WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Wake Forest football team defeated VMI in front of the largest Opening Night student crowd ever (3,752 students) on Thursday night inside Truist Field. With the 44-10 win, the Demon Deacons have won 10-straight games inside Truist Field, marking the longest home winning streak in program history.
 
The streak dates back to the win over Campbell on Oct. 2, 2020 and is tied for the seventh-longest streak among Power 5 schools. Overall, Wake Forest (1-0) is now 16-2 at home since 2019.
 
Redshirt freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis tossed three touchdowns and threw for 288 yards in his first-career start. Wake Forest was paced on the ground by redshirt junior running back Christian Turner as he had a career-high tying two touchdowns and a personal-best 100 yards.
 
Through the air, the Deacs were led by Paul Hornung Award Watch List honoree Taylor Morin with five receptions for 74 yards and an impressive diving touchdown in the corner of the endzone. 
 
With Jahmal Banks' 14-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, Wake Forest ran its point total to 44, which marked the Demon Deacons third-highest Opening Night tally since the turn of the century. 
 
Defensively, 21 players tallied multiple tackles and redshirt senior defensive back Isaiah Wingfield had a career-day with four tackles and two pass breakups. 
 
Over the last decade, Wake Forest is 9-3 in season openers including a 7-2 record in head coach Dave Clawson's tenure. Additionally, The Deacs hold a mark of 8-1 in home openers in the Clawson era.