Gameday Blog - Wake Forest vs. Boston College
11/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 22, 2008
7:02 p.m. - Final Score - Boston College 24, Wake Forest 21
For the second straight week, the Deacs had a chance late in the game but just couldn't pull it out. Wake finished with just 191 yards of total offense, which is the lowest output in a game under Jim Grobe.
Wake's ACC Championship Game hopes are ended with this loss but the Deacs can still seal a possible bowl invitation with a win over Vanderbilt next week. Check back to Deacons Direct next Saturday for live updates of all of the happenings.
6:53 p.m. - Final Score - Boston College 24, Wake Forest 21
On 4th down, Skinner stepped up in the pocket and looked to Ben Wooster in the endzone. The pass was broken up by a pair of BC defenders. The Eagles then took a knee to end the game and spoil senior day for the Deacs.
6:51 p.m.
After a pair of incompletions and a Skinner run, the Deacs face a 4th and 6 from the 40-yard line with :29 second left. BC took timeout before Wake could run the play.
6:50 p.m.
On the first play, Skinner hit Boldin for a 24-yard gain down the right sideline to the BC 44 with :52 seconds left.
6:48 p.m.
Devon Brown took the kickoff out to the Wake 32 where the Deacons have it with 1:05 to go with two timeouts left.
6:46 p.m. - Boston College 24, Wake Forest 21
On the next play, Davis leaned his way in for the score to give BC its first points of the second half. The Eagles then went for two and the run by Harris was good to give BC a 3-point lead with just 1:12 to play.
6:40 p.m.
On 3rd and 13, Davis threw deep down the left sideline and Rich Gunnell made a great move to get around Brandon Ghee and make the catch at the Wake 22. After another incompletion, Davis hit Brandon Robinson over the middle for another 21 yard gain down to the Wake 1-yard line.
6:36 p.m.
Davis completed three-straight passes to covert the first third down for BC since the first quarter. The Eagles have it 1st and 10 on their own 45 with just over three minutes left.
6:33 p.m.
Here's something you don't see everyday (or in the last six weeks). After the Deacon drive stalled at the BC 30, Sam Swank came on for a 47-yard field goal attempt. He had enough leg but the kick sailed wide left.
BC will now take over on the Wake 30 with 4:57 to play, trailing by five.
6:30 p.m.
Stop the presses!!! An offense has picked up a first down, two in fact. Wake has been handing the ball the Pendergrass who has run up a pair of first downs on 21 yards.
6:27 p.m.
The Wake defense holds again. Chip Vaughn stepped in and knocked away Davis' 3rd down pass for his second pass break up of the game. It's Wake's turn to have good field position as the Deacons will start their drive at its own 43-yard line. Wake will look to melt the clock at there is just over 8 minutes to play.
6:21 p.m.
This has certainly turned into a defensive battle as Wake gives the ball right back to BC after just three plays. The punt was fair-caught at the BC 17 where the Eagles start 1st and 10 with 8:58 left in the game.
6:19 p.m.
The Wake defense is now playing with a lot of emotion and forced yet another BC three-and-out. After the punt, Wake will take over the on its 19 yard line. The Deacon defense has allowed the Eagles just 11 yards of offense in the second half.
6:16 p.m.
Andrew Wright's kickoff was fielded by Montel Harris and returned to the BC 29 bringing the Wake Forest offense..or I mean the defense back out on the field. 1st and 10 Eagles with 12:33 to go in the game. This is the first time BC has trailed all day.
6:12 p.m. - Wake Forest 21, Boston College 16
The opportunistic Deacons strike again as Skinner's play action roll out found fullback Rich Belton wide open in the endzone for the first offensive score of the day. The Deacon defense has now forced three fumbles and blocked a punt today.
6:10 p.m.
After a three-and-out, Gelo Orange broke through the line and blocked the Quigley punt. Alphonso Smith then scooped the ball at the the eight and fell at the one yard line. Wake Forest ball 1st and goal.
6:08 p.m.
Wake's total offense through three quarters is just 113. The lowest total yards in a game under Jim Grobe is 193 in a 52-7 loss to Miami in 2004. Let'e hope the offense can get it together.
6:04 p.m.
Skinner's third down pass went incomplete and Popham's punt was fair-caught at the 24-yard line.
6:03 p.m. - End of the 3rd Quarter
Today's attendance is 30,373 which brings the season total to 195,680 which is the 2nd highest season total in school history.
6:01 p.m. - End of the 3rd Quarter
Josh Adams ran a pair of times and could net any yards bringing up a 3rd and 10 for the Deacs from the 34 when the 4th quarter starts.
6:00 p.m.
After BC picked up its first two first downs of the second half, Davis was sacked by Arnoux for a 10-yard loss back to the Eagle 45 on 3rd and 10. Quigley's punt was fielded by Boldin and returned to the Wake 35 yard line. Wake takes over 1st and 10 with 0:53 to go in the 3rd quarter.
5:53 p.m.
It's amazing how the Wake offense just can't get out of its own way. On the ensuing 1st down, the Deacs were flagged for clipping, putting them behind the chains yet again. After a pair of incompletions, Pendergrass ran for 14 yards bringing up 4th and 8. It was another punt from Popham, this time going down to the BC 21-yard line. The Eagles still lead by two with 4:13 to go in the quarter.
5:48 p.m.
After the first down, a false start penalty made it 1st and 15. After a pair of short plays, Skinner rolled out on 3rd down and found Boldin on a deep out for a 24-yard pick up out to the Wake 46.
5:45 p.m.
The Deacs converted their first third down of the game on a nice run by Pendergrass. More good news for the Deacs is that McMillin has returned the line.
5:43 p.m.
Another good drive for the Wake defense, holding BC to a three-and-out. Ryan Quigley's punt was a good one as it rolled dead at the Wake six. The Deacs again will start deep in its own territory.
5:39 p.m.
The Deacons go three-and-out again on offense. Popham's punt goes to the BC 46 yard line where the Eagles will take over with good field position again.
Right guard Barrett McMillin went out with an injury last drive for Wake and Jeff Griffin slides from right tackle to right guard and Doug Weaver enters the game at right tackle. The Deacs are already thin on the o-line so we'll see if McMillin can eturn.
5:35 p.m.
Update on Aaron Curry: it was just a cramp and he is back out on the sidelines ready to return on the next series.
5:33 p.m.
The ruling on the field was upheld and BC is charged with a timeout. We'll see if that comes back to hurt them later.
Another note, the three fumbles recovered today are tied for the season-high as the Deacs also scooped up three fumbles against Baylor in the first game of the year.
5:31 p.m.
BC is challenging the ruling on the field that the punt was touched by a Wake Forest player. The officials ruled that the ball did not touch a Wake player but the replay doesn't look good for Wake as the ball seems to have hit the heel of Stanley Arnoux.
5:28 p.m.
Despite the good starting position, the Wake defense held again and forced just the third BC punt of the game. Wake now has it 1st and 10 on its own 22-yard line.
Aaron Curry was taken off the field and headed to the locker room after the 2nd down play. He jogged to the locker room on his own so we'll keep you updated.
Another note, the two defensive touchdowns today for Wake are the first since the BC game last season when Alphonso Smith had an interception return for a score and Chip Vaughn ran a fumble in for a score.
5:24 p.m.
However, on the ensuing kickoff return, the Eagles took it all the way out to the Wake 45-yard line forcing kicker Andrew Wright to make the tackle. After a pair of stops for no gain, BC faces a 3rd and 10.
5:21 p.m. - Boston College 16, Wake Forest 14
WOW!!! On the first play of the second half, corner back Brandon Ghee hit Davis on from the backside and knocked the ball loose. There was a scramble for the loose ball and defensive lineman Kyle Wilber scooped the ball on the two yard line and fell into the endzone for the second defensive touchdown of the game for the Deacs. What a start for the Deacs and the fans are now back in the game.
5:19 p.m.
BC starting quarterback Chris Crane broke his right collar bone earlier in the game and he will not return today. That's disappointing for him being a senior and waiting to play behind Matt Ryan.
5:17 p.m.
Let's see if the second half will bring anything better from either offense. If you take the defense's out of the game, it's 9-0 right now. Anyway, BC will get the ball first in the second half and the Deacs will start out defending the north goal.
5:06 p.m. - Halftime Stats
- Wake has run 24 plays for 46 yards while BC has run 39 plays and has gained 148 yards.
- BC has nine first downs compared to just three for the Deacs.
- BC has rushed for a total of 113 yards with Haden gaining 64 yards on 12 carries. Wake has rushed the ball 10 times for -11 yards.
- Skinner of 7-of-14 for 57 yards and touch interceptions. Boldin leads the Demon Deacons receivers with four catches for 39 yards.
- Crane was 3-of-4 for 34 yards before he was injured. Davis is just 1-of-5 for 1 yard. Brandon Robinson has caught one pass for 21 yards to lead the BC receivers.
- The turnover battle is tied at 2-2 as Wake has forced a pair of fumbles and Skinner has been picked twice.
- One dubious stat for Skinner in the first half....Skinner has completed seven passes for 57 yards to Wake Forest players and two passes to BC players for 60 yards.
4:58 p.m. - Halftime
Wow, what a half. It seems like Wake should be down by more than nine but the teams head into the break with BC leading 16-7. Thank goodness the defense showed up today.
4:56 p.m. - Boston College 16, Wake Forest 7
The defense has to be getting a little fed up with the offense. Wake held the Eagles to just three yards on their three plays and Aponavicius would connect on his third field of the half from 30 yards out. It's amazing how poor the Wake offense has played today and the Deacs trail by just nine.
4:54 p.m.
The 2-minute offense looked to be on track as they picked up a first down, but on the next play, Skinner stepped up in the pocket and lofted the ball out towards Ben Wooster but he didn't throw it far enough and Herzlich stepped in front and made his second interception of the half. He returned it the to the Wake 16 where the Eagles now have 1:29 to work with until half.
4:50 p.m.
The Wake defense again got a big stop and forced a second-straight punt from the Eagles. Wake used their last two timeouts of the half to stop BC and after the punt and a penalty on the return, the Deacs will start with the ball on the WF 19 with 1:18 to go. Let's see if the 2-minute offense can get things going.
4:46 p.m.
Halftime can't get here soon enough for the Demon Deacons offense. It was another three-and-out and Wake is now 0-for-5 on third down. Popham's punt went down to the BC 37-yard line where they will take over with 1:53 to go. Davis is still in the game as Crane was taken to the locker room and his return does not look likely.
4:43 p.m.
The defense looks to have found its swagger as they forced the first three-and-out for BC as well as the first punt. The punt was touched down at the Wake 24 as the Deacs will start 1st and 10 with 2:29 to go in the half.
4:40 p.m. - Boston College 13, Wake Forest 7
Well if the offense can't get it done, the defense must give it their shot. Alphonso Smith game in again and forced his second fumble of the game. Safety Kevin Patterson was the man in the right place at the right time as the ball fell right into his lap and he took it 15 yards for the score. It was the second defensive touchdown of the year for Wake and the second touchdown of the year for Patterson, who took an interception to the house against Virginia.
Another note, senior Sam Swank converted the PAT as he appears to be back and healthy.
4:32 p.m.
Wake still can't get anything going on offense as the Deacs went three-and-out again. On a positive note though, Popham's punt was downed by Vaughn at the BC 4-yard line. The Eagles will take over 1st and 10 with 6:01 to go until halftime.
4:30 p.m.
Again, the Deacs got a good return from Devon Brown, who was also pushed out of bounds late, setting the Deacs up at the BC 48
4:27 p.m. - Boston College 13, Wake Forest 0
Wake caught a break on the kickoff as the ball went out of bounds but on the second play of the drive, Skinner dropped back and as he let the ball go, linebacker Mark Herzlich jumped up and made the interception. He had nobody in front of his as he took the ball into the endzone for the defensive touchdown. It was a really good play by Herzlich as he was just three yards from Skinner when he let the ball go.
4:23 p.m. - Boston College 6, Wake Forest 0
Chip Vaughn had a nice pass break up on 2nd and 11 to force another 3rd down. Davis then couldn't find anyone open and was taken down by Boo Robinson. Steve Aponavicius converted his second field goal of the game, this time for 30-yards out. The drive went 12 plays and covered 63 yards in 6:47.
BC has a total of 117 total yards compared to just 27 for Wake. The Wake defense has bent but has held for just na pair of field goals so far. Let's see if the offense can get on track.
4:18 p.m.
Davis came in and did the smart thing, hand it off to Haden, who picked up a first down. After another run by Haden, Davis keep the ball and picked up a first down of his own, down to the Wake 12 yard line. BC is now 3-of-4 on third down and has picked up seven first downs.
4:15 p.m.
Crane is definitely hurt as he is on his way to the locker room. Back up QB Dominique Davis is now under center.
4:13 p.m.
The option has really giving the Wake defense some problems early on. Crane has run for 14 yards already while Haden has picked up 37. However, Crane was taken down hard on his right shoulder after and appears to be hurt. BC currently has it 1st and 10 on the Wake 34 while the trainers attend to Crane.
4:06 p.m. - End of the 1st Quarter
The Deacons just can't seem to get the offense in gear. After a reverse went for a 5-yard loss, Skinner was sacked for the third time, putting the Deacs in 3rd and long again.
Despite a 19-yard pass from Skinner to Boldin on 3rd down, Wake was still four yards short and had to punt. This time, Popham boomed a 40-yard punt that was fair-caught at the BC 24. Let's see if the defense can get another stop here and maybe get ahead in the field position game.
4:03 p.m.
As the Eagles were moving again, Alphonso Smith came in from his cornerback position and stripped the ball from Crane on the option keeper. Aaron Curry fell on the ball at the Wake 30. It was the first turnover of the game and stopped another strong drive for BC
4:00 p.m.
BC has moved into Wake territory with another rushing first down. They have moved the ball nicely in their first two drives but they have had good starting field position.
3:54 p.m.
After Wake picked up another first down on a pair of Pendergrass runs, a holding penalty on 2nd and 10 put the Deacs behind the chains. Wake was forced to take a timeout before their 3rd and 19 play, which resulted in the second dropped pass of the drive. Popham's punt was fair-caught at the BC 44 where the Eagles will take over with 5:32 to play in the first.
3:48 p.m.
Devon Brown returned the kickoff to the Wake 22 where the Deacs will look to get the offense started.
3:46 p.m.
Here are today's starters for Wake Forest:
Offense
QB - Riley Skinner
TB - Brandon Pendergrass
FB - Mike Rinfrette
WR - Chip Brinkman
WR - D.J. Boldin
TE - Andrew Parker
LT - Joe Birdsong
LG - Joe Looney
C - Russell Nenon
RG - Barrett McMillin
RT - Jeff Griffin
Defense
DE - Matt Robinson
NG - Boo Robinson
DT - John Russell
DE - Kyle Wilber
SLB - Aaron Curry
MLB - Stanley Arnoux
WLB - Chantz McClinic
CB - Alphonso Smith
CB - Brandon Ghee
FS - Chip Vaughn
SS - Kevin Patterson
3:45 p.m. - Boston College 3, Wake Forest 0
Senior Matt Robinson made a huge sack on 3rd and 3 from the Wake 8, dropping Crane back at the 15-yard line. BC was then forced to kick a 32-yard field goal. The sack was Robinson's 12th of his career which has him tied for 7th in school history.
3:42 p.m.
On 2nd down, quarterback Chris Crane had Brandon Robinson wide open over the middle which would have been a sure touchdown but the pass was a bit out of reach. But on 3rd and 7, Josh Haden picked his way through the line and picked up 15 yards down to the Wake 15. 1st and 10 for the Eagles.
3:39 p.m.
Wake took the opening kickoff and took it out to the its own 23. Skinner found Boldin for an 11-yard gain on first down however, three straight stops by BC forced Wake to punt. Popham's kick went to the BC 40 but a kick-catch interference penalty allowed BC to start in Wake territory at the 45.
3:33 p.m. - Coin toss
Captains for Wake today are seniors DJ Boldin and Aaron Curry. Boston College won the toss and will defer to the second half. Wake Forest will recieve the opening kickoff and defend the south goal.
3:32 p.m. - Flyover
There was just a flyover by a pair of T-38s from the 97th Flying Training Squadron. They were extremely low and extremely loud.
The pilots were Major "Mumbles" Riley, Major Will "Willy-Pete" Kenedy and 1st Lieutenant Miles "Neus" Newsome. The squad was led by Lt. Colonel Scott "Spike" Thomas, the commander of the 97th Flying Training Squad. Thomas was an All-American safety at the Air Force Acadamey where he played for Jim Grobe and was a teammate of assistant coach Brian Knorr. Thomas' daughter Emily is a freshman at Wake Forest.
Thomas was flying a night interdiction mission in his F-16 near the Iraq-Saudi Arabia-Kuwait border in February of 1991. His jet was hit by a Surface to Air Missile during his mission and began to lose fuel. Eventually, his wingman, who was trying to guide him to safety, told him that his engine began to spark and catch fire. He was forced to eject over enemy territory. Thomas was on the ground for nearly 2 hours before a Search and Rescue Helicopter was able to get him out of harms way. Appartenty, he was dangerously close to Iraqi troops, who were within 2 miles of him in 2 different directions while he was on the ground.
3:28 p.m. - Gate keeper
Jamie Dean opened the gate this afternoon. He was a 2005 graduate and competed in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing where he led the four-man crew team to a come-from-behind siler medal. Jamie suffers from retinitis pigmentosa and was born leagally blind.
3:16 p.m. - Senior Note
Senior cornerback Alphonso Smith is doning the a shiny pair of gold shoes today. Perhaps Michael Johnson.let him borrow them for today.
3:14 p.m. - Senior Honorees
Right now, the entire Demon Deacon team is on the field as the seniors make their way through the tunnel to meet their parents on the other side. Coach Grobe is also at the end of the tunnel to meet each of them. One of the loudest ovations came for A.C. (Aaron Curry). He will certainly missed next season.
3:11 p.m. - Pregame Talk
There are still a lot scenarios that still need shake themselves out in the ACC Atlantic race.
- The story for Wake: The Deacs need to win today and have Maryland fall this week at home against Florida State and next week at Boston College.
- The story for Boston College: Win this week and next and their headed to Tampa.
- The story for Maryland: Win this week and have Boston College lose and they are in. If Boston College wins this week, Maryland needs to win next week against the Eagles to go.
So things may get a little clearer after today but who knows with the ACC this season.
3:00 p.m. - Warming Up
With just over 32 minutes to go until kickoff, both teams are out on the field in full warm up mode. That term refers to a couple of different things today as the players are not only getting ready for the game, but I'm sure some of them are moving around to stay warm.
The fans are also slow in making their way to their seats. Maybe they are doing their own form of "warming up".
2:30 p.m. - Uniform Watch
It also appears the Deacs are back to the all black look. The specialists on the field warming up in full uniform with Wake wearing their black jerseys and pants. Boston College will be wearing their road white jerseys with white pants and gold helmets.
2:23 p.m. - Swank Watch
After missing six straight weeks, it appears Sam Swank may actually be back today. He is currently on the field going through his warm up kicks and he just made a 40-yard field with plenty of leg to spare. So it looks like he make an appearance today. Coach Grobe talked as if Popham would still handle the punting duties while Swank will just focus on the placekicking.
1:40 p.m. - Deacon Walk
I was just down walking through the crowd with the team on the Deacons Walk and one thing I can tell you is that it is definitely football weather. There is a chill in the air and the smell of ribs on the barbaque was overwhelming.
12:46 p.m. - Senior Day
Wake Forest will honor its 16 seniors in a special pre-game ceremony prior to the game this afternoon. While the Deacs still play Vanderbilt at home next week, the team wanted to hold their Senior Day celebration before the majority of the students left for Thanksgiving break.
The 16 seniors that will be honored today have contributed to 30 victories over the last four years, giving them the most wins of any class in school history.
The Deacon seniors include Stanley Arnoux, Richard Belton, D.J. Boldin, Chip Brinkman, Andrew Conroy, Aaron Curry, Anthony Davis, Kerry Major, Chantz McClinic, Kevin Patterson, Matt Robinson, Alphonso Smith, Sam Swank, Chip Vaughn, Andrew Wright and Antonio Wilson.
12:20 p.m. - Welcome
Welcome to BB&T Field on a sunny but chilly afternoon. I am happy to report that my five minute travel to the stadium this week went much smoother than last week. Thus the earlier start.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day.
Blog by media relations assistant Gary Petit.
