From dark to light: the Deacs defense leads the way to a season-opening win over Kennesaw State (10-9)

Preview: Kennesaw State Owls (2-10, 2-6 in Conference USA) vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-8, 2-6 in the ACC)

It's a new season and a new era for Wake Forest University.

Coming off a top-25 finish at Washington State, Coach Jake Dickert looks to re-establish the Deacs as a bowl game contender and beyond, as they are seeking out their first such appearance since 2022 (the conclusion of their 7-year run under previous head coach Dave Clawson). While 7 of their 16 losses over the last 2 seasons are by a touchdown or less (8-16 record over the past 2 seasons), a return to playing meaningful games in December and/or January is the team goal.

Under the mantra of "Built in the Dark", the team is led by team captain and running back Demond Cailborne (1,049 rushing yards/4.5 yards per carry/11 touchdowns), who is on multiple watch lists as one of the top running backs in the conference and country. Along with a solid running back rotation and improved offensive line, the team looks to build on last season's 25.7 points per game average, with the quarterback position central to doing so. Recently named starter Robby Ashford (324 passing yards with 2 touchdowns last season at South Carolina), who is on the Golden Arm Watch List (Johnny Unitas Award), looks to set the tone and provide balance with the team's offensive attack.

On defense, team captain and leading tackler Nick Andersen (safety) looks to get the defense on track with a renewed attack-oriented style of play (as they allowed 32.5 points per game). With a blend of veterans including linebacker Dylan Hazen to a deeper defensive end rotation led by Langston Hardy, they'll get a sense of where they are against an upstart Kennesaw State team.

The Owls are led by transfer quarterback Dexter Williams (from Indiana) and his dual threat potential (as he averaged 4.1 yards per carry). He'll focus on improving an offense which averaged 16.5 points per game; complimented by Coleman Bennett (who averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2023 at Bucknell) and senior wideout Gabriel Benyard (who looks to build on his 8.5 yards per reception average) to test the Deacs' defense.

Head Coach Jerry Mack (coming from Arkansas State) looks to infuse new life and energy to the Owls, including a defense which allows 31.2 points per game. Linebacker/Will position player Garland Benyard (3.5 sacks in 2024) is among those looking to lead the charge as the teams enter tonight's game at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium (7pm kickoff via the ACC Network).

Game recap: Team defenses are ahead of the offenses as the Deacs hold on for an opening night win.

Wake would start with the ball and on their opening drive, after a balanced 14 play/75 yard march down the field, quarterback Robby Ashford caps things off with a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Deacs a 7-0 lead (7:58 in the 1st quarter). However, Kennesaw State would respond as Coleman Bennett's 19-yard touchdown run (4:38 in the 1st quarter) would cut into the lead (7-6 as the Owls would miss the extra point).

Both team defenses would sharpen their efforts as neither team's offense generates a sustained drive until the 3rd quarter.

Kennesaw State starts with the ball and takes the lead on a 29-yard field goal by Daniel Kinney to take a 9-7 lead (9:45 in the 3rd quarter).

Wake would regain the lead at the 3 minute mark of the 3rd quarter as Connor Calvert converts a 22-yard field goal to give the Deacs a 10-9 lead.

Post-game: The Deacs continue to "Build in the Dark" as they prepare for Western Carolina (September 6, 2025 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium at 2pm EST).

The Wake Forest defense plays an exceptional game. Outside of Kennesaw State's opening drive, the team limits the Owls to 307 total yards. While key players Coleman Bennett (17 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown/3.9 yards per carry) and Gabriel Benyard (5 receptions for 103 yards/20.6 yards per reception) play a leading role offensively, the defense limits quarterback Dexter Williams to below a 40% completion rate (12 for 33 for 149 passing yards); likewise, Nick Andersen (9 total tackles) along with defensive end Gabe Kirschke and defensive tackle Jayden Loving have a sack apiece to holding the Owls to single digits.

On offense, quarterback Robby Ashford (20 for 28 with 218 passing yards along with 18 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown), Ty Clark (11 carries for 37 yards), and tight end Eni Falayi (4 receptions for 52 yards) set the tone for the offense as Demond Caliborne's injury limits him to 3 carries and 19 yards. Kennesaw State's Baron Hopson (11 total tackles) and a team defense which produces 4 sacks contain the Deacs' offense (which produces 348 total yards on offense).

Head Coach Jake Dickert, safety Nick Andersen, quarterback Robby Ashford, and tight end Eni Falayi field our questions during the post-game press conference. In speaking to themes of winning through adversity and maintaining focus despite not having all the desired outcomes (outside of a win), tonight's game can be a character builder and a springboard to success down the road, immediately with their upcoming game this Saturday (you may reference the video snapshot below):

And the team continues to build in the dark as the season unfolds.

Notes: All video and photos are recorded by asnortonccs; you may catch additional video/footage on our playlist (click HERE).