Wake Forest Football: 3 takeaways from tight win over North Carolina

2. Deacons looked dominant at times

The resilience of the Tar Heels was so impressive, but Wake Forest won this game because of the clinic they put on for the first three quarters. Both offensively and defensively, Dave Clawson’s team had a very impressive showing on Friday night.

Jamie Newman, the quarterback, was especially exciting. He was productive through the air, going 14-of-26 for 214 yards and a touchdown. He was also such an important part of the run game. On the night, he gained 78 yards on 19 carries, and he found the end zone twice on the ground., and showed impressive toughness and patience all game long.

On the receiving end, Sage Surratt had a massive night. On the game, he had nine catches for 169 yards and a touchdown. His performance was especially meaningful given that Chaz Surratt, his brother, is a linebacker for the Tar Heels.

The defense was similarly exciting. On third down, they held the Tar Heels to a mark of 2-for-16. The talented Tar Heel backfield was able to find yards, but the Demon Deacon defense held them to only 3.9 yards per carry.

The door that was left open in the fourth quarter was scary for Wake Forest, but as a whole, it was an encouraging night for Clawson’s team.