 58-yard drive, capped off by a 35-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 entering the second quarter.
Wake Forest came out swinging in the second quarter, marching the ball 75 yards in just seven plays, including a 41-yard bomb from Hank Bachmeier to Micah Mays Jr. to set up the Deacons for an easy five-yard rushing touchdown for Demond Claiborne to take a 10-3 lead minutes into the quarter.
The teams exchanged field goals as the first half unfolded, with Wake Forest taking a 13-6 lead into the locker rooms at halftime.
The Demon Deacons opened the second half with a methodical seven-play, 75-yard drive highlighted by a 34-yard catch for Taylor Morin. Demond Claiborne punched in a rushing touchdown for Wake Forest, extending their lead to 20-6. A 44-yard kick return helped UConn start their first drive of the second half with good field possession, capitalizing with a touchdown of their own, as Nick Evers connected on a 20-yard pass to Jasaiah Gathings. This touchdown exchange brought the score to 20-13 entering the final period.
Wake Forest capitalized on a field goal to conclude their quarter-opening nine-play, 38-yard drive, giving the Huskies the ball with 11 minutes remaining in the final period. After exchanging punts, UConn brought the game to within three points with a 13-play, 88-yard drive that ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Louis Hansen, bringing the score to 23-20 with two minutes remaining. After getting a stop, UConn had the opportunity to pull off the comeback win but failed to convert on fourth-and-eight, clinching the win for the Demon Deacons.
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