It has been a longstanding tradition for the Clemson football team to be treated to Krispy Kreme doughnuts each and every time the Tigers notched a victory at Wake Forest.
It was a loss on this very field in 2008 that was responsible for Dabo Swinney becoming Clemson’s coach. Then-coach Tommy Bowden was let go two days after a 12-7 defeat against Wake Forest, clearing the way for an unknown wide receivers coach to be elevated.
The Demon Deacons did enough to win the game, with veteran quarterback Sam Hartman playing the leading role. He seemingly mesmerized Clemson’s makeshift secondary time and again in rallying his team from an early 14-0 deficit.Indeed, when Clemson bolted to its 14-0 advantage in the first quarter, it appeared that this game might unfold like so many others have against Wake Forest.
Yet here came Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, intent on matching Hartman blow for blow. Uiagalelei passed for 371 yards and five touchdowns, then fatefully turned the ultimate decision up to a maligned defense that finally drew the line on being victimized.