BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — John Wolford ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, and Jessie Bates returned an interception for a third score Saturday to lead Wake Forest past Indiana 33-28.
The Demon Deacons are 4-0 (1-0 ACC) for the first time in 10 years and have already surpassed the three-win totals they had each of the previous two seasons. It was coach Dave Clawson's 100th career victory.
And it was impressive, too, as Wake Forest ended Indiana's eight-game winning streak against non-conference opponents.
After Indiana (2-1) took a 7-0 lead with a 75-yard TD pass from Richard Lagow to Nick Westbrook on the game's first play, Wake converted three interceptions and a blocked field goal into 24 points.
The first interception, off a tipped pass in the end zone, led to Wolford's 4-yard TD run that tied the score at 7. Bates returned his second pick of the game 55 yards to make it 14-7, and the Deacons finished the half with a 26-yard TD pass from Wolford to Chuck Wade to make it 21-7.
Wolford wound up 16 of 29 for 172 yards and ran 14 times for 61 yards.
Lagow's fourth interception led to a Wake field goal in the third quarter and a 24-7 lead.
THE TAKEAWAY
Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons return to conference play full of momentum. They are two wins away from becoming bowl-eligible and will now embark on some meaningful games in October and November, something Clawson already had set as a goal before their latest victory.
Indiana: The Hoosiers first loss of the season came in unexpected fashion. Devine Redding's streak of five straight 100-yard games ended with a thud as he ran 16 times for 68 yards. And after throwing no interceptions in his first two FBS starts, Lagow was picked off five times. Yes, the Hoosiers played without their starting right tackle and starting right guard, but they clearly have to improve significantly this week.
UP NEXT
Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons head to North Carolina State, which has won the last two games by a combined 77-30. Wake Forest looks like a much more competitive team this season.
Indiana: The Hoosiers open Big Ten play against angry Michigan State , which was upset at home by Wisconsin. Indiana has lost seven straight in the series, giving the Old Brass Spittoon — an almost permanent spot in East Lansing.
