The Wake Forest Demon Deacons delivered a historic performance against SMU Mustangs, turning Saturday's matchup into a one-sided affair with a commanding 42-0 halftime lead. The Demon Deacons continued their remarkable run of first-half dominance, reaching a milestone that puts them alongside some of college football's most dominant teams.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Wake Forest has outscored its opponents 145-0 in the first half over its last four games. That marks the best first-half point differential by any team across a four-game stretch since Alabama posted a plus-149 mark in 2018 under former head coach Nick Saban. ESPN highlighted the achievement on X, writing, “What a 1st half for the Demon Deacons!”

What a 1st half for the Demon Deacons!

Wake Forest leads SMU 42-0 and have now outscored teams 145-0 in the 1st half in the last 4 games.

That is the best 1st half point differential by any team in a 4-game span since 2018 Alabama (+149)🤯 pic.twitter.com/mCchwK67QC

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 14, 2026

The performance against SMU also added another remarkable entry to Wake Forest's record-breaking run. By scoring 42 unanswered points before halftime, the Demon Deacons recorded the largest halftime lead for an underdog since 2016, according to ESPN's Todd Fuhrman.

Wake Forest's recent surge has been fueled by a dominant stretch against Cal, Virginia, Merrimack and SMU. The team has consistently overwhelmed opponents early, giving its offense plenty of room to control games.

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There is also an Alabama connection behind the team's offensive success. Offensive coordinator Rob Ezell previously played and worked at Alabama under Saban from 2007 to 2010. His experience with the Crimson Tide adds an interesting link to the program Wake Forest is now matching in first-half production.

The Demon Deacons entered the matchup ranked No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings with an 8-1 record. Their latest showing has only strengthened their case as one of the season's biggest surprises.