What's Happening?
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team achieved a narrow 13-12 victory over the SMU Mustangs on October 25, 2025. The game, held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was decided by a 50-yard field goal
from Connor Calvert on the final play. This win marked SMU's first loss in Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season play, ending their 20-game winning streak. The game was characterized by defensive plays, turnovers, and missed opportunities, with both teams struggling to maintain consistent offensive momentum. Wake Forest's quarterback Deshawn Purdie threw for 183 yards, while SMU's Kevin Jennings passed for 171 yards. The Demon Deacons improved their record to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the ACC.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Wake Forest as it boosts their standing in the ACC and demonstrates their ability to compete against strong opponents. The win also highlights the team's resilience and strategic play under pressure, particularly in securing a win with a last-second field goal. For SMU, the loss is a setback in their conference play, ending a notable winning streak and potentially impacting their postseason prospects. The game underscores the competitive nature of the ACC and the importance of special teams in determining game outcomes.
What's Next?
Wake Forest is set to face Florida State in their next game, presenting another opportunity to solidify their position in the ACC. SMU will return home to play against Miami, aiming to recover from this loss and maintain their competitiveness in the conference. Both teams will likely focus on addressing the issues highlighted in this game, such as turnovers and missed scoring opportunities, to improve their performance in upcoming matches.
