What a debut for Coach Dickert! Wake Forest secured a nail-biting 10-9 victory against Kennesaw State. But the win came with a cost: star runner Demond Claiborne exited early with an injury. Can the Demon Deacons overcome this setback as they navigate the season? Read the full story to find out!

Wake Forest University began its 2024 football season with a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Kennesaw State, marking a successful, albeit challenging, debut for new head coach Jake Dickert. The Demon Deacons secured the narrow win on Friday night, demonstrating resilience in a game that tested their early-season resolve.

The critical offensive play came early in the contest when quarterback Robby Ashford executed a first-quarter keeper, scoring the Demon Deacons’ only touchdown of the night. This pivotal moment provided Wake Forest with an early lead, setting the tone for what would become a defensive battle.

However, the night was not without its significant setbacks for Wake Forest, most notably the early exit of star running back Demond Claiborne. The integral 1,000-yard rusher from last season sustained a rib injury after just two carries, forcing him off the field and creating an immediate void in the Demon Deacons’ offensive plans. His brief return in the second quarter was quickly followed by a final departure, leaving him with only 19 yards on three attempts.

Claiborne’s injury was a major blow, as he was anticipated to be the primary engine of coach Dickert’s inaugural offense. His absence necessitated immediate adjustments and forced other players to step up in crucial moments, highlighting the team’s depth and adaptability under pressure.

On the opposing side, Kennesaw State, in its second year of Bowl Subdivision play after reclassifying, showed commendable effort. The Owls managed to find the end zone with a 19-yard scoring run from Coleman Bennett, keeping the game tight and challenging Wake Forest until the final whistle.

Despite the offensive struggles and the loss of a key player, Wake Forest’s defense proved to be the decisive factor. The Demon Deacons’ defensive unit delivered a critical late-game stop, preserving their slim one-point lead and sealing the victory for coach Dickert’s first outing.

Coach Dickert acknowledged the bumpy start but expressed optimism about his team’s growth, stating that the Demon Deacons would emerge stronger “because we went through this.” This sentiment underscores a belief that overcoming adversity in the season opener will serve as a valuable learning experience for the squad moving forward in the ACC football schedule.