Wake Forest won at SMU 49-7 in Dallas, one of the most dominant performances of the season by any team. The Demon Deacons, ranked No. 13, outscored their last four opponents 145-0 in the first half, and coach Jake Dickert said people were struggling to understand how the team was doing it.

The win came despite long odds. Wake Forest sits at No. 65 in the 247Sports Talent Composite, lost high-profile transfers to Texas, Florida and Texas Tech, and replaced them with players from FIU, New Hampshire and Weber State. Quarterback Gio Lopez was thrown to the dustpile after a poor season at North Carolina last year, and Dickert became a head coach only after his boss was fired at Washington State.S1

SMU entered as 1.5-point favorites and had a chance to get back into ACC contention. After falling behind 7-0, the Mustangs went for it on an early fourth down, but Wake Forest stopped them at the line and scored a touchdown five plays later. A swing-pass fumble led to another score, and the lead reached 28-0 quickly. Wake Forest outgained SMU 535-275, held the ball for 37:00 to 23:00, and won the turnover battle 3-1.S1

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings, one of the most productive players in college football, was held to 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception in what was meant to be a celebration of his final game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said his team was whipped in every area. Wake Forest also limited Miami's elite rushing offense to 158 yards earlier in the season, and the team has outgained, outscored, outpassed and outrushed each of its last six opponents.S1

Wake Forest ranks third in the ACC in offense and second in defense. Linebacker Aiden Hall said the defense is firing on all cylinders. With the win, the Demon Deacons sit on the cusp of the College Football Playoff and could rise in the rankings following the result.S1S2