The Wake Forest University Demon Deacons and the Florida State University Seminoles have a long-standing rivalry in various sports, particularly in football. Both teams are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and have a history of competitive matches. In this article, we will delve into the history of the rivalry, notable games, and the current state of the teams.
History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between Wake Forest and Florida State took place in 1956, with the Seminoles winning 13-0. Since then, the two teams have played each other 37 times, with Florida State leading the series 25-9-1. The rivalry gained more significance when Florida State joined the ACC in 1991, as both teams began to compete regularly in conference play.
Notable Games
One of the most notable games in the series was the 2006 matchup, where Wake Forest upset Florida State 30-0. This victory marked the first time the Demon Deacons had shut out the Seminoles in the series. Another notable game was the 2011 matchup, where Florida State won 31-0, marking the first time the Seminoles had shut out the Demon Deacons since 1998.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Wake Forest | 30-0 |
| 2011 | Florida State | 31-0 |
| 2017 | Wake Forest | 37-35 |
The 2017 matchup was another notable game, where Wake Forest won 37-35 in a close contest. This victory marked the Demon Deacons' first win over the Seminoles since 2011.
Current State of the Teams
Both Wake Forest and Florida State have experienced ups and downs in recent years. The Demon Deacons have had success under the leadership of head coach Dave Clawson, who has led the team to four bowl game appearances since 2016. The Seminoles, on the other hand, have struggled to regain their dominance since the departure of head coach Jimbo Fisher in 2017.
Florida State hired Mike Norvell as their new head coach in 2020, and the team has shown signs of improvement under his leadership. The Seminoles have a strong recruiting class and a talented roster, which could lead to a resurgence in the coming years.
Team Statistics
Here are some key statistics for both teams:
- Wake Forest: 2021 record: 11-3, 2021 ACC standings: 2nd in Atlantic Division
- Florida State: 2021 record: 5-7, 2021 ACC standings: 5th in Atlantic Division
- Wake Forest: 2022 recruiting class ranking: 44th nationally, 6th in ACC
- Florida State: 2022 recruiting class ranking: 18th nationally, 3rd in ACC
Both teams have a strong recruiting class and a talented roster, which could lead to an exciting matchup in the 2022 season.
Who has won the most games in the Wake Forest-Florida State series?
+Florida State has won 25 games in the series, while Wake Forest has won 9 games.
What is the largest margin of victory in the series?
+The largest margin of victory in the series was 47 points, when Florida State won 58-11 in 1994.
The Wake Forest-Florida State rivalry is an exciting matchup in the ACC, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the conference. The series has a history of close contests, and the 2022 matchup is expected to be another competitive game.
