Wake Forest Defeats VU 31-17Watch Highlights, Postgame Reaction

Nov. 24, 2007

Audio (Free): Coach Johnson’s Press Conference

Audio: E. Bennett | C. Gatewood | T. Horrocks

John Russell’s Photo Gallery | Vandyville Photos

Box Score | Season Stats | Quotes | Notes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Alphonso Smith had two interceptions
to lead a Wake Forest defense that forced five turnovers
and beat Vanderbilt 31-17 on Saturday.

Smith’s two interceptions gave him eight for the year, making him
Wake Forest’s single-season interception leader. The previous
record of seven was set by A.J. Green in 1987.

Josh Adams added 111 yards rushing and two touchdowns
for the Demon Deacons (8-4) to seal an eight-win season
for only the fifth time in school history. Wake Forest also ended
its four-game losing streak against the Commodores.

COMMODORE POST-GAME COVERAGE

GatewoodSACKING THE COMPETITION Vanderbilt sacked Wake Forest’s Riley Skinner three times on Saturday, giving Vanderbilt 30 sacks on the season. The 30 sacks rank third in school history for total sacks in a season behind totals of 38 (1994) and 31 (1999). Broderick Stewart finished the year with a team-high six sacks, including one against Wake Forest. BENNETT CONTINUES CLIMB Junior wide receiver Earl Bennett continued his move up the Vanderbilt and SEC record charts with six catches for 65 yards and a touchdown against Wake Forest. Bennett finished the year with 75 receptions for 830 yards, making him the first player in league history with at least 70 catches in three consecutive seasons. Bennett also moved to eighth in SEC history for all-time receiving yards with 2,852 yards. He also tied for second among Commodores with 20 career touchdown grabs. GOFF CAPS CAREER WITH 13 STOPS Senior linebacker Jonathan Goff concluded his Vanderbilt career with 13 stops against Wake Forest. His 13 stops gave him a team-high 113 tackles for the season. The 13 tackles marked the third consecutive game and sixth time this season that Goff has had at least 10 stops in a game. KOVALCHECK POSTS CAREER NUMBERS Filling in for Mackenzi Adams in the third quarter, senior quarterback Richard Kovalcheck posted career highs in completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns. Kovalcheck completed 23-of-38 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. COMMODORE MISCUES Vanderbilt turned over the ball a season-high five times against the Demon Deacons. The Commodores had three fumbles and two interceptions. The previous season high for turnovers was four, all interceptions, against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 29, 2007.

The Commodores allowed a season-high five turnovers
against Wake Forest.

Mackenzi Adams managed just 64 yards passing with two fumbles and two interceptions. He was replaced by Richard Kovalcheck, who threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns.

The Demon Deacons, who played in last season’s Orange Bowl after winning the ACC, already earned back-to-back bowl berths for the first time in school history.

Kevin Marion returned the opening kick of the second half 81 yards fore Wake, setting up an 8-yard touchdown catch by De’Angelo Bryant that blew the game open 21-3.

Mackenzi Adams fumbled for the second time in the game to give Wake Forest a short field. Josh Adams ran for a 12-yard touchdown to put the Demon Deacons ahead 28-3 just two minutes into the half.

A late 28-yard touchdown catch by Earl Bennett made it 31-10. Bennett’s six catches in the game gave him 75 for the season, and the SEC career receptions leader became the first receiver in league history with three consecutive seasons with at least 75 catches.