Wake Tops #12 Virginia Now Bowling » Greenville Sports Media

Read Time:3 Minute, 7 Second

Sparked by an 88-yard punt return touchdown from junior Carlos Hernandez in the second quarter and standout defensive performance that featured three takeaways and keeping the Cavaliers out of the end zone for the first time since 2022, Wake Forest (6-3, 3-3 ACC) earned a statement road win at No. 12 Virginia (8-2, 5-1 ACC) 16-9 on Saturday night at Scott Stadium to clinch bowl eligibility for the eighth time in the last 10 seasons.

🏆Bowl Bound 🏆
🔗 https://t.co/yXZfJUWiiz pic.twitter.com/aWkYQGm417
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 9, 2025

Additionally in his first season in Winston-Salem, head coach Jake Dickert has already made history—becoming the first coach in Wake Forest history to lead the program to a bowl berth in his inaugural season.

🏆 Scout POTG 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b5qqSMTznC
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 10, 2025

Saturday’s ranked win in Charlottesville marked the Demon Deacons first victory over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 22 Florida State on Oct. 1, 2022, and its first over a top 20 foe since topping No. 16 NC State 45–42 at Allegacy Stadium on Nov. 13, 2021. Overall, the win was Wake Forest’s 18th all-time over a top 20 opponent and its highest-ranked road win since defeating No. 12 Georgia on Sept. 12, 1979. From a coaching perspective, the Demon Deacons triumph gave head coach Jake Dickert his fourth career win over a ranked opponent and his first as the Demon Deacons’ head coach. In his debut season in Winston-Salem, Dickert has already made program history, becoming the first coach to lead Wake Forest to a bowl berth in his inaugural year.

Framed up a ranked win 📸
🔗: https://t.co/3QmzvrhKTO pic.twitter.com/WWnOnmdX8U
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 10, 2025

Within the white lines on Saturday, special teams were the spotlight for the Deacs. Redshirt freshman Connor Calvert nailed a 39-yard field goal in the second quarter, a 50-yard try in the third quarter, and a 49-yarder to secure the game in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Hernandez’s aforementioned punt return for a touchdown was the second-longest in Wake Forest history and the game’s only touchdown. Defensively, the Demon Deacons were stout all night as linebacker Dylan Hazen logged a pair of fumble recoveries and a forced fumble, along with seven tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss. The Deacs forced three Virginia turnovers with a pair coming on forced fumbles by Wake’s stellar defensive line, including one from redshirt junior Nuer Gatkuoth and another from junior Dallas Afalava.

🏆 ACC Specialist of the Week 🏆
📰: https://t.co/k7hRx3kmXD pic.twitter.com/rwxvAJvOOw
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 10, 2025

Additionally, the Demon Deacons kept the Cavaliers out of the end zone for the first time since 2022 while also holding their high-powered offense to over 100 yards fewer than their average yard per game this season. Offensively, Wake Forest executed when it needed it most as senior running back Demond Claiborne rushed for 75 yards on 25 attempts, while redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford connected on seven passes for 46 yards while adding 57 yards on the ground.

Victory Monday 🎩
Game poster 🎨 pic.twitter.com/YNOyrUXQ0P
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 10, 2025

This highly anticipated matchup, which was broadcast nationally on ESPN, was a hard-hitting ACC football game that featured the two programs that have played the most one-score games in the league. The Demon Deacons improved to 4-1 in such games this fall while the Cavaliers fell to 4-2.

Coach Dickert Live Press Conference 🎙️
🔗: https://t.co/SRoaL2EdRH pic.twitter.com/V0V4cpVlys
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 10, 2025

Looking ahead, Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional details on tickets, fan events and travel opportunities will be shared Sunday, Dec. 7, when Wake Forest’s bowl destination is announced. Meanwhile, two more chances remain for fans to see the Deacs at Allegacy Stadium.