In a dramatic double‑overtime showdown, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons emerged victorious over the Purdue Boilermakers, 38‑36, on Saturday night. The win, secured by quarterback Gio Lopez’s decisive 3‑yard touchdown run and successful two‑point conversion, underscored the Deacons’ tenacity and competitive spirit.
Key performances
Lopez delivered a standout all‑around effort, completing 16 of 27 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown while adding 59 rushing yards and two rushing scores. His clutch conversion run in the second overtime period sealed the win and earned him high praise from head coach Jake Dickert, who called Lopez “an absolute big‑time quarterback—fast, resilient, and a true competitor when the stakes are highest.”
For Purdue, running back Fame Ijeboi shone with 114 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 3‑yard score that gave the Boilermakers a brief lead in the first overtime. Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne also posted a career‑high 329 passing yards on 32 of 43 attempts.
Game flow
The contest began with Purdue taking an early 7‑0 lead on Ijeboi’s 14‑yard run. Wake Forest responded with a 17‑point surge, turning a 7‑0 deficit into a 17‑7 halftime advantage. The Deacons then settled for three field goals in the third quarter, while Purdue rallied late in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 23‑20 with just under four minutes remaining.
A last‑second field goal by Jacobo Echeverria Lozano forced overtime. In the first extra period, Purdue struck first on a 9‑yard touchdown pass from Browne to De’Nylon Morrissette, but the two‑point attempt failed. Wake Forest answered with a 24‑yard reception by Bryce Kania, setting up Lopez’s winning drive.
Coaches’ comments
Coach Dickert highlighted his team’s dominance on the line of scrimmage and praised Lopez’s leadership in the most critical moments. “He’s taking hits, doing whatever it takes to win,” Dickert said.
Purdue head coach Barry Odom lauded Ijeboi’s heart and the Boilermakers’ perseverance, noting the team’s “monster season” potential despite the narrow loss. “You lose a heart‑breaker when you did all the work you did for it,” Odom added, expressing confidence the squad will bounce back.
Looking ahead
Wake Forest will host Miami on Friday, aiming to build momentum from the hard‑earned victory. Purdue’s next challenge comes at UCLA next Saturday, where the Boilermakers will look to rebound and continue their pursuit of a strong season.
The game showcased the excitement of college football, with both programs demonstrating skill, determination, and the kind of competitive fire that resonates with fans across the nation.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
