Wake Forest entered the home matchup against No. 19 Syracuse with a 4-4 record and needing to win to increase their chances of playing in December. Syracuse (6-2), on the other hand, was coming off clinching bowl eligibility after a 51-41 win against NC State the previous week.
Both teams started the game with three-and-outs. On Wake’s second offensive possession the Deacs found themselves facing a 4th and 6 at Syracuse’s 29-yard line. QB Sam Hart found WR Greg Dortch on an out route for a 24 yards gain. Two plays later, RB Cade Carney bulldozed his way into the end zone for the Deacs’ first touchdown of the game.