Wake Forest just survived one of the wildest games of the college football season.
The Demon Deacons defeated Purdue 38-36 in double overtime Saturday afternoon at Ross-Ade Stadium, escaping with a dramatic road victory and improving to 2-0 on the season. The game featured momentum swings, late-game drama and an unforgettable finish.
A Back And Forth Battle
Wake Forest appeared to have control for much of the afternoon.
The Demon Deacons took a 20-10 lead into the second half and later held a 23-13 advantage in the fourth quarter. Purdue, however, refused to go away.
The Boilermakers scored twice in the fourth quarter, including a touchdown from Fame Ijeboi, before a field goal with just three seconds remaining tied the game at 23-23 and sent it to overtime.
Gio Lopez Comes Through
Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez delivered when his team needed him most.
Lopez finished with 225 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 59 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His biggest play came in the second overtime.
After Purdue took a 36-30 lead with an Ijeboi touchdown, Wake Forest needed to answer.
Lopez did exactly that.
He rushed for a three-yard touchdown to tie the game at 36-36. Instead of playing for another overtime, Wake Forest went for two — and Lopez took matters into his own hands again, running in the conversion to give the Demon Deacons the victory.
A Huge Road Win
Purdue finished with 455 total yards compared with Wake Forest’s 411, but the Demon Deacons made the critical plays when the game was on the line. Wake Forest also finished the game without a turnover.
The victory moves Wake Forest to 2-0 and gives the Demon Deacons a major early-season road win.
After surviving Purdue in one of the most dramatic finishes of the weekend, Wake Forest has already shown it can win games in multiple ways.
And if Saturday was any indication, this Demon Deacons team is going to be a problem.
