Vanderbilt vs. Wake Forest football score updates: Will Shepard TD
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Vanderbilt football is back in action after a weather delay in the first quarter delayed play for more than an hour.
AJ Swann had an interception on Vanderbilt’s first possession. A few minutes later, a lightning strike 8 miles from the stadium caused the delay.
The Commodores (2-0) face Wake Forest (1-0) in a lunch game on Saturday after losing 45-25 to the Demon Deacons in 2022. The Demon Deacons, a former repeat opponent, have not hosted Vanderbilt since 2013.
The outcome of the game could determine whether the Commodores reach bowl eligibility in 2023.
Vanderbilt will see the return of defensive end Darren Ajo, offensive tackle Leighton Nelson and defensive lineman Linus Zonk, with safety Derrick Wright and offensive lineman Junior Osibo questionable.
Wake Forest is without receiver Donavon Green due to a knee injury.
Under head coach Dave Clawson and offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero, the Demon Deacons are known for their sluggish net attack, a pass-option-based system that forces the defense to maintain discipline. Vanderbilt will need its strong special teams play to continue playing from the first two weeks without the slow starts that have plagued it.
Vanderbilt vs. Wake Forest score updates
Vanderbilt’s defense did its job on third down, but a Will Sheppard fumble on a punt return was returned for a touchdown with 50 seconds left in the half. Shrinkage, to say the least.
He scored 28 points in the second quarter, this time on a 10-yard TD pass from AJ Swann to Will Sheppard with 1:42 remaining.
Tate Carney’s 1-yard TD run with 6:41 remaining made it 21 points scored in the second quarter between the two teams.
Another jump ball touchdown, this time to Vanderbilt.
The play was upheld on replay, which showed that Shepard’s elbow and butt were inside with 10:03 to play in the second.
Wake Forest quarterback Mitch Griffis capped off a nine-play, 80-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jahmal Banks with 12:55 remaining in the second quarter.
Banks had an amazing landing hit, falling toward the sideline on a jump ball.
First Quarter
Matthew Dennis’ 25-yard field goal put Wake Forest ahead after a weather delay that lasted more than 90 minutes.
The kick came after AJ Swann intercepted Vanderbilt’s opening possession before the delay.
AJ Swann’s deep pass was intercepted on Vanderbilt’s first possession.
Wake Forest took over near Vanderbilt’s 10-yard line before nearby lightning caused a weather delay of the game.
Any lightning strike within 8 miles of the stadium results in a 30-minute delay.
More about slow network How Vanderbilt football can stop Wake Forest’s sluggish offense and why it’s such a big challenge
Vanderbilt Football: Game time, TV channel, today’s betting odds vs. Wake Forest
Starting: 10 am Cairo time
television: ACC Network
Betting Odds: Wake Forest is at 10
