2006 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team

American college football season March 2012 February 2026 2006 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football Atlantic Coast Conference Atlantic Division ACC 17 18 11–3 6–2 Jim Grobe 6th Steed Lobotzke 4th Spread Dean Hood 6th 4–3 Game captains Groves Stadium ACC championACC Atlantic Division champion ACC Championship Game W 9–6 vs. Georgia Tech Orange Bowl L 13–24 vs. Louisville The 2006 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team represented Wake Forest University during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Jim Grobe, in his fifth season at the school, and played its home games at Groves Stadium (now known as BB&T Field). The Deacons finished the regular season with a 10–2 record, giving them the first 10-win season in their history,https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2680937 Unlikeliest of foes meet in ACC championship Jorge Milan ESPN November 30, 2006 October 19, 2011 and won the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The subsequent victory in the conference championship game gave Wake Forest their first conference championship in 36 years.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263360059 https://archive.today/20120714160623/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263360059 dead July 14, 2012 Skinner, Swank lift Wake to ACC title; next stop: Orange Bowl Associated Press ESPN December 2, 2006 October 19, 2011http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/120206aaa.html Wake Forest Wins First ACC Title Since 1970 July 16, 2007 May 27, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070527215142/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/120206aaa.html dead As such, they represented the ACC in the Orange Bowl. The team ended the season with an 11–3 record and a number 17 ranking in the nation. The team and its star linebacker Jon Abbate were the subject of a 2011 feature film, The 5th Quarter. Wake Forest would not win the ACC's Atlantic Division again until 2021. Schedule 2006 AP Eastern September 2 6:30 p.m. w y Syracuse Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, NC ESPN360 20–10 34,121 September 9 12:00 p.m. w Duke Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, NC rivalry LFS 14–13 26,071 September 16 12:00 p.m. w y y Connecticut Rentschler Field East Hartford, CT ESPN360 24–13 40,000 September 23 6:00 p.m. w y y Ole Miss Vaught–Hemingway Stadium Oxford, MS CSS 27–3 52,079 September 30 3:30 p.m. w y Liberty Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, NC ESPN360 34–14 29,623 October 7 12:00 p.m. l Clemson 15 Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, NC ESPN 17–27 35,920 October 14 12:00 p.m. w y NC State Carter–Finley Stadium Raleigh, NC rivalry LFS 25–23 55,972 October 28 3:30 p.m. w y 24 North Carolina Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC rivalry ESPNU 24–17 49,000 November 4 7:00 p.m. w 22 Boston College 16 Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, NC ESPN2 21–14 32,633 November 11 8:00 p.m. w y 18 Florida State Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL ABC 30–0 77,785 November 18 7:00 p.m. l 14 Virginia Tech 19 Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, NC ESPN2 6–27 36,723 November 25 7:45 p.m. w y 20 Maryland Byrd Stadium College Park, MD ESPN 38–24 51,500 December 2 1:00 p.m. w y 16 Georgia Tech 23 Alltel Stadium Jacksonville, FL ACC Championship Game ABC 9–6 62,850 January 2 8:00 p.m. l y y 15 Louisville 5 Dolphin Stadium Miami Gardens, FL Orange Bowl FOX 13–24 74,470 Rankings 2006 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP 0 15 NR NR NR NR RV RV RV 25 24 22 18 14 20 16 15 18 Coaches 0 15 NR NR NR NR RV RV RV RV RV 23 19 14 20 16 15 17 Harris 4 14 NR NR NR NR 25 23 18 14 20 16 14 BCS 7 14 NR NR 24 19 16 21 17 14 Preseason After finishing 4–7 in 2005 and in a tie for fourth place in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, the Deacons were picked in the pre-season to finish last in the division by the ACC media, among others, making the Deacons' run at the ACC title largely unexpected.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072406aad.html Deacons Picked To Finish Sixth In ACC's Atlantic Division Wake Forest University Athletics July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212636/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072406aad.html dead Coaching change After Deacons' wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman left to take an assistant coaching position at Virginia Tech, Tim Billings was hired as his replacement. Billings was touted as having 23-years of experience at the college football level, including a six-year stint as head coach of Southeast Missouri State.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030806aaa.html Tim Billings Hired To Coach Wide Receivers July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212640/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030806aaa.html dead Roster changes Although the Deacons returned an ACC high 18 starters from the 2005 team, they lost four key starters to graduation. On defense, the only starter to leave was nose tackle, Goryal Scales. On offense, three starters graduated, including wide receiver Chris Davis, quarterback Cory Randolph, and running back and ACC Player of the Year award-winnerhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113005aab.html Barclay Named ACC Player of the Year July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212647/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113005aab.html dead Chris Barclay. Finally, Ray Guy Award-winning punterhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120805aah.html Plackemeier Wins Ray Guy Award July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212651/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120805aah.html dead Ryan Plackemeier also graduated.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031406aaa.html Deacons Conduct Timing Day For NFL Scouts July 16, 2007 January 31, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070131043006/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031406aaa.html dead Recruiting During recruiting, the Deacons signed 15 new players for the team, including a number of three-star recruits and Josh Adams, a top-10 ranked running back. The team added eight players on offense, six on defense and a kicker,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020106aar.html Deacons Add 15 On National Signing Day July 16, 2007 October 28, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061028122255/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020106aar.html dead however before the season began, tight end recruit, Dennis Godfrey, decided not to enroll to the school.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072806aab.html Wake Forest Football Recruit Will Not Enroll July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212706/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072806aab.html dead yes yes 2006 Josh Adams RB Cary, North Carolina Cary HS 6 0 172 4.54 January 25, 2006 3 3 80 Dan Caldwell K Oxford, Alabama Oxford HS 6 2 235 NA December 27, 2005 2 2 40 Lucas Caparelli RB Burke, Virginia Robinson Secondary 5 11 185 4.4 January 7, 2006 3 3 71 Michael Carter DT Memphis, Tennessee Melrose HS 6 3 282 4.9 December 14, 2005 2 3 40 Alex Frye DB Fayetteville, North Carolina Jack Britt 6 3 195 4.55 January 7, 2006 2 3 40 Cannon Gaskin OL Jacksonville, Florida Bolles School 6 4 260 NA December 5, 2005 2 2 72 Dennis Godfrey TE Sanford, North Carolina Lee County Senior HS 6 2 255 5.0 June 20, 2005 3 3 40 Hunter Haynes LB Jacksonville, Florida Nease HS 6 2 218 4.65 November 3, 2005 3 2 78 Zach MacDowall QB Kennesaw, Georgia Harrison HS 6 1 197 4.8 July 20, 2005 2 2 70 Russell Nenon OL Memphis, Tennessee Memphis University School 6 4 280 5.1 December 14, 2005 2 2 74 Tripp Russell DE Winston-Salem, North Carolina Mount Tabor HS 6 3 230 4.8 August 27, 2005 2 2 NA Teddy Tomlin DT Lake City, Florida Columbia High School-South 6 3 275 NA December 4, 2005 2 2 40 Marcus Williams DB McDonough, Georgia Eagles Landing HS 5 9 172 4.53 December 22, 2005 2 2 40 Marshall Williams WR Durham, North Carolina Riverside HS 6 1 164 4.6 June 27, 2005 2 2 69 Matthew Woodlief LB Catawba, North Carolina Bandys HS 6 0 230 4.4 July 18, 2005 3 3 64 yes 2006 Wake Forest Commit List 2006 Scout.com Football Recruiting: Wake Forest 2006 Player Commitments – Wake Forest wakeforest 192 154 #65 #75 July 16, 2007 yes Award candidates Five Demon Deacon players were named to pre-season national award watchlists: Jon Abbate – Heisman Trophyhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061306aaf.html Abbate Named To Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212715/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061306aaf.html dead Micah Andrews – Doak Walker Awardhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083106aab.html Andrews Selected As Doak Walker Award Candidate July 16, 2007 December 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081220220409/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/083106aab.html dead Josh Gattis – Jim Thorpe Awardhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080306aae.html Gattis Named To Jim Thorpe Award Watch List July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212723/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080306aae.html dead Sam Swank – Lou Groza Awardhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081506aac.html Swank Named To Lou Groza Award Watch List July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212727/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081506aac.html dead Steve Vallos – Outland Trophyhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061906aab.html Vallos Selected To Outland Trophy Watch List July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212737/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061906aab.html dead Along with the award candidates, six players were named as pre-season All-Americans on three lists. Andrews and Vallos on the first team and Abbate and Gattis on the second team were named so by the Sporting News,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051106aac.html Sporting News Lists Andrews, Vallos As First Team Preseason All-ACC July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212745/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051106aac.html dead Abbate and Vallos were named on the first team by the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060106aac.html Abbate, Vallos Selected First Team Preseason All-ACC By Blue Ribbon July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212802/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060106aac.html dead and finally, Vallos on the third team and Abbate, Gattis, Matt Robinson, and Swank as honorable mentions by Street & Smith.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062706aae.html Five Deacons Garner Preseason All-America Honors From Street & Smith's July 16, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212809/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062706aae.html dead Game summaries Syracuse Orange 7 3 0 0 10 Demon Deacons 7 3 3 7 20 In the first game of the season, the Deacons took on the Syracuse Orange. For the first half, every time the Deacons scored, like quarterback Ben Mauk's 14-yard pass to Willie Idlette, the Orange answered. The half ended with the teams tied 10–10. In the second half, despite throwing an interception early in the quarter, Mauk led the Deacons to an eventual field goal to give them a 13–10 lead in the third quarter. However, before the field goal, Mauk suffered an injury to his right arm when two Syracuse players fell on the arm as he was attempting to recover a fumble.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3097398&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos3 'Bionic' quarterback leading surging Bearcats Joe Starkey ESPN November 6, 2007 December 12, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071110061149/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3097398&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos3 November 10, 2007 live He was replaced by Riley Skinner who only threw one pass. In the fourth quarter, on the final scoring drive, the Deacons took nearly eight minutes off the clock with their running game, and scored on a 19-yard run by De'Angelo Bryant. The Deacons won the game 20–10, but had to make a decision on their quarterback.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262450154 https://archive.today/20120716120359/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262450154 dead July 16, 2012 Costly win: Wake doubles up 'Cuse, but loses QB Mauk July 18, 2007 Duke Blue Devils 3 7 3 0 13 Demon Deacons 0 0 7 7 14 With Riley Skinner given the go-ahead to take over as the starting quarterback, the Deacons had to take on visiting Duke, a team who had only won one game in 2005. Duke, however, took an early lead with a 27-yard field goal and a 47-yard touchdown pass to take a 10–0 lead at halftime. Finally answering, Skinner threw the first touchdown pass of his career, a 5-yard pass to John Tereshinski, to bring them within three. The Blue Devils kicked another field goal, this one of 39-yards to take a 13–7 lead into the fourth quarter. Late in the fourth, the Deacons took their first lead of the game on a 2-yard touchdown run by Micah Andrews. With a minute remaining, the Blue Devils started a drive that brought them to the Deacons 11-yard line. With six seconds remaining, they attempted a game-winning field goal, however, Chip Vaughn was able to block the attempt to give the Deacons a 14–13 win.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262520154 https://archive.today/20120715120515/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262520154 dead July 15, 2012 Blocked FG on final play dooms Duke in loss to Wake July 18, 2007 @ Connecticut Demon Deacons 14 0 0 10 24 Huskies 7 6 0 0 13 On their first road game of the season, the Deacons went to face the Connecticut Huskies. They took an early lead on an interception of D.J. Hernandez by Jeremy Thompson, who returned the ball 86-yards for the touchdown. Hernandez was able to bring the Huskies back and tied the game later in the quarter on a 6-yard pass, but Micah Andrews' 6-yard run for a touchdown gave the Deacons a lead they would never relinquish. In the second quarter, Lou Allen's 15-yard touchdown brought the Huskies within one after a missed extra point, to have the half end with the Deacons ahead 14–13. With no score in the third quarter, the Deacons padded their lead in the fourth with a 43-yard field goal by Sam Swank and another 6-yard touchdown run, this time by Richard Belton, to give the final score of the game as 24–13. With the win, the Deacons were 3–0 for the first time in 19 years.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262590041 https://archive.today/20120714170304/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262590041 dead July 14, 2012 WAKE FOREST 24, CONNECTICUT 13 July 18, 2007 @ Ole Miss Demon Deacons 7 3 17 0 27 Rebels 0 3 0 0 3 The Deacons visited Ole Miss for their fourth game, and once again relied on their running and kicking games to win a game. Despite not having Micah Andrews, De'Angelo Bryant took over for him and gave the Deacons an early lead on a 9-yard touchdown. With a 38-yard field goal by Swank, and the Rebels' only answer of a 26-yard field goal, the Deacons took a 10–3 lead into the half. In the third quarter the Deacons added two more rushing touchdowns and another field goal to pad their lead. With no score in the fourth, the Deacons won the game 27–3.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262660145 https://archive.today/20120715050221/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262660145 dead July 15, 2012 Wake Forest 27, Mississippi 3 July 18, 2007 Liberty Flames 0 7 0 7 14 Demon Deacons 10 17 0 7 34 The Deacons next took on the Division I FCS Liberty Flames. This time winning without only relying on their running game. Skinner threw for 218 yards including a 59-yard touchdown that gave the Deacons a 27–7 lead at halftime. Although the Flames were able to score twice, the Deacons easily outscored and outplayed them, winning 34–14.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262730154 https://archive.today/20120716105526/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262730154 dead July 16, 2012 Wake whips Liberty, 5–0 for first time since '87 July 18, 2007 Clemson #12 Tigers 3 0 0 24 27 Demon Deacons 7 7 3 0 17 The No. 12 ranked Clemson Tigers next came to visit the Deacons. Although the Tigers took an early lead with a field goal, a pair of touchdown passes, one by Skinner and the other on a trick play Nate Morton to Skinner, gave the Deacons a 14–3 lead at the half. In the third quarter, a 22-yard field goal by Swank gave the Deacons a 17–3 lead that wouldn't hold. On the first play of the fourth quarter a fumble on the Deacons' 35-yard line was returned by Gaines Adams for a touchdown. Three minutes later the Tigers tied the game on a 20-yard pass and then took a lead with a 72-yard touchdown run. With a final field goal, the Tigers ended the game, winning 27–17 and breaking the Deacons' winning streak.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262800154 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525044843/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262800154 dead May 25, 2011 Down 14 in the fourth, Clemson rallies past Wake July 18, 2007 @ NC State Demon Deacons 7 15 0 3 25 Wolfpack 0 14 0 9 23 The Deacons next visited the NC State Wolfpack. Taking an early lead with a touchdown run and a 51-yard field goal, the Wolfpack came back and scored two touchdowns to give them a 14–10 lead. However, after Swank kicked a 53-yard field goal, the Deacon defense forced a safety with a minute left in the half. Skinner was able to capitalize with a 57-yard touchdown pass to Nate Morton to take a 22–14 lead into the half. In the fourth quarter, with the Wolfpack down five after a field goal, Swank kicked another 53-yard field goal to give the Deacons an eight-point advantage. With a touchdown with five minutes remaining, the Wolfpack brought the score within two points, however failed on the two-point conversion attempt. After holding the Deacons, the Wolfpack moved to the 40-yard line before a pass intercepted by Josh Gattis ended the game. The Deacons won the game 25–23 and were 6–1 for the first time since 1979.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262870152 https://archive.today/20120728163719/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=262870152 dead July 28, 2012 Late INT halts NC State rally, preserves win for Wake July 18, 2007 After the game the team was ranked @ North Carolina #24 Demon Deacons 7 7 0 10 24 Tar Heels 7 7 3 0 17 The Deacons next visited the North Carolina Tar Heels. After a blocked punt was returned for a touchdown by the Deacons, the Tar Heels were able to tie the game with a 1-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, after another touchdown by the Deacons, the Tar Heels once again answered and the teams were tied 14–14 at the half. In the third quarter the Tar Heels took their first lead with a 35-yard field goal. The Deacons wouldn't answer until early in the fourth quarter on a Swank field goal. They took their final lead on a Skinner pass of 39-yards. Down by a touchdown, the Tar Heels drove to scoring range, however, an errant pass on the final play of the game was intercepted by Jon Abbate to seal the win for the Deacons, 24–17. With the win the team was 7–1 for only the third time in school history.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263010153 https://archive.today/20120717133352/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263010153 dead July 17, 2012 Wake holds off UNC; Deacons off to best start since '79 July 18, 2007 Boston College #16 Eagles 0 7 7 0 14 #23 Demon Deacons 7 7 7 0 21 The No. 16 ranked Boston College Eagles next faced the Deacons. The Deacons took the lead midway through the first quarter on a 9-yard reverse by Willie Idlette. After a drive that ended on the first play of the second quarter gave the Eagles a 1-yard touchdown run, the Deacons answered later in the quarter with a 46-yard touchdown pass by Skinner. On the Eagles' next drive, quarterback Matt Ryan threw an interception in the endzone that ended their scoring chance. The half ended with the Deacons winning 14–7. On the Deacons first play of the second half, after holding the Eagles on a fourth down attempt, Kevin Marion ran for an 81-yard touchdown. Ryan answered later on a 2-yard scramble to put the Eagles down 21–14 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, the Eagles, after missing a 40-yard field goal, forced an interception from Skinner. On their drive, however, after an 11-yard run, L.V. Whitworth fumbled the ball to end the drive. On their last chance in the game, after converting a fourth down, Ryan threw a second interception in the endzone to Patrick Ghee, to seal the win for the Deacons, 21–14. The Deacons beat a ranked team for the first time in nine chances, were 8–1 for the first time since 1944, and tied a school record for wins in a season.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263080154 https://archive.today/20120718105000/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263080154 dead July 18, 2012 Wake denies BC late, holds on for monumental program win July 18, 2007 @ Florida State #19 Demon Deacons 3 17 10 0 30 Seminoles 0 0 0 0 0 The Deacons next went to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles, a team the Deacons hadn't beaten in Tallahassee since 1959 and who they had lost to 14 straight games. The Deacons dominated the game, however, and had a 20–0 lead at halftime. With both Seminole quarterbacks throwing two interceptions each, one of which was returned for a 48-yard touchdown, the Deacons held the Seminoles scoreless for the first time at home since Bobby Bowden started as their coach. With a final score of 30–0, the Deacons won a school record ninth game in the season.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263150052 https://archive.today/20120715150838/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263150052 dead July 15, 2012 Wake gets historic 9th win, shuts out Noles in Tallahassee July 18, 2007 Virginia Tech #19 Hokies 7 0 17 3 27 #14 Demon Deacons 0 3 3 0 6 left|thumb The No. 19 Virginia Tech Hokies next visited the Deacons. The Hokies took an early lead on a 49-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. After losing ACC-leading rusher Branden Ore in the first quarter, the Hokies didn't score again until after the half. The Deacons, however, couldn't take advantage, and only scored a field goal to trail 7–3 at halftime. Early in the third quarter, the Hokies scored again on a long pass of 53-yards. The Deacons answered with another field goal, but the Hokies kept an 11-point lead after their own field goal. After a fumble was returned by the Hokies for 35-yards, the Deacons never answered again. The Hokies padded their lead with a fourth-quarter field goal, to give them the win, 27–6. @ Maryland #20 Demon Deacons 7 14 10 7 38 Terrapins 7 7 3 7 24 The Deacons visited the Maryland Terrapins for their final game of the regular season and with a chance to win the ACC Atlantic Division. The Terrapins took a touchdown lead midway through the first quarter, however a Kevin Harris 2-yard touchdown run answered for the Deacons. The Deacons then scored two touchdowns, including a 49-yard pass from Skinner to Willie Idlette to take the lead. The Terrapins scored late in the half to bring the halftime score to 21–14 in favor of the Deacons. In the third quarter both teams traded field goals, but another Harris touchdown run gave the Deacons another two touchdown lead. In the fourth, both teams scored short touchdowns, but the early lead was enough for the Deacons who won 38–24. With the win, the Deacons won the Atlantic Division of the ACC and advanced to the ACC Championship game against the Coastal Division champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263290120 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525045211/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263290120 dead May 25, 2011 Deacons tops Terps to cap best regular season in Wake history July 18, 2007 Vs. Georgia Tech–ACC Championship Game #16 Demon Deacons 0 3 0 6 9 #22 Yellow Jackets 3 0 0 3 6 2006 ACC Championship Game The Deacons next went to Jacksonville to face the No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second annual ACC Championship game. Both teams' defenses dominated the game, as each held the opposing offenses to under 300 yards for the game. The Deacons defense intercepted two Reggie Ball passes to help their effort. In the first half, both teams kicked field goals to go to halftime tied at 3. Early in the fourth quarter the Yellow Jackets took another lead with a second field goal to take a 6–3 lead. However, the Deacons came back and kicked two more field goals, the second with three minutes remaining in the game, to win the game 9–6. The winning score was the lowest for a conference champion ever. With the win, the Deacons won their second ACC Championship and won the ACC's spot in the BCS.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263360059 https://archive.today/20120721171625/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263360059 dead July 21, 2012 Skinner, Swank lift Wake to ACC title; next stop: Orange Bowl July 18, 2007 Vs. Louisville–Orange Bowl #6 Cardinals 0 10 0 14 24 #15 Demon Deacons 0 3 7 3 13 2007 Orange Bowl In the Deacons' first BCS bowl game they went to the Orange Bowl to play the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals, winners of the Big East. The Deacons took an early lead with a field goal, however the Cardinals answered with their own field goal and a touchdown in the first quarter to take a 10–3 lead to halftime. In the third quarter, Skinner tied the game on a 30-yard touchdown pass and took a three-point lead in the fourth after a 36-yard field goal. The lead didn't last too long, as the Cardinals scored a quick touchdown and another one later in the quarter. With the scores the Cardinals took a 24–13 win. Even with the loss, the Deacons finished their best season in school history.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=270020154 https://archive.today/20120718020127/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=270020154 dead July 18, 2012 Louisville overcomes mistakes, takes down Wake Forest July 18, 2007 Personnel Coaching staff Position Name First year at WFU Head coach Jim Grobe 2001 Wide Receivers Tim Billings 2006 Fullbacks / Tight ends Tom Elrod 2003 Defensive ends Keith Henry 2001 Defensive coordinator / Secondary Dean Hood 2001 Linebackers Brad Lambert 2001 Offensive coordinator / Offensive line Steed Lobotzke 2001 Defensive tackles Ray McCartney 2001 Assistant head coach / Running backs / Kickers Billy Mitchell 2001 Quarterbacks Jeff Mullen 2001 Roster Wide receiver 14 Kevin Marion – 10px|Redshirt junior 15 Delon Lowe – 10px|Redshirt junior 21 Kenneth Moore – 10px|Redshirt junior 24 Trey Schmidt – junior 39 Matt Hartford – freshman 36 Casey Hill – 10px|Redshirt freshman 37 Max Opamuratawongse – junior 80 Jonathan Jones – 10px|Redshirt freshman 81 Will Hollis – 10px|Redshirt senior 82 Willie Idlette – 10px|Redshirt senior 83 Nate Morton – 10px|Redshirt senior 86 Marshall Williams – freshman 88 Chip Brinkman – sophomore Center 57 Russell Nenon – freshman 67 Trey Bailey – 10px|Redshirt freshman 74 Steve Justice – 10px|Redshirt junior Offensive guard 60 Barrett McMillin – 10px|Redshirt freshman 65 Gage Crews – 10px|Redshirt freshman 70 Chris DeGeare – sophomore 71 Eric Gaskins – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 73 Cannon Gaskin – freshman 77 Boomer Peterson – 10px|Redshirt freshman 79 Matthew Brim – 10px|Redshirt junior Offensive tackle 61 Arby Jones – 10px|Redshirt senior 64 Jeff Griffin – 10px|Redshirt freshman 75 Steve Vallos – 10px|Redshirt senior 76 Joe Birdsong – 10px|Redshirt freshman 78 Louis Frazier – 10px|Redshirt junior Tight end 84 Zac Selmon – 10px|Redshirt junior 87 Ted Randolph – 10px|Redshirt freshman 89 John Tereshinski – 10px|Redshirt junior 85 Ben Wooster – 10px|Redshirt freshman 97 Daniel Callahan – 10px|Redshirt senior Quarterback  6 Brett Hodges – 10px|Redshirt freshman  8 Ben Mauk – 10px|Redshirt junior 10 Zach MacDowall – freshman 11 Riley Skinner – 10px|Redshirt freshman 13 Ryan McManus – sophomore Tailback  3 Micah Andrews – 10px|Redshirt junior 12 Marcus Williams – freshman 18 De'Angelo Bryant – 10px|Redshirt junior 20 Lucas Caparelli – freshman 23 Kevin Harris – 10px|Redshirt freshman 25 Alonzo Chisolm – senior 26 Travo Woods – 10px|Redshirt junior 27 Josh Adams – freshman Fullback 35 Rich Belton – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 44 Mike Rinfrette – 10px|Redshirt freshman 49 Damon McWhite – 10px|Redshirt senior Defensive end 42 Matt Robinson – 10px|Redshirt junior 48 Bryan Andrews – 10px|Redshirt senior 51 John Russell – 10px|Redshirt freshman 54 Antonio Wilso – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 93 Anthony Davis – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 94 Tripp Russell – freshman 98 Jeremy Thompson – junior Defensive tackle 50 Teddy Tomlin – freshman 55 Jyles Tucker – senior 58 Michael Carter – freshman 90 Jamil Smith – 10px|Redshirt senior 95 Zach Stukes – 10px|Redshirt junior 96 Boo Robinson – 10px|Redshirt freshman 99 Michael Lockett – 10px|Redshirt freshman Cornerback  2 Alphonso Smith – 10px|Redshirt sophomore  7 Riley Swanson – 10px|Redshirt senior 10 Kevin Patterson – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 24 Channing Schofield – 10px|Redshirt freshman 29 Kerry Major – 10px|Redshirt sophomore Linebacker  5 Jon Abbate – 10px|Redshirt junior 34 Pierre Easley – 10px|Redshirt senior 41 Eric Berry – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 43 Stanley Arnoux – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 45 Mike Simmons – junior 46 Matt Woodlief – freshman 52 Dominique Midgett – 10px|Redshirt freshman 56 Hunter Haynes – freshman 59 Aaron Curry – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 63 Andrew Conroy – sophomore Safety  4 Quijano Ewing – 10px|Redshirt freshman 9 Chip Vaughn – 10px|Redshirt sophomore 13 Johnny Edwards – 10px|Redshirt junior 22 Josh Gattis – 10px|Redshirt senior 30 Patrick Ghee – 10px|Redshirt senior 32 Aaron Mason – 10px|Redshirt junior 36 Jess Powell – junior 37 Alex Frye – freshman 39 Chantz McClinic – 10px|Redshirt sophomore Long snapper 92 Nick Jarvis – junior Punter 40 Dan Caldwell – freshman Placekicker 20 Jon Temple – senior 38 Sam Swank – 10px|Redshirt sophomore Awards and honors Conference Grobe was unanimously named the ACC Coach of the Year by the media.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aad.html Grobe Unanimously Selected ACC Coach Of The Year July 18, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212819/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aad.html dead Along with Grobe's honor, Riley Skinner was singled out by the media and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aac.html Skinner Voted ACC Rookie of the Year July 18, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212824/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112806aac.html dead Along with the individual awards, nine players, five on the first team, one on the second, and three honorable mention, a Wake Forest record, were named to the All-ACC team.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112706aad.html Wake Forest Places School Record Nine On All-ACC Team July 18, 2007 February 14, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110214163344/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112706aad.html dead National Two players and once again Jim Grobe were honored as finalists for national awards. Zac Selmon was named as a Wuerffel Trophy finalist,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110806aaa.html Selmon Named Finalist For Wuerffel Trophy July 18, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212837/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110806aaa.html dead Sam Swank was named as a semifinalist for both the Lou Groza Award and the Ray Guy Award,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110306aab.html Swank Chosen As Semifinalist For Lou Groza and Ray Guy Awards July 18, 2007 July 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212844/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110306aab.html dead and Grobe was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112906aaa.html Grobe Chosen As Finalist For Eddie Robinson Coach Of The Year Award July 18, 2007 December 27, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061227003719/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112906aaa.html dead Although none won, Grobe was named coach of the year by five other organizations,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121206aac.html Grobe Selected National Coach Of The Year By Two Sources July 18, 2007 January 27, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070127111245/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121206aac.html deadhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011007aaa.html Grobe Voted National Coach Of The Year By His Peers July 18, 2007 January 16, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070116154905/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011007aaa.html deadhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122006aaa.html Grobe wins AP Coach of the Year July 18, 2007 July 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721150549/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122006aaa.html deadhttp://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123006aab.html Grobe Named Bobby Dodd Coach Of The Year July 18, 2007 July 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721150612/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123006aab.html dead including the AP award and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award. Along with the award winners, six players were named by four sources to their All-America teams. Sam Swank was named to the first teams of Rivals.com,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aae.html Swank Named Rivals.Com First Team All-American July 18, 2007 January 28, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070128202806/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113006aae.html dead ESPN,http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121506aab.html Swank Named ESPN First Team All-American July 18, 2007 July 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721150649/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121506aab.html dead and Sports Illustrated.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120806aaa.html Four Deacons Earn All-America Honors From Sports Illustrated July 18, 2007 January 31, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070131064611/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120806aaa.html dead Also named by Sports Illustrated were Steve Vallos also on the first team and Jon Abbate and Josh Gattis as honorable mentions. Vallos was also named by the Sporting News to their team.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121206aab.html 2006 Sporting News All-America Team July 18, 2007 January 27, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070127111122/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121206aab.html dead Finally, Jeff Griffin on the second team and Riley Skinner on the third team, were named by the Sporting News to their Freshman All-American team.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120706aaa.html Griffin, Skinner Named Freshman All-Americans July 18, 2007 January 28, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070128202904/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120706aaa.html dead After the season Ten former starters left due to graduation or being drafted in the 2007 NFL draft. Mauk, who had to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery on his injured throwing arm, graduated and then left to pursue a master's degree.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020107aaa.html Mauk Decides Not To Return For 2007 Season July 18, 2007 February 10, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070210202211/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020107aaa.html dead He took advantage of an NCAA rule (later repealed and still later restored) allowing graduate students with remaining athletic eligibility to transfer and gain immediate eligibility at their new school, and finished his college career as the starting quarterback at the University of Cincinnati. Nine other players went on to the NFL, including Josh Gattis who was selected in the fifth round of the draft by Jacksonville and Steve Vallos who was selected in the seventh round by Seattle.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042907aaa.html Nine Deacons Headed To The NFL July 18, 2007 July 4, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070704004111/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042907aaa.html dead After the season, former recruit Dennis Godfrey enrolled with the new class.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011607aac.html https://archive.today/20120721213515/http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011607aac.html dead July 21, 2012 Godfrey Enrolls At Wake Forest July 18, 2007 References Wake Forest Category:Wake Forest Demon Deacons football seasons Category:Atlantic Coast Conference football champion seasons Wake Forest Demon Deacons football