Transfer quarterback Robby Ashford threw for 218 yards and scored Wake Forest’s only touchdown as the Demon Deacons survived for a 10-9 victory against visiting Kennesaw State in coach Jake Dickert’s debut with the team Friday night at Winston-Salem, N.C.Dickert, who departed Washington State in December after Dave Clawson left his coaching post with the Demon Deacons, had to rely on his team’s defense.Kennesaw State had a late possession, taking over at its own 16 with 2:07 remaining following a Wake Forest punt. That possession lasted four plays, gaining only one yard. That allowed Wake Forest to run out the clock with kneel-downs because the Owls had no timeouts remaining.It also was the Kennesaw State debut for coach Jerry Mack.Wake Forest held a 10-9 lead entering the fourth quarter after Connor Calvert’s 22-yard field goal.Running back Demond Claiborne, who figured to be the workhorse for Wake Forest’s offense, suffered an injury to his midsection in the first quarter and was finished in the second quarter. He had four carries for 19 yards.Ashford was 20-for-28 in the air.Coleman Bennett rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown for the Owls. Quarterback Dexter Williams III was 12-for-33 for 149 yards, with Gabriel Benyard’s 103 receiving yards coming on five catches.Kennesaw State had 307 yards of total offense compared to Wake Forest’s 348.
