Nov 8, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Robby Ashford (2) runs with the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Deacs Have Halftime Edge of Nationally Ranked Cavaliers

Originally posted on Wake Forest Demon Deacons on SI
By Blake Robison | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 8:49 PM ET

On College Football Gameday, hosts Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit picked the Wake Forest Demon Deacons over the Virginia Cavaliers. It hasn't been the prettiest game of the season—a growing trend—but the road underdogs have the 12th-ranked Wahoos on the upset alert through 30 minutes.

Highlights of the First Half – Wake Forest at Virginia

After an encouraging 18-yard run by Robby Ashford on the first play from scrimmage, Wake Forest was forced to punt. Kam Robinson blocked Cal Joseph's attempt, setting the Cavaliers up on the Wake 24-yard line. However, the Demon Deacons' defense held strong, and Virginia settled for a field goal.

0–3 Virginia

Virginia's Chandler Morris took a late hit from Travon West and exited the game around the eight-minute mark in the second quarter. Backup Daniel Kaelin immediately busted a 54-yard run, setting the Cavaliers up on the Wake Forest 8-yard line. Once again, the Deacs bent but didn't break.

0–6 Virginia

All hope seemed lost for Wake Forest to score in the first half, but Carlos Hernandez changed that when he returned a Virginia punt 88 yards for a touchdown late in the first half.

7–6 Wake Forest

Following the punt return magic, Dallas Afalava strip-sacked Daniel Kaelin, and Langston Hardy jumped on the ball—it was the first sack for either team. Following the turnover, Connor Calvert connected from 40 yards out.

10–6 Wake Forest

Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Halftime Score: Wake Forest 10 – Virginia 6

It was once again one of those weird Wake Forest halves; Virginia had their chances, yet the Wake Forest defense kept the Deacs alive and well. The Demon Deacon offense also had opportunities, but ultimately stalled after continually garnering minimal momentum.

However, it was the special teams that landed the surprise blow with under two minutes to go in the half, potentially altering the trajectory of tonight's events.

Key Players of the First Half:

Carlos Hernandez

He has struggled a lot this season, particularly against SMU when he muffed two punts, losing one of them. Tonight, he did bobble a punt, but all is forgiven after he masterfully followed a parade of blockers to hit pay dirt.

Wake Forest's Defense

I will specifically highlight Dylan Hazen and Dallas Afalava. Hazen finished the half with a team-leading 5 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Afalava had 4 tackles, with one of them being a strip sack late in the second quarter.

It appears the Demon Deacon defense soundly bounced back from its Florida State beatdown and has returned to normal form.