Top Five Moments of the 2022 Wake Forest Football Season
Earlier this month, we looked at the top Wake Forest players that defined the 2022 season. Now, it's time to break down the most pivotal moments.
5. 31-21 road victory over Florida State
Coming off of a soul-crushing double OT loss to Clemson, Wake Forest traveled to Tallahassee for their first ACC road contest. Needing to get back on track, Hartman threw for 234 yards and 2 TDs to seal a 10-point victory.
Fortunately for the Deacs, they played the Noles early in the season. After suffering three losses in a row (Wake Forest, NC State and Clemson), Florida State rallied to win their last six games and finish the season ranked No. 11 in the AP Poll.
This one will be remembered as the most impressive win for the Deacs in 2022.
4. A.T. Perry's 3 TDs lead Wake Forest to 45-35 win over Syracuse on senior day to snap three-game losing skid
It must be something about the Orange.
After posting a ridiculous statline against Syracuse in 2021, 3 catches for 137 yards (45.7 YPC) and 3 TDs, Perry found similar success this time around. Posting 10 catches for 119 yards and 3 TDs, Perry’s efforts were crucial in snapping Wake’s three-game losing skid.
It was only right for A.T. Perry to have a career day his last time playing in Truist Field. Perry leaves Wake Forest as the all-time program leader in receiving touchdowns (28) and holds the program single-season record for receiving touchdowns (15).
READ: Top Players of the 2022 Wake Forest Football Season
3. Sam Hartman secures spot as ACC all-time leading TD passer in final game of season
Entering the season with 72 career passing touchdowns, Sam Hartman needed at least 36 touchdown passes to sit atop the ACC recordbooks. Previously owned by Clemson QB Tajh Boyd (2007-10), Boyd scored a commanding 107 touchdown passes in just four years of play.
In 12 games this season, Hartman needed to average at least 3.0 passing touchdowns a game. Able to tie the record in 11 games, Hartman scored touchdown pass No. 108 in the Gasparilla Bowl against Missouri to officially clinch the record.
Hartman will now look to boost his draft stock with Notre Dame in his final season of eligibility.
2. Stopping Liberty's 2-pt attempt to seal a 37-36 victory
The Deacs found themselves amidst a dogfight trying to close out Hugh Freeze’s Liberty Flames. The Flames’ 28 second-half points kept them in it until the very end, and a crazy touchdown grab from Demario Douglas left Liberty down just one point with 1:11 left to play.
Freeze saw the benefit in taking the lead rather than going for the tie, and it ultimately did not work in the Flames favor. A critical play by linebacker Chase Jones and defensive end Jacorey Johns, caused a failed two-point try and allowed the Deacs to escape with the victory.
This crucial 37-36 win gave the Deacs a 3-0 record entering a highly anticipated home matchup against Clemson.
1. Gasparilla Bowl victory over Missouri
The Gasparilla Bowl proved to be significant in many ways for the Deacs. It was their seventh-straight bowl appearance, their second-straight bowl victory, Sam Hartman’s final game donning the black and gold and more.
The Gasparilla Bowl provided Wake Forest with one more chance to prove the 2022 season was a success, and the Deacs coasted to a 27-17 victory to finish the year with an 8-5 record.
Yet again, the Sam Hartman-to-A.T. Perry connection was crucial in this one. Hartman finished with 280 yards, 3 TDs and an INT, while Perry hauled in 11 catches for 116 yards in their final game as a Deac.
The Deacs will look much different next season, but Wake Forest fans have reason for optimism entering the offseason with a 10-point bowl win over an SEC team.
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