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 GOFF CAPS CAREER WITH 13 STOPS KOVALCHECK POSTS CAREER NUMBERS COMMODORE MISCUES |
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.