Talk about a nail-biter! Wake Forest edged out Kennesaw State 10-9 in Jake Dickert’s first game as head coach. A late defensive stand sealed the deal, but not without some serious heart-stopping moments. What a way to kick off the season – can the Demon Deacons carry this momentum forward?

Wake Forest Football secured a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Kennesaw State Owls, marking a successful, albeit challenging, Jake Dickert Debut as head coach. This nail-biting encounter showcased the Demon Deacons’ resilience in a game that came down to the wire, setting an intriguing tone for their season in the NCAA Football landscape.

The decisive moment for Wake Forest arrived in the first quarter, with quarterback Robby Ashford orchestrating the team’s lone touchdown. Ashford’s powerful 5-yard keeper, concluding with him bravely flipping through contact at the goal line, provided a rare offensive highlight amidst a night of grinding football for the Demon Deacons.

Despite the celebratory Demon Deacons Victory, the team faced significant hurdles. A major concern arose early when star player Demond Claiborne, a pivotal component of the offense, suffered a rib injury after just three carries, casting a shadow over the team’s offensive prospects for future games.

The defense, however, proved to be Wake Forest’s stalwart. In the crucial final minutes, the Demon Deacons’ defensive unit made a game-clinching stand, forcing Kennesaw State quarterback Dexter Williams II to throw an incomplete pass on fourth down with less than two minutes remaining, solidifying the hard-earned victory for Coach Dickert.

Kennesaw State, making its intentions clear from the outset, demonstrated a formidable presence. Coleman Bennett broke free for a 19-yard touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Owls an early 9-7 lead. Despite their efforts, missed opportunities, including a field goal and an extra point, ultimately cost them the chance to upset a power-conference foe.

Reflecting on the close contest, Kennesaw State coach Jerry Mack expressed pride in his team’s defensive efforts, acknowledging, “I was really impressed with our defense and just the battle that they kind of put out there.” He also candidly highlighted the need for offensive improvement, stating, “Offensively we’ve got to do a better job of executing.”

For Wake Forest, this victory under Jake Dickert, who transitioned from Washington State following Dave Clawson’s unexpected departure, is particularly significant. With the Demon Deacons projected to finish 16th in the 17-team College Football ACC, a debut win, even a narrow one, offers a crucial boost, though Claiborne’s injury adds a layer of concern for the season ahead.

This opening game served as a microcosm of the challenges and potential for both teams. For Wake Forest, it demonstrated their ability to win ugly, relying on defense in critical moments. For Kennesaw State, it proved they can compete fiercely against higher-division opponents, signaling a promising trajectory despite the loss. The encounter underscored the unpredictable nature of American football and the high stakes of early-season matchups.