ACC Football Recap – Wake Forest Edges Virginia Tech, 30-23

Wake Forest 30, Virginia Tech 23 — Game Recap (Oct. 4, 2025)

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Wake Forest snapped a two-game skid and handed Jake Dickert his first ACC victory, edging Virginia Tech 30–23 at Lane Stadium. The Demon Deacons overcame early adversity and relied on stout defense in the second half to hold off the Hokies. (ESPN.com)

First Half: Back-and-forth start, Wake seizes control

The game began with a Wake Forest turnover on its opening drive as Dallas Afalava intercepted Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones early. Wake capitalized immediately, with Connor Calvert drilling a 33-yard field goal to take a 3–0 lead. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Virginia Tech answered before the period ended. Marcellous Hawkins punched in a 3-yard run (Love kick) to give the Hokies a 7–3 lead with 2:30 left in the first quarter. (ACC)

The second quarter proved pivotal. Wake struck first with Demond Claiborne bulling in from 11 yards out (Calvert kick) to make it 10–7. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Virginia Tech responded quickly. Takye Heath caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Drones (Love kick) to retake the lead, 14–10. (ACC)

Wake regained momentum before halftime. Ty Clark III powered in on a 3-yard run (Calvert kick) to push Wake ahead 17–14. Then on the final possession of the half, Robby Ashford connected with Eni Falayi on an 11-yard strike (Calvert) as time expired, giving Wake a 24–14 halftime lead. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Third Quarter: Hokies chip away, Deacs respond

Virginia Tech opened the second half with a pair of field goals by John Love — a 32-yard and then a 38-yard — to cut Wake’s lead to 24–20. (ACC)

Wake responded with a field goal of their own. Connor Calvert, set up by a 62-yard reception by Sawyer Racanelli, knocked through a 29-yard attempt to restore a 27–20 edge. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Virginia Tech added another field goal (34 yards) with 34 seconds remaining in the third, tightening the score to 27–23 as the quarter closed. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Fourth Quarter: Defense holds & Deacs seal it

The final quarter featured limited offensive production from both sides. Wake Forest did enough to keep Virginia Tech at bay. Late in the game, Calvert knocked home a 31-yard field goal with 2:14 left to push the lead to 30–23. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

On Virginia Tech’s final drive, the Wake defense rose to the occasion, forcing a key fourth-down stop to preserve the Deacons’ road victory. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Final Stats & Takeaways

Team Totals

Individual Highlights

• Robby Ashford: 24-of-39 for 256 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, plus 22 rushing yards. (ESPN.com)
• Demond Claiborne: 7 carries, 29 yards, 1 rushing TD. (ESPN.com)
• Ty Clark III: 4 carries for 22 yards, scored his first career rushing TD. (Wake Forest University Athletics)
• Sawyer Racanelli: 3 catches, 88 yards, including a key 62-yard gain that set up a Calvert field goal. (Wake Forest University Athletics)
• Dallas Afalava: Intercepted Drones early to spark Wake’s first drive into points. (Wake Forest University Athletics)
• Defense: Wake held Virginia Tech to 263 total yards, including just 111 passing yards, and defended multiple red-zone looks late in the game. (Wake Forest University Athletics)

Game Narrative & Analysis

1. Fast start, then Wake’s second-quarter edge
Despite an early interception, Wake Forest leaned into adjustments and strikes in the second quarter. With Claiborne’s run, Clark’s push, and Ashford’s late connection with Falayi, Wake flipped momentum and carried a two-score lead into the break.

2. Virginia Tech’s red-zone woes and lack of big plays
While the Hokies did move the chains, they settled for field goals instead of touchdowns in key moments. Their passing game never threatened to break the game open. Drones was limited to 111 yards, and the lack of explosive plays hurt their chances.

3. Wake’s defense bends, but doesn’t break
In the third and fourth quarters, Wake’s defense bent but resisted giving in. They allowed field goals but avoided allowing touchdowns, using red-zone stops at critical junctures late, including the decisive fourth-down stop at the end.

4. Balance, but no runaway offense
Wake’s offensive output wasn’t overwhelming, as they recorded just 91 rushing yards and avoided turnovers. Their passing game featured several big plays—especially Racanelli’s 62-yard reception—complemented by calculated field goals. The discipline in avoiding mistakes proved vital.

5. Poise in close games
This win underscores Wake Forest’s ability to withstand pressure in tight contests. Against a persistent foe in a tough road environment, Wake did just enough in all three phases to come out on top.

Implications & Looking Ahead

• Wake Forest moves to 3–2 overall, 1–2 in ACC play with a road win that gives momentum to its season. (Wake Forest University Athletics)
• This marks the first Wake victory at Lane Stadium since 1983. (Wake Forest University Athletics)
• Virginia Tech falls to 2–4 overall, 1–1 in ACC, ending a two-game win streak. Their offense still struggles for consistency against tougher competition. (Virginia Tech Athletics)
• For Wake, establishing the ability to grind out close wins will be crucial as the ACC slate deepens.
• For VT, questions about red-zone execution, playmaking, and sustaining drives persist. Corrections in those areas may define whether the Hokies can rebound in conference play.