DOTW Vote: Wake vs. Utah State

The Deacs survived a back-and-forth game against the Utah State Aggies to start the season 1-0. We’re bringing back the Deac of the Week feature: each week we’ll nominate a few Wake players who stood out and ask you to vote for your top performer of the game. The nominating process is far from scientific, so feel free to let us know in the comments who you think we missed.

QB Jamie Newman

The redshirt junior had a bit of a rocky start, with a couple of fumbles (one lost) early in the game. But, he quickly hit his stride and bounced back, ending up completing over 70% of his passes for 401 yards and 3 TDs while adding a score on the ground. To me, he outperformed Heisman candidate Jordan Love in this one.

WR Sage Surratt

The redshirt sophomore had a great night, hauling in a touchdown (with a defender draped all over him) on Wake’s first drive of the game. He ended up leading all receivers with 158 yards, including a 70 yard catch and run to the 1 yard line* that set up Wake’s go-ahead score.

*Initially ruled a touchdown, which I think was the correct call.

WR Kendall Hinton

The redshirt senior was Newman’s favorite target, hauling in a game-high 9 passes for 66 yards. The former QB showed off his athleticism and excellent hands, with no better example than his game-winning touchdown grab on fourth down.

LB Justin Strnad

The redshirt (see a trend here yet?) senior was a bright spot in what was overall a rather rusty showing for the Wake defense. He had a team-high 12 tackles (9 solo) and one pass deflection, and clinched the game for the Deacs by picking off Jordan “Did We Mention He’s a Heisman Candidate” Love with under 20 seconds to go and the Aggies in field goal range.

Honorable Mentions

Cade Carney (25 carries, 105 yards, several truck sticks), Trey Rucker (end zone INT), Amari Henderson (Aggie red zone INT)