Wake Forest downs Duke, 45-34

In a fitting end to his career, Riley Skinner threw for a career high 391 yards and 5 touchdowns in route to a 45-34 win over Duke.

Full recap after the jump...

Plain and simple, this was a better team than their 5-7 record. And today really proved that. Skinner showed why he was one of the best, if not the best player in Wake Forest history with his career day. Wake started out in a shootout, with Duke setting the tone and the Deacs matching punch for punch.

 

The Deacs had too much firepower in the end, as Marshall Williams had 8 catches for 120 yards and a TD, finishing a truly stellar season. Devon Brown had 10 catches for 97 yards and 2 TDs and Chris Givens had 79 yards and a TD on 5 catches. Wake Forest fans have a lot to be excited for, as all three of these receivers will be returning next year.

This team deserved to make a bowl. It hurts because there were so many close games that just got away from them. A big part of that had to do with missed opportunities, but as only real life can play out, Alex Frye intercepted Thaddeus Lewis for a TD near the end of the 4th quarter. Frye, who was in the doghouse most of the year, sealed the win with the TD and gave the defense the big play they had been missing most of the season.

It's easy to play the what if game, but in the end, this senior class, coupled with the senior class from last year, was the most successful in Wake Forest history, and there is so much to thank them for. It is great to go out on a win and there is a lot to look forward to in the future.