Everything felt like it was going according to plan for the Mustangs. They walked into Winston-Salem on October 25, 2025, carrying the nation’s longest active conference winning streak. Twenty games. That is a massive number in college football. SMU hadn't lost a regular-season conference game since 2022 back when they were still in the American. They were the "new kids" in the ACC who were actually running the playground.
Then Connor Calvert happened.
Honestly, the SMU vs Wake Forest matchup was one of the ugliest, grittiest, and most statistically confusing games of the entire 2025 season. It was a 13-12 final score. Imagine that. In an era where teams put up 50 points before the third quarter ends, these two teams combined for 25 total points, 17 punts, and 8 turnovers. It was a defensive coordinator's dream and a fantasy football owner's nightmare.
The Streak That Died on a 50-Yard Prayer
SMU’s transition to the ACC had been, up to that point, a fairytale. They’d already knocked off Clemson on the road just a week prior. People were calling it a "trap game" for weeks. You know how it goes—you beat a giant, you get a little bit of "the cheese," and suddenly you're flat against a team that’s 5-2 but playing at home.
The game was a mess from the jump. Through three possessions, Wake Forest had literally negative four yards of total offense, yet somehow they were leading 3-0. It felt like the ball was made of soap. Kevin Jennings, who had been an absolute star for Rhett Lashlee all year, just couldn't find his rhythm. He went 21-for-39 for 171 yards. For a guy who usually carves up secondaries, those are pedestrian numbers.
Why the Defense Won Out
It wasn't just bad offense; the defenses were flying. Terry Webb for SMU was a monster with two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. On the other side, Wake Forest's new look under head coach Jake Dickert—who took over after Dave Clawson stepped down in late 2024—was incredibly disciplined.
They sat in a zone that basically dared Jennings to beat them with short, contested throws. It worked.
The turning point was supposed to be Shaadie Clayton-Johnson’s 6-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. That put SMU up 12-10. But the Mustangs missed the extra point—well, it was blocked—and that single point hung over the stadium like a dark cloud for the rest of the afternoon.
The Final Twelve Seconds
Wake Forest got the ball back with almost no time left. Deshawn Purdie, starting for an injured Robby Ashford, threw a 25-yard dart to Kamrean Johnson to get into field goal range. They spiked the ball. The clock showed 0:00 as the ball left Connor Calvert's foot.
It was a 50-yarder. Calvert had already hit a 25-yarder earlier, but 50? That’s a big ask for a freshman under that kind of pressure. The ball cleared the crossbar by maybe an inch. SMU players didn't even leave the field; they stood there for minutes demanding a review, convinced it had missed. But the refs didn't budge. The streak was over.
It Wasn't Just Football
The SMU vs Wake Forest rivalry—if we can call it that yet—extended into the hardwood too. On February 15, 2025, the Demon Deacons went into Dallas and absolutely silenced Moody Coliseum.
📖 Related: Why Berlin Raceway in Marne Still Dominates West Michigan Racing
Wake Forest won that one 77-66, led by Hunter Sallis who dropped 20. SMU’s Andy Enfield, in his first year, had the Mustangs playing fast, but they couldn't buy a bucket that night. They shot 36% from the floor. It’s weird how both the football and basketball games followed the same script: SMU comes in with momentum, and Wake Forest just grinds them into the dirt with defense.
Key Stats from the Basketball Matchup
- Hunter Sallis: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists.
- Parker Friedrichsen: 5-of-7 from three-point range.
- Chuck Harris: 15 points for SMU (the only real bright spot).
- The Run: Wake opened the second half with a 19-8 run that basically ended the game.
The Real Impact of Realignment
What most people get wrong about these games is the "why." This isn't just about two teams playing; it's about SMU trying to prove they belong in a Power 4 conference. They spent decades in the wilderness after the "Death Penalty" in the 80s. This series with Wake Forest has become a litmus test.
Wake Forest is the established, private-school ACC staple. SMU is the flashy newcomer with the NIL money and the Dallas swagger. When they meet, it's a culture clash.
What to Watch for Next Time
- Quarterback Health: In both matchups, injuries played a role. Keep an eye on the transfer portal, as Wake Forest is already looking at guys like Gio Lopez to solidify the room.
- The "Trap" Mentality: SMU has to learn how to handle the week after a big win. They were Clemson-high and Wake-low.
- Defensive Schemes: Jake Dickert has SMU’s number. Until Lashlee finds a way to crack that zone, the Mustangs will struggle.
If you're betting on or watching the next installment of SMU vs Wake Forest, don't look at the season records. Look at the defensive stats. These games are won in the trenches and on the perimeter, not by the flashy playmakers. The Mustangs are 3-1 all-time in football against the Deacs, but that "1" in the loss column is the only one that feels relevant right now because it happened when the stakes were highest.
👉 See also: Way Too Early 2025 NFL Mock Draft: What Most People Get Wrong
The next step is simple: watch the turnover margin. In the last two major meetings across both sports, the team that won the turnover battle by at least +2 won the game. If you're looking for a winner, start there.