App State Athletics Football History vs Wake Forest University

The rivalry between Appalachian State and Wake Forest football is a relatively young one, but it has quickly grown to be one of the most heated in the state of North Carolina. Here's a brief history of the series:

Early Years (1941-1997):

The two teams first met in 1941, with Wake Forest winning 35-0.
The series was sporadic in the early years, with only five games played between 1941 and 1997.
Wake Forest dominated the early encounters, winning all five games by an average margin of 22 points.
Appalachian State's Rise and Rivalry Grows (1998-2013):

The rivalry began to heat up in the late 1990s as Appalachian State, then an FCS powerhouse, challenged Wake Forest to closer games.
In 1998, Appalachian State pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset victory, marking their first win over the Demon Deacons.
The series became more frequent after Appalachian State's victory, with the two teams playing seven times between 1998 and 2013.
The Mountaineers continued to compete well, winning three of those games and keeping the rivalry competitive.
FBS Era and Increased Competition (2014-Present):

Since Appalachian State's transition to the FBS in 2014, the rivalry has taken on a new level of significance.
Both teams have been competing for Sun Belt Conference championships, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.
The series has been tightly contested during this era, with Wake Forest holding a slight 3-2 edge.
The most recent encounter in 2022 saw Wake Forest win a close 34-31 battle, highlighting the continued competitiveness of the rivalry.