Hot Read: Andersen, ‘Deacs Top Virginia Tech
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By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com
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Wake Forest upsets Virginia Tech 23-16.
1. This is a big win for Wake Forest, beating a nationally-ranked Virginia Tech team which looked great the week prior in a convincing victory over Boston College. The Demon Deacons forced three turnovers, all of them interceptions from walk-on Nick Andersen, were paced offensively by Christian Beal-Smith’s 129 rushing yards and were the first team to slow down Virginia Tech superstar Khalil Herbert in the running game.
2. Freshman Nick Andersen was one of the true stars of the college football weekened. He was absolutely everywhere against Virginia Tech. Anderson, as mentioned, intercepted three passes, including the game-sealer with 45 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to preserve the win. Andersen also had eleven tackles, nine of them solo stops. It was a breakout, showcase performance. This walk-on made a number of critical plays and national headlines along the way. What a game.
3. Wake Forest’s rush defense did a great job against the great Khalil Herbert, who entered the weekend as the nation’s leading rusher. Through four games, he was averaging 148 yards per game and 9.7 yards per carry. The Demon Deacons limited Herbert to just 64 yards on 14 attempts. The aforementioned Nick Andersen was in on most plays, as was standout defensive Carlos Basham.
4. In what was an effective effort from Wake Forest’s rushing attack overall, Christian Beal-Smith was the focal point. His 129 yards made up an important chunk of the Demon Deacons’ total offensive production. Kenneth Walker and quarterback Sam Hartman both rushed for touchdowns.
5. It was an atypical performance from Virginia Tech in many ways, with the offense moving away from Khalil Herbert some, quarterback Hendon Hooker throwing three interceptions and kicker Brian Johnson missing two field goals as well. Virginia Tech also had ten penalties for 112 yards. There were simply too many mistakes from the Hokies.
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