Game Notes: Syracuse

The following are game notes from Wake Forest's win over Big East foe Syracuse on Saturday. The Deacs won their season opener over the Orange 20-10

Steve Vallos and Jamil Smith were captains for Wake’s season opener.

Wake’s win over Syracuse was the first season opening win for the Deacs since a 2003 win over Boston College on the road. At 10 points, it was also the widest margin of a Deacon win or loss in an opener in the Jim Grobe era.

With the win, the Deacs are now 3-1 in games tied at halftime in the Jim Grobe era.

Senior Willie Idlette’s 14-yard touchdown reception in the first half was just his second receiving touchdown while at Wake Forest with his only other receiving touchdown coming against Boston College in 2004. It was Idlette’s sixth career touchdown.

Idlette’s reception capped off a 15-play, 96-yard drive, an impressive drive by any standard. However, what is more impressive is that the Deacs did not have a drive over 90 yards all season a year ago.

After giving up 124 yards of total offense in the first half, Wake’s defense came alive and stifled Syracuse in the second, giving up just 12 total yards of offense in the second half. Syracuse rushed for 12 yards in the and added no passing yards.

Wake Forest's defense was stout in crunch time, holding Syracuse to just 1-11 in third down conversion situations.

The Deacon offense proved to be impressive as well on Saturday. Wake's offense totaled 363 yards led by 142 yards on the ground by running back Micah Andrews.

Junior Deacon quarterback Ben Mauk broke his arm while attempting to recover a fumble during the Deacs’ 20-10 win over Syracuse on Saturday. After the game, Coach Jim Grobe told the press that the early indication is that a broken arm will keep Mauk out for the season.

Prior to his injury, Mauk led the Deacon attack by completing 14-21 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. He also threw one interception.

Deacon fans certainly received a scare in the second half when Micah Andrews struggled to run off the field. Fortunately, it was just a case of the cramps. Andrews went to the locker room, received treatment, and made it back onto the field later that quarter.

Kevin Marion was injured during the first half of Wake’s win. Early indication is that Marion has a sprained left knee. He did not return for action in Saturday’s game.

Several members of the Orange Bowl Committee were on-hand at Saturday’s game watching the Deacs take on the Orange. After the Deacs’ victory over Syracuse, one of the selection members was asked if they were now planning to select the Deacs. He replied “Hey, they’re one step closer.”