TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Sam Swank missed three field goals but still was the only Deacon who could score.
Not that it mattered. Florida State turned the ball over seven times, enabling Wake Forest to hold on to a 12-3 win — its third straight over the Seminoles.
With Wake's offense ineffective and unable to muster any consistency in face of FSU defensive pressure, the Deac were able to control much of the game with defense.
They increased their lead with a 49-yard field goal by Swank with 4:30 remaining. Swank, who kicked the game-winning field goal in Wake's last game, missed field goals of 27-, 48- and 32- yards.
Florida State had cut the score to 6-3 with a 37-yard field goal by Graham Gano with 6:45 remaining in the third quarter, but were also unable to crack the end zone.
It was the first field goal Wake has allowed this season.
With 79,235 fans here at Doak Campbell Stadium expecting a shootout between these two teams, they instead witnessed both teams struggle to get the ball in the end zone.
The Demon Deacons were more successful getting inside Florida State's red zone, but twice failed in the second quarter to score points while in prime position.
An interception by Wake senior Kevin Patterson late in the second quarter created one of those chances as the Deacs took over with 1 minute, 10 seconds remaining in the half.
On the second play of the series, with Deacs at the 13 yardline, junior quarterback Riley Skinner scrambled on a keeper, racing up the left sideline. He could have gone out of bounds at the 1, but chose to stay in bounds, where he fumbled.
FSU's Korey Mangum recovered the fumble at the 2.
It was Skinner's second fumble of the second quarter, while the Deacs failed to score a point in the a quarter for the first time in 11 straight contest.
Edward joined the News & Observer staff in 2004. He is a graduate of American University and Johns Hopkins University. He covers Wake Forest football and women's college basketball for the N&O. Edward is a native of Washington, D.C. He can be reached at 829-4781 or 
Comments
noles over rated
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 11:11 — daytrading (not verified)I knew FSU's offense was over rated. They scheduled and paid 2 high schools teams to get their butts wipped. Now they play a real defense and that nimber 24 ranking gets exposed as a 42 ranking. Wake has their number.
something we can all agree on
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 09:27 — JPDOhioEveryone knows that the passion and conflict associated with NC State, UNC and ECU are what ACCNOW is all about. But is there anyone who is not happy to see Wake beat Fla State again?
Carlton Tudor - Out of Touch
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 02:06 — Anonymous (not verified)Tudor needs to retire. He's living in the past. He ignorantly predicted FSU wins big over Wake. He knows squat about ACC football these days. Wake fans are waiting for a BIG apology.
Turnovers
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 01:47 — MIKEDEAC (not verified)Seven turnovers, not six with 5 INT's and two fumbles.
Error corrected
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 03:44 — rcarter (not verified)That's my fault. Thanks for pointing it out.
free shoes has thrown like 3
Sat, 09/20/2008 - 22:18 — gvillegatrfree shoes has thrown like 3 or 4 int's since my last post!!
and if this is Jimbo Fishers
Sat, 09/20/2008 - 21:50 — gvillegatrand if this is Jimbo Fishers idea f an offense ... well, good luck Criminole fans!
is it me or does it appear
Sat, 09/20/2008 - 21:49 — gvillegatris it me or does it appear Wake is going to lose b/c they continue to allow a joke of a team like FSU to hang around.