Wake Forest vs. Louisville Oct 29, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham (3) runs the ball against Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Malik Mustapha (3) during the first quarter at Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons were excited coming into Saturday as they took the field for the first time since moving into the AP Poll Top Ten. They’ll be moving right back out of it after a blowout loss to the Louisville Cardinals that was made possible in large part to a six-turnover third quarter.

Wake Forest came into the game having committed just five turnovers on the entire season but suddenly fell apart in stunning fashion in the second half of their game Saturday. After taking a 14-13 lead into the locker room, they emerged by giving the ball away to the Cardinals in just about every way imaginable.

Their third-quarter futility kicked off with a pick-six touchdown, which was followed by a fumble, and then followed by another fumble, which was then followed by an interception, which was followed by yet another fumble, followed by a punt (thank god), before bookending the quarter with a second pick-six touchdown.

Wake Forest’s terrible day ended with eight total turnovers and a 48-14 drubbing by the 4-3 Cardinals.

There were some strong reactions to the Deacons’ brutal third-quarter showing that encapsulated just how poorly things went for them on a stage where they wanted to impress the nation.

Wake Forest can expect to drop in the polls this week but they’ll get a chance to right the ship next against NC State next weekend.

[The Comeback on Twitter]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.