Wake Forest’s win over Louisville had the feel of a full-team effort, and the numbers back that up. The Demon Deacons weren’t just surviving in one phase and hanging on in another. They were getting real production on defense, enough push in the run game to matter, and cleaner work up front in pass protection than they’d shown in other spots.
The biggest defensive swing came against Louisville’s ground game. Wake came in trying to handle two strong running backs and a mobile quarterback, and after allowing 158 rushing yards the week before, the Deacs cut the Cardinals down to 75 on the ground. That kind of control forced Louisville into a more predictable attack and helped Wake dictate the flow late.
PFF’s run-defense grades show just how many defenders chipped in. Eight Wake players finished with a grade of 70 or better against the run.
Frank Cusano was the top performer there, posting an 88.4. Matt Herron added an 84.4, Aiden Hall checked in at 72.2, and Tyler Walton turned in a 73.8 in 18 snaps.
Those efforts helped fuel the defensive success, especially in the fourth quarter.
On offense, the Deacs also got strong work in the trenches. The run game already stood out as one of the main reasons Wake left with the win, with Deuce Lawrence and Ty Clark III both delivering big days. But the analytics also show something more specific: Wake’s interior offensive line handled pass protection at a high level.
Clinton Richard, Will Way, and Ryan Berger all graded above 80 in pass blocking, giving Gio the kind of pocket support that lets plays develop downfield. That showed up on shots like the bomb over the top to Hernandez.
The tackle spots were a different story. Aidan Martin’s pass-blocking grade was 38.4, and Tolu Olajide came in at 23.7. That’s the area Wake will want to keep cleaning up so Gio has more time and less heat coming from the edge.
One more notable number came from an unexpected place. Wide receiver Drayden Dickmann earned an 82.9 grade in run blocking over 12 snaps. That kind of work could earn him more situational run-down opportunities if Wake wants another blocker helping the backs.
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Now the focus shifts quickly to NC State, and quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is a game-time decision that could shape how Louisville responds. The bigger issue, though, may be self-inflicted: the Cardinals have been fighting discipline problems all season, and the penalty yardage has become hard to overlook for a team still trying to stay on track for the ACC Championship game. [Read more 🡒]