77: Wake Forest's Point Total in Merrimack Rout
The Demon Deacons scored 730 yards of offense in a scoreless sweep, while Duke crushed NC State in a rivalry clash.
By Ella Cox ·
Wake Forest outscored Merrimack 77 to 0 on Saturday at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, recording 730 total yards of offense while holding the visitors to 202 yards. The shutout improved the Demon Deacons to 8-1 overall and keeps them in contention for the ACC Championship.
Starting quarterback Gio Lopez missed the game with a knee injury. Redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella replaced him and completed passes for 432 yards and three touchdowns. Pizzella also ran for a score. Kam Shanks returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown. The defense intercepted two passes, with one return resulting in a score.
Duke defeated NC State 41 to 3 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. The Blue Devils scored 24 points in the second quarter to take control. Running back Nate Sheppard carried the ball 18 times for 217 yards and a touchdown. Duke finished with 461 total yards. NC State managed only 217 total yards and 32 rushing yards. The Wolfpack did not score a touchdown, a first for the team since 2023. Duke improved to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play. NC State fell to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the ACC.
North Carolina beat UConn 38 to 21 on the road. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. completed 29 of 38 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Jelani Thurman caught seven passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Benjamin Hall rushed for 81 yards and a score on nine carries. Linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown and recovered a fumble. Jalon Thompson added another interception. UNC forced three turnovers and scored 21 points off those plays. The Tar Heels held the ball for 36 minutes and 23 seconds. UNC improved to 5-4 overall.
East Carolina beat South Florida 20 to 17 on Friday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Kicker Andrew Conrad kicked a 55-yard field goal as time expired to win the game. Quarterback Emory Williams threw two touchdown passes to Landon Sides, who caught 14 balls for 126 yards. Ashton Gray rushed for 101 yards. East Carolina improved to 5-4 overall.
Charlotte lost to UAB 23 to 12 in Birmingham. The 49ers held UAB to six points through three quarters but allowed 17 points in the fourth. Conner Harrell threw for 175 yards and a touchdown. Jaden Barnes caught a 14-yard score in the late stages. Charlotte managed 59 rushing yards and 234 total yards. UAB recorded four sacks. Charlotte fell to 1-8 overall.
Appalachian State lost to Georgia State 39 to 23 at home. The Mountaineers allowed 39 points and dropped to 5-4 overall. Georgia State won by 16 points. App State will travel to face Marshall on Saturday, Nov. 14.
In FCS action, Campbell defeated Stony Brook 48 to 35 after overcoming a 14-point deficit. Quarterback Sixkiller threw for 396 yards and four touchdowns. Campbell improved to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in CAA play. North Carolina Central beat Norfolk State 29 to 28. Davidson beat Stetson 33 to 14. Western Carolina beat Wofford 26 to 10. Elon beat Hampton 24 to 6. North Carolina A&T lost to Monmouth 21 to 17. Gardner-Webb lost to Lindenwood 34 to 21.
