2016 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team

The 2016 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team represented Wake Forest University during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Dave Clawson, who was in his third season at the school, and played its home games at BB&T Field. Wake Forest competed in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference, as they have since the league's inception in 1953. They finished the season 7–6, 3–5 in ACC play to finish in a tie for fourth place in the Atlantic Division. They were invited to the Military Bowl where they defeated Temple.

2016 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football
Military Bowl champion
Military Bowl, W 34–26 vs. Temple
Conference	Atlantic Coast Conference
Division	Atlantic Division
Record	7–6 (3–5 ACC)
Head coach	Dave Clawson (3rd season)
Offensive coordinator	Warren Ruggiero (3rd season)
Offensive scheme	Slow mesh
Defensive coordinator	Mike Elko (3rd season)
Base defense	4–2–5
Captain	Marquel Lee, Wendell Dunn, Josh Harris, Tyler Hayworth, Cam Serigne
Home stadium	BB&T Field
Seasons ← 2015 2017 →

2016 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Atlantic Division
No. 1 Clemson xy$#		7	–	1					14	–	1
No. 21 Louisville x		7	–	1					9	–	4
No. 8 Florida State		5	–	3					10	–	3
NC State		3	–	5					7	–	6
Wake Forest		3	–	5					7	–	6
Boston College		2	–	6					7	–	6
Syracuse		2	–	6					4	–	8
Coastal Division
No. 16 Virginia Tech xy		6	–	2					10	–	4
North Carolina		5	–	3					8	–	5
No. 20 Miami (FL)		5	–	3					9	–	4
Pittsburgh		5	–	3					8	–	5
Georgia Tech		4	–	4					9	–	4
Duke		1	–	7					4	–	8
Virginia		1	–	7					2	–	10
Championship: Clemson 42, Virginia Tech 35
# – College Football Playoff champion $ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Rankings from AP Poll

When Wake Forest lost to Louisville on November 12, Dave Clawson alleged that Louisville had received impermissible information that benefited the Cardinals on the football field.^[1] On December 14, 2016, after a month long probe, former Wake Forest staff member and IMG College radio analyst Tommy Elrod was dismissed from the program for leaking confidential and proprietary game preparations on multiple occasions.^[2]

Recruiting

US college sports recruiting information for 2016 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Carlos Basham Jr. DE	Roanoke, VA	Northside HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.77	Jul 6, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Essang Bassey CB	Columbus, GA	Columbus HS	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)	174 lb (79 kg)	N/A	Jun 22, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jeremiah Brown WR	Savannah, GA	Southwest Guilford HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	173 lb (78 kg)	4.50	Apr 21, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Arkeem Byrd RB	Savannah, GA	Jenkins HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	N/A	Feb 3, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Cade Carney TE	Davidson, NC	Davidson Day School	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	213 lb (97 kg)	4.53	Jun 19, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Brandon Chapman TE	Grove City, OH	Grove City HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	251 lb (114 kg)	5.02	May 20, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Thomas Cole TE	Wellsburg, WV	Brooke HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	N/A	Jan 5, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
DeAndre' Delaney RB	Morristown, TN	Morristown–Hamblen West HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	N/A	Dec 7, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN: N/A
Greg Dortch WR	Highland Springs, VA	Highland Springs HS	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)	150 lb (68 kg)	4.60	Aug 6, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Malik Grate WR	Pendleton, SC	Pendleton HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	160 lb (73 kg)	4.50	Apr 29, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Sulaiman Kamara DT	Richmond, VA	Hermitage HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	287 lb (130 kg)	5.60	Nov 1, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
LaRonde Liverpool OLB	Virginia Beach, VA	Landstown HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	226 lb (103 kg)	4.74	Jun 2, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Dominic Maggio K	Baltimore, MD	Boys Latin HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	155 lb (70 kg)	N/A	Jul 15, 2014
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Luke Masterson S	Naples, FL	Marlboro County HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	4.50	Jul 27, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Je'vionte Nash OG	Orange Park, FL	Oakleaf HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	291 lb (132 kg)	5.31	Apr 2, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jamie Newman QB	Graham, NC	Graham HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	237 lb (108 kg)	4.76	Apr 20, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Traveon Redd S	Ridgeway, VA	Magna Vista HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	182 lb (83 kg)	4.64	Jul 31, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Taleni Suhren OT	Charlotte, NC	Ardrey Kell HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	281 lb (127 kg)	5.52	Apr 15, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Emmanuel Walker DE	Santee, SC	Lake Marion HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	4.63	Aug 28, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Tyler Watson OT	Alpharetta, GA	Milton HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	244 lb (111 kg)	N/A	Sep 9, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jacquez Williams WR	Hinesville, GA	Liberty County HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	4.53	Jun 24, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Zander Zimmer DE	Orlando, FL	Bishop Moore HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.91	Jun 9, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 64   Rivals: 63  247Sports: 59  ESPN: 50
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Wake Forest 2016 Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 21, 2016. "2016 Wake Forest Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved April 21, 2016. "2016 Player Commitments – Wake Forest". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 21, 2016. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved April 21, 2016. "2016 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 21, 2016.

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 1	7:00 p.m.	Tulane*	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ACCN+	W 7–3	24,398
September 10	3:30 p.m.	at Duke	Wallace Wade Stadium Durham, NC (rivalry)	ESPNU	W 24–14	21,077
September 17	6:30 p.m.	Delaware*	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ACCN+	W 38–21	25,972
September 24	3:30 p.m.	at Indiana*	Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN	BTN	W 33–28	45,519
October 1	3:30 p.m.	at NC State	Carter–Finley Stadium Raleigh, NC (rivalry)	ACCRSN	L 16–33	58,200
October 8	7:00 p.m.	Syracuse	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ACCRSN	W 28–9	25,162
October 15	3:30 p.m.	at No. 14 Florida State	Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL	ESPN	L 6–17	77,102
October 29	3:30 p.m.	Army*	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ACCRSN	L 13–21	27,938
November 5	3:00 p.m.	Virginia	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ACCRSN	W 27–20	25,334
November 12	7:00 p.m.	at No. 5 Louisville	Papa John's Cardinal Stadium Louisville, KY	ESPN2	L 12–44	51,218
November 19	7:00 p.m.	No. 5 Clemson	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ESPN	L 13–35	31,152
November 26	3:00 p.m.	Boston College	BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ACCRSN	L 14–17	24,866
December 27	3:30 p.m.	vs. No. 24 Temple*	Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis, MD (Military Bowl)	ESPN	W 34–26	26,656
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

^[3]

Coaching staff

Position	Name	First year at WFU
Head coach	Dave Clawson	2014
Defensive coordinator / Safeties	Mike Elko	2014
Asst head coach / Receivers	Kevin Higgins	2014
Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks	Warren Ruggiero	2014
Special teams coordinator / tight ends	Adam Scheier	2014
Defensive Line	Dave Cohen	2014
Running backs	John Hunter	2014
Cornerbacks	Derrick Jackson	2012
Offensive Line	Nick Tabacca	2014
Source:[4]

Game summaries

Tulane

3rd meeting. 0–2 all time. Last meeting 1995, 35–9 Green Wave in New Orleans.^[5]

See also: 2016 Tulane Green Wave football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Green Wave	3	0	0	0	3
Demon Deacons	0	7	0	0	7

Game information

First quarter 10:22 TUL – Andrew DiRocco 41-yard field goal, Green Wave 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, TOP 4:38 Second quarter 14:16 WFU – Kendall Hinton 1-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, TOP 4:12 Third quarter No Scoring Fourth quarter No Scoring Leading Passers TUL–Glen Cuiellette, 12/23, 134 yards WF–John Wolford, 9/17, 79 yards Leading Rushers TUL–Glen Cuiellette, 22 carries, 54 yards WF–Kendall Hinton, 8 carries, 24 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers TUL–Josh Rounds, 1 reception, 46 yards WF–Matt Colburn, 2 receptions, 29 yards Leading Tacklers TUL–Jarrod Franklin, 7 tackles WF–Jessie Bates, 8 tackles

Week One: Tulane Green Wave at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston–Salem, NC

• Date: September 1
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 72° F • N 2 • Cloudy, some rain
• Game attendance: 24,398
• Referee: David Epperley
• TV announcers (ESPN3): Play-by-Play: Taylor Zauzour • Color Analyst: Al Groh
• Final Stats

@ Duke

97th meeting. 37–57–2 all time. Last meeting 2015, 27–21 Blue Devils in Winston–Salem.^[5]

See also: 2016 Duke Blue Devils football team and Tobacco Road rivalry

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Demon Deacons	0	7	14	3	24
Blue Devils	7	0	7	0	14

Game information

First quarter 7:07 DUKE – Daniel Jones 1-yard run (AJ Reed kick), Blue Devils 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 60 yards, TOP 6:33 Second quarter 6:58 WFU – Cade Carney 7-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, TOP 2:51 Third quarter 12:04 WFU – Cade Carney 1-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, TOP 2:24 10:12 DUKE – Daniel Jones 2-yard run (AJ Reed kick), Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:52 4:02 WFU – Cade Carney 55-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, TOP 1:11 Fourth quarter 3:50 WFU – Mike Weaver 34-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 24–14. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, TOP 4:07 Leading Passers WF–Kendall Hinton, 6/11, 133 yards, 1 interception DUKE–Daniel Jones, 31/48, 332 yards, 1 interception Leading Rushers WF–Cade Carney, 17 carries, 108 yards, 3 touchdowns DUKE–Jela Duncan, 9 carries, 25 yards Leading Receivers WF–Alex Bachman, 1 reception, 62 yards DUKE–Anthony Nash, 8 receptions, 112 yards Leading Tacklers WF–Marquel Lee, 10 tackles DUKE–Joe Gilles–Harris, 15 tackles

Week Two: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Duke Blue Devils – Game summary^[6]

at Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC

• Date: September 10
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 91° F • S 7 • Mostly cloudy
• Game attendance: 21,077
• Referee: Duane Heydt
• TV announcers (ESPNU): Play-by-Play: Eamon McAnaney • Color Analyst: John Congemi
• Final Stats

Delaware

2nd meeting. 1–0 all time. Last meeting 1932, 7–0 Demon Deacons in Newark.^[5]

See also: 2016 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Fightin' Blue Hens	7	7	0	7	21
Demon Deacons	10	14	14	0	38

Game information

First quarter 10:44 WFU – Kendall Hinton 10-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, TOP 2:45 2:48 WFU – Mike Weaver 42-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 10–0. Drive 8 plays, 43 yards, TOP 2:55 0:02 DEL – Diante Cherry 6-yard pass from Blake Rankin (Frank Raggo kick), Demon Deacons 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, TOP 0:51 Second quarter 11:58 WFU – Tyler Bell 15-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, TOP 3:04 6:17 DEL – Thomas Jefferson 10-yard run (Frank Raggo kick), Demon Deacons 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards, TOP 1:27 0:44 WFU – Matt Colburn 1-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 24–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, TOP 5:33 Third quarter 11:05 WFU – Alex Bachman 4-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 31–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:55 4:45 WFU – John Wolford 7-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 38–14. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, TOP 4:06 Fourth quarter 8:03 DEL – Jalen Randolph 0-yard fumble recovery (Frank Raggo kick), Demon Deacons 38–21. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, TOP 3:53 Leading Passers DEL–Blake Rankin, 6/20, 38 yards, 1 touchdown WF–John Wolford, 13/24, 155 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception Leading Rushers DEL–Jalen Randolph, 7 carries, 36 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Matt Colburn, 24 carries, 118 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers DEL–Diante Cherry, 3 receptions, 22 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Tabari Hines, 3 receptions, 40 yards Leading Tacklers DEL– John Nassib, 7 tackles WF– Marquel Lee, 5 tackles

Week Three: Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, NC

• Date: September 17
• Game time: 6:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 82° F • N 1 • Clear
• Game attendance: 25,972
• Referee: Jerry Magallanes
• TV announcers (ESPN3): Play-by-Play: Dave Weekley • Color Analyst: Tom O'Brien
• Final Stats

@ Indiana

2nd meeting. 0–1 all time. Last meeting 2015, 31–24 Hoosiers in Winston–Salem.^[5]

See also: 2016 Indiana Hoosiers football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Demon Deacons	7	14	6	6	33
Hoosiers	7	0	14	7	28

Game information

First Quarter 14:47 IU – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 75 yard pass from Richard Lagow (Griffin Oakes kick), Hoosiers 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, TOP 0:13 2:56 WFU – John Wolford 4 yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, TOP 4:42 Second Quarter 9:35 WFU – Jessie Bates 55 yard interception return (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 16 yards, TOP 1:50 0:58 WFU – Chuck Wade 26 yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 1:58 Third Quarter 11:12 WFU – Mike Weaver 46 yard field goal, Demon Deacons 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, TOP 1:37 10:39 IU – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 10 yard pass from Richard Lagow (Griffin Oakes kick), Demon Deacons 24–14. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:33 2:22 WFU – Mike Weaver 30 yard field goal, Demon Deacons 27–14. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, TOP 3:24 0:39 IU – Tyler Natee 1 yard run (Griffin Oakes kick), Demon Deacons 27–21. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, TOP 1:43 Fourth Quarter 13:46 WFU – John Wolford 11 yard run (two-point pass conversion failed), Demon Deacons 33–21. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 5:40 0:11 IU – Donavan Hale 49 yard pass from Richard Lagow (Griffin Oakes kick), Demon Deacons 33–28. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, TOP 0:35 Leading Passers IU–Richard Lagow, 28/47, 496 yards, 3 touchdowns, 5 interceptions WF–John Wolford, 16/29, 172 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Rushers IU–Devine Redding, 16 carries, 69 yards WF–Matt Colburn, 29 carries, 103 yards Leading Receivers IU–Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, 6 receptions, 129 yards, 2 touchdowns WF–Chuck Wade, 6 receptions, 59 yards , 1 touchdowns Leading Tacklers IU–Tegray Scales, 13 tackles WF–Jessie Bates, 8 tackles

Week Four: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Indiana Hoosiers – Game summary^[6]

at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

• Date: September 24
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 85° F • N–NE 5 • Fair
• Game attendance: 45,519
• Referee: Don Willard
• TV announcers (BTN): Play-by-Play: Joe Beninati • Color Analyst: J Leman
• Final Stats

@ NC State

110th meeting. 38–65–6 all time. Last meeting 2015, 35–17 Wolfpack in Winston–Salem.^[5]

See also: 2016 NC State Wolfpack football team and Tobacco Road rivalry

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Demon Deacons	0	9	7	0	16
Wolfpack	17	6	3	7	33

Game information

First quarter 11:32 NCST – Matthew Dayes 6-yard run (Kyle Bambard kick), Wolfpack 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:28 7:54 NCST – Kyle Bambard 20-yard field goal, Wolfpack 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, TOP 2:44 1:23 NCST – Jaylen Samuels 13-yard pass from Ryan Finley (Kyle Bambard kick), Wolfpack 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, TOP 4:24 Second quarter 13:45 WFU – Mike Weaver 34-yard field goal, Wolfpack 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 2:32 10:12 NCST – Kelvin Harmon 36-yard pass from Ryan Finley (Kyle Bambard kick failed), Wolfpack 23–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:33 6:12 WFU – Mike Weaver 29-yard field goal, Wolfpack 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, TOP 3:51 3:03 WFU – Mike Weaver 41-yard field goal, Wolfpack 23–9. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:38 Third quarter 9:41 NCST – Kyle Bambard 48-yard field goal, Wolfpack 26–9. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:16 2:25 WFU – Tabari Hines 9-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Wolfpack 26–16. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:10 Fourth quarter 5:53 NCST – Kelvin Harmon 7-yard pass from Ryan Finley (Kyle Bambard kick), Wolfpack 33–16. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:51 Leading Passers WF–John Wolford, 25/41, 263 yards, 1 touchdown NCST–Ryan Finley, 23/36, 300 yards, 3 touchdowns Leading Rushers WF–Matt Colburn, 10 carries, 39 yards NCST–Matthew Dayes, 24 carries, 125 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers WF–Tabari Hines, 9 receptions, 125 yards, 1 touchdown NCST–Stephen Louis, 4 receptions, 102 yards Leading Tacklers WF–Jessie Bates, 15 tackles NCST–Josh Jones, 12 tackles

Week Five: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at NC State Wolfpack – Game summary^[6]

at Carter–Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC

• Date: October 1
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 83° F • SSW 9 • Mostly cloudy
• Game attendance: 58,200
• Referee: Duane Heydt
• TV announcers (ACCRSN): Play-by-Play: Wes Durham • Color Analyst: James Bates • Sideline: Lyndsay Rowley
• Final Stats

Syracuse

6th meeting. 1–4 all time. Last meeting 2015, 30–17 Orange in Syracuse.^[5]

See also: 2016 Syracuse Orange football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Orange	2	7	0	0	9
Demon Deacons	0	14	0	14	28

Game information

First quarter 11:38 SU – Team Safety, Orange 2–0. Drive: 4 plays, -39 yards, TOP 1:42 Second quarter 11:07 WFU – John Wolford 7-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 7–2. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, TOP 4:07 4:46 SU – Dontae Strickland 1-yard run (Cole Murphy kick), Orange 9–7. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, TOP 3:22 1:43 WFU – John Wolford 37-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 14–9. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:03 Third quarter No Scoring Fourth quarter 3:59 WFU – Cade Carney 3-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 21–9. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, TOP 2:54 1:30 WFU – Cam Glenn 83-yard fumble return (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 28–9. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, TOP 2:29 Leading Passers SYR–Eric Dungey, 16/25, 156 yards, 1 interception WF–John Wolford, 13/22, 140 yards, 1 interception Leading Rushers SYR–Dontae Strickland, 13 carries, 74 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Cade Carney, 29 carries, 104 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers SYR–Steve Ishmael, 5 receptions, 56 yards WF–Cam Serigne, 4 receptions, 68 yards Leading Tacklers SYR–Paris Bennett, 12 tackles WF–Marquel Lee, 15 tackles

Week Six: Syracuse Orange at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, NC

• Date: October 8
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 63° F • NW 13 • Rain (Hurr. Matthew)
• Game attendance: 25,162
• Referee: Riley Johnson
• TV announcers (ACCRSN): Play-by-Play: Bob Rathburn • Color Analyst: Takeo Spikes • Sideline: Kelsey Wingert
• Final Stats

@ Florida State

35th meeting. 6–27–1 all time. Last meeting 2015, 24–16 Seminoles in Winston–Salem.^[5]

See also: 2016 Florida State Seminoles football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Demon Deacons	0	3	3	0	6
#14 Seminoles	3	7	7	0	17

Game information

First quarter 0:00 FSU – Ricky Aguayo 29-yard field goal, Seminoles 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, TOP 3:01 Second quarter 11:05 WFU – Mike Weaver 34-yard field goal, Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, TOP 3:17 3:16 FSU – Deondre Francois 2-yard run (Ricky Aguayo kick), Seminoles 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, TOP 2:28 Third quarter 11:58 WFU – Mike Weaver 29-yard field goal, Seminoles 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, TOP 2:19 7:32 FSU – Auden Tate 11-yard pass from Deondre Francois (Ricky Aguayo kick), Seminoles 17–6. Drive: 6 plays, 96 yards, TOP 2:38 Fourth quarter No Scoring Leading Passers WF–John Wolford, 16/34, 184 yards, 2 interceptions FSU–Deondre Francois, 22/37, 319 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception Leading Rushers WF–Cade Carney, 10 carries, 33 yards FSU–Dalvin Cook, 25 carries, 115 yards Leading Receivers WF–Cortez Lewis, 6 receptions, 109 yards FSU–Travis Rudolph, 13 receptions, 238 yards Leading Tacklers WF–Marquel Lee, 9 tackles FSU–Trey Marshall, 8 tackles

Week Seven: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Florida State Seminoles – Game summary^[6]

at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

• Date: October 15
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 83° F • E 8 • Partly cloudy
• Game attendance: 77,102
• Referee: Stuart Mullins
• TV announcers (ESPN): Play-by-Play: Bob Wischusen • Color Analyst: Brock Huard • Sideline: Allison Williams
• Final Stats

Army

16th meeting. 11–4 all time. Last meeting 2015, 17–14 Demon Deacons in West Point.^[5]

See also: 2016 Army Black Knights football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Black Knights	7	0	0	14	21
Demon Deacons	0	7	3	3	13

Game information

First quarter 7:54 ARMY – Edgar Poe 43-yard pass from Ahmad Bradshaw (Blake Wilson kick), Black Knights 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, TOP 0:08 Second quarter 7:43 WFU – Tabari Hines 3-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, TOP 3:06 Third quarter 12:02 WFU – Mike Weaver 37-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, TOP 1:51 Fourth quarter 11:45 ARMY – Ahmad Bradshaw 11-yard run (Blake Wilson kick), Black Knights 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, TOP 4:00 2:54 ARMY – Darnell Woolfolk 6-yard run (Blake Wilson kick), Black Knights 21–10. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, TOP 6:31 1:25 WFU – Mike Weaver 34-yard field goal, Black Knights 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, TOP 1:29 Leading Passers ARMY–Ahmad Bradshaw, 6/8, 145 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception WF–John Wolford, 23/43, 220 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions Leading Rushers ARMY–Ahmad Bradshaw, 27 carries, 65 yards, 1 touchdown WF–John Wolford, 10 carries, 66 yards Leading Receivers ARMY–Edgar Poe, 4 receptions, 122 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Tabari Hines, 7 receptions, 79 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Tacklers ARMY–Jeremy Timpf, 9 tackles WF–Marquel Lee, 12 tackles

Week Nine: Army Black Knights at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, NC

• Date: October 29
• Game time: 3:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 76° F • SW 4 • Clear
• Game attendance: 27,948
• Referee: David Epperley
• TV announcers (ACCRSN): Play-by-Play: James Bates • Color Analyst: Takeo Spikes • Sideline: Kelsey Wingert
• Final Stats

Virginia

49th meeting. 14–34 all time. Last meeting 2012, 16–10 Demon Deacons in Charlottesville.^[5]

See also: 2016 Virginia Cavaliers football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cavaliers	6	0	14	0	20
Demon Deacons	7	10	0	10	27

Game information

First quarter 11:31 UVA – Jordan Ellis 6-yard run (two-point pass conversion failed), Cavaliers 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:29 3:38 WFU – John Wolford 64-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 3:11 Second quarter 10:41 WFU – Mike Weaver 46-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, TOP 5:24 0:23 WFU – Cam Serigne 3-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 17–6. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, TOP 1:33 Third quarter 9:43 UVA – Doni Dowling 2-yard pass from Kurt Benkert (Sam Hayward kick), Demon Deacons 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, TOP 2:56 0:23 UVA – Taquan Mizzell 45-yard pass from Kurt Benkert (Sam Hayward kick), Cavaliers 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, TOP 1:35 Fourth quarter 7:51 WFU – Mike Weaver 36-yard field goal, Tied 20–20. Drive: 4 plays, -7 yards, TOP 0:54 6:47 WFU – Jessie Bates 39-yard interception return (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 27–20. Drive: 3 plays, -12 yards, TOP 1:04 Leading Passers UVA–Kurt Benkert, 20/39, 190 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions WF–John Wolford, 9/10, 83 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Rushers UVA–Taquan Mizzell, 16 carries, 80 yards WF–John Wolford, 16 carries, 94 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers UVA–Doni Dowling, 8 receptions, 76 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Cam Serigne, 2 receptions, 24 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Tacklers UVA–Micah Kiser, 11 tackles WF–Marquel Lee, 7 tackles

Week Ten: Virginia Cavaliers at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, NC

• Date: November 5
• Game time: 3:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 63° F • WNW 4 • Sunny
• Game attendance: 25,334
• Referee: Riley Johnson
• TV announcers (ACCRSN): Play-by-Play: Wes Durham • Color Analyst: James Bates • Sideline: Niki Noto
• Final Stats

@ Louisville

4th meeting. 0–3 all time. Last meeting 2015, 20–19 Cardinals in Winston–Salem.^[5]

See also: 2016 Louisville Cardinals football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Demon Deacons	6	6	0	0	12
#5 Cardinals	0	3	7	34	44

Game information

First quarter 11:24 WFU – Mike Weaver 37-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 20 yards, TOP 3:18 5:27 WFU – Mike Weaver 45-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, TOP 4:31 Second quarter 8:19 WFU – Mike Weaver 33-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 9–0. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, TOP 6:16 2:49 WFU – Mike Weaver 38-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 12–0. Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, TOP 5:03 0:18 LOU – Blanton Creque 28-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 12–3. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, TOP 2:31 Third quarter 7:30 LOU – Brandon Radcliff 55-yard run (Blanton Creque kick), Demon Deacons 12–10. Drive: 2 plays, 63 yards, TOP 0:43 Fourth quarter 10:35 LOU – Brandon Radcliff 7-yard run (two-point pass conversion failed), Cardinals 16–12. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, TOP 3:34 7:36 LOU – Brandon Radcliff 19-yard run (Blanton Creque kick), Cardinals 23–12. Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, TOP 1:22 4:05 LOU – Cole Hikutini 2-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Blanton Creque kick), Cardinals 30–12. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, TOP 1:47 3:44 LOU – Ronald Walker 31-yard interception return (Blanton Creque kick), Cardinals 37–12. Drive: 2 plays, 0 yards, TOP 0:21 0:50 LOU – Malik Williams 2-yard run (Blanton Creque kick), Cardinals 44–12. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, TOP 0:56 Leading Passers WF–John Wolford, 13/22, 141 yards LOU–Lamar Jackson, 14/26, 145 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Rushers WF–Cade Carney, 17 carries, 50 yards LOU–Lamar Jackson, 22 carries, 153 yards Leading Receivers WF–Cortez Lewis, 4 receptions, 41 yards LOU–Traveon Samuel, 2 receptions, 42 yards Leading Tacklers WF–Jessie Bates III, 13 tackles LOU–Devonte Fields, 9 tackles

Week Eleven: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Louisville Cardinals – Game summary^[6]

at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY

• Date: November 12
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 48° F • ENE 3 • Clear
• Game attendance: 51,218
• Referee: J. Maconaghy
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Play-by-Play: Jason Benetti • Color Analyst: Kelly Stouffer • Sideline: Paul Carcaterra
• Final Stats

Clemson

82nd meeting. 17–63–1 all time. Last meeting 2015, 33–13 Tigers in Clemson.^[5]

See also: 2016 Clemson Tigers football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#5 Tigers	21	7	0	7	35
Demon Deacons	0	10	3	0	13

Game information

First quarter 11:24 CLEM – Wayne Gallman 42-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Tigers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, TOP 1:22 6:22 CLEM – Deshaun Watson 3-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Tigers 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, TOP 2:06 1:10 CLEM – Mike Williams 15-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Greg Huegel kick), Tigers 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, TOP 3:28 Second quarter 12:44 CLEM – Deshaun Watson 2-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Tigers 28–0. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, TOP 2:58 10:04 WFU – Mike Weaver 42-yard field goal, Tigers 28–3. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, TOP 0:37 3:31 WFU – Cade Carney 1-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Tigers 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, TOP 2:47 Third quarter 5:30 WFU – Mike Weaver 23-yard field goal, Tigers 28–13. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, TOP 2:16 Fourth quarter 10:50 CLEM – Wayne Gallman 1-yard run (Greg Huegel kick), Tigers 35–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, TOP 5:25 Leading Passers CLEM–Deshaun Watson, 23/33, 202 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Kyle Kearns, 7/18, 126 yards Leading Rushers CLEM–Wayne Gallman, 22 carries, 161 yards, 2 touchdowns WF–Cade Carney, 18 carries, 59 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers CLEM–Mike Williams, 6 receptions, 58 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Chuck Wade, 2 receptions, 55 yards Leading Tacklers CLEM–Kendall Joseph, 7 tackles WF–Jessie Bates, 12 tackles

Week Twelve: Clemson Tigers at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, NC

• Date: November 19
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 44° F • NW 16 • Clear
• Game attendance: 31,512
• Referee: Jeff Flanagan
• TV announcers (ESPN): Play-by-Play: Bob Wischusen • Color Analyst: Brock Huard • Sideline: Allison Williams
• Final Stats

Boston College

24th meeting. 9–12–2 all time. Last meeting 2015, 3–0 Demon Deacons in Chestnut Hill.^[5]

See also: 2016 Boston College Eagles football team

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	10	0	0	7	17
Demon Deacons	0	0	14	0	14

Game information

First quarter 10:16 BC – Mike Knoll 22-yard field goal, Eagles 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, TOP 1:29 1:19 BC – Myles Willis 11-yard run (Mike Knoll kick), Eagles 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, TOP 2:03 Second quarter No Scoring Third quarter 7:47 WFU – Cam Serigne 5-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Eagles 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, TOP 3:55 4:53 WFU – Cortez Lewis 37-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, TOP 1:24 Fourth quarter 8:03 BC – Tom Sweeney 13-yard pass from Patrick Towles (Mike Knoll kick), Eagles 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, TOP 4:35 Leading Passers BC–Patrick Towles, 10/23, 74 yards, 1 touchdown WF–John Wolford, 16/33, 137 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Leading Rushers BC–Tyler Rouse, 1 carry, 27 yards WF–John Wolford, 14 carries, 69 yards Leading Receivers BC–Tommy Sweeney, 4 receptions, 39 yards, 1 touchdown WF–Cam Serigne, 6 receptions, 49 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Tacklers BC–Connor Stracthan, 10 tackles WF–Marquel Lee, 11 tackles

Week Thirteen: Boston College Eagles at Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Game summary^[6]

at BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, NC

• Date: November 26
• Game time: 3:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 52° F • WNW 12 • Clear
• Game attendance: 24,866
• Referee: David Epperley
• TV announcers (ACCRSN): Play-by-Play: Bob Wischusen • Color Analyst: Brock Huard • Sideline: Allison Williams
• Final Stats

Vs. Temple – Military Bowl

2nd meeting. 0–1 all time. Last meeting 1930, 36–0 Owls in Philadelphia.^[5]

See also: 2016 Temple Owls football team and 2016 Military Bowl

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
#23 Owls	7	3	10	6	26
Demon Deacons	14	17	0	3	34

Game information

First quarter 13:33 TEM – Adonis Jennings 48-yard pass from Phillip Walker (Aaron Boumerhi kick), Owls 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 48 yards, TOP 0:09 8:37 WFU – Cam Serigne 41-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, TOP 1:06 5:20 WFU – Tabari Hines 20-yard pass from John Wolford (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, TOP 0:57 Second quarter 12:26 WFU – Cade Carney 11-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 21–7. Drive: 1 play, 11 yards, TOP 0:08 8:34 WFU – Mike Weaver 25-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 24–7. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, TOP 2:08 3:02 WFU – Matt Colburn 3-yard run (Mike Weaver kick), Demon Deacons 31–7. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, TOP 2:34 0:04 TEM – Aaron Boumerhi 45-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 31–10. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, TOP 2:58 Third quarter 14:08 TEM – Adonis Jennings 58-yard pass from Phillip Walker (Aaron Boumerhi kick), Demon Deacons 31–17. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:52 3:51 TEM – Aaron Boumerhi 24-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 31–20. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, TOP 5:13 Fourth quarter 9:36 TEM – Aaron Boumerhi 32-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 31–23. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, TOP 3:14 3:56 TEM – Aaron Boumerhi 38-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 31–26. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, TOP 3:39 1:59 WFU – Mike Weaver 30-yard field goal, Demon Deacons 34–26. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, TOP 1:57 Leading Passers TEM–P. J. Walker, 28/49, 396 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception WF–John Wolford, 10/19, 183 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception Leading Rushers TEM–Jahad Thomas, 7 carries, 35 yards WF–Cade Carney, 17 carries, 71 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Receivers TEM–Adonis Jennings, 7 receptions, 154 yards, 2 touchdowns WF–Cam Serigne, 3 receptions, 68 yards, 1 touchdown Leading Tacklers TEM–Averee Robinson, 9 tackles WF–Brad Watson, 7 tackles

Military Bowl: Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Temple Owls – Game summary^[6]

at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD

• Date: December 27
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 63° F • W 5–10 • Partly cloudy
• Game attendance: 26,656
• Referee: Kevin Stine
• TV announcers (ESPN): Play-by-Play: Jason Benetti • Color Analyst: Kelly Stouffer • Sideline: Paul Carcaterra
• Final Stats

Leaks of plays

Main article: WakeyLeaks

Colloquially called "WakeyLeaks", some of Wake Forest's opponents appear to have had knowledge of Wake Forest's playbook, even plays they had just created and only practiced for one week. Suspicion fell on Tommy Elrod, a color commentator on the broadcast crew; Elrod was found to have made long phone calls to the coaches of rival teams in the days before Wake Forest played them, and he had access to the practice tapes compiled by Wake Forest staff. Elrod had been an assistant coach during the leadership of previous coach Jim Grobe; it is speculated that after Clawson did not hire him on as a coach, instead relegating him to color commentary, he leaked the plays as a form of revenge. Elrod was fired and banned from the campus in December 2016.^[7][2]

References

1. "Wake Forest investigates whether plays leaked to or stolen by Louisville". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
2. "Wake Forest fires radio analyst Tommy Elrod for attempting to leak football game plans". Retrieved December 14, 2016.
3. "2016 Wake Forest Demon Deacons Football Schedule". FB Schedules. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
4. "2016 Wake Forest Coaching Staff". The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
5. "Demon Deacon Football Guide: Section 6 - History" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 18, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
6. "2016 Wake Forest Football Game Notes" (PDF). December 27, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
7. Feldman, Bruce; Fortuna, Matt; Jenks, Jayson (July 12, 2022). "Inside 'WakeyLeaks,' the scandal that should have rocked college football". The Athletic. Retrieved July 12, 2022.