{
  "id": 20066074,
  "title": "Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit Apologize to Wake Forest During SMU Game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/pat-mcafee-kirk-herbstreit-apologize-to-wake-forest-during-smu-game",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-14T22:23:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/pat-mcafee-kirk-herbstreit-apologize-to-wake-forest-during-smu-game-12716410"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit issued apologies to Wake Forest following their 49-7 victory over SMU on Saturday. The team had picked SMU to defeat Wake Forest before the game on ESPN's College GameDay. By halftime, the Demon Deacons led the Mustangs 42-0, leaving McAfee and Herbstreit both surprised and regretful.\n\nMcAfee stated in a video posted on Herbstreit's X/Twitter account, \"We should have known. That's on us. We apologize to Wake. Wake is real. We think they're so good. I don't know what we were thinking today.\" Herbstreit added, \"I thought, you know, they're on the road. SMU looked so good last week. I thought maybe they're in a spot to upset Wake. Boy, were we wrong.\"\n\nWake Forest improved to a 9-1 overall record and 6-1 in the ACC with the win. Quarterback Gio Lopez contributed 201 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while four other players (excluding Lopez) each scored a rushing touchdown. The Demon Deacons, who had fallen short to Miami in Week 3, have now won seven consecutive games, showcasing the strength of their program.\n\nHead coach Jake Dickert, in his second season at Wake Forest, has led the team to impressive success. In 2025, the team finished 9-4, following strong performances in 2023 and 2024. After announcing the signing of Dickert to a long-term contract extension, Wake Forest President Rodriguez, Chair of the Board John Currie, and the Wake Forest community expressed their gratitude for his commitment and leadership.\n\nIn a statement, Coach Dickert emphasized the team's dedication to football excellence and the positive impact of his leadership on players, fans, and the entire Demon Deacon community. Athletic Director John Currie also praised Dickert's work, stating that he has done an \"extraordinary job of inspiring belief\" among the players, fans, and the Demon Deacon community. With the season entering its stretch run, the focus remains on continued success and achievements for Wake Forest Football.",
  "summary": "Wake Forest's beating of SMU lead to apologies from two ESPN personalities.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit apologize to Wake Forest after 49-7 victory.",
    "Demon Deacons led SMU 42-0 at halftime, surprising commentators.",
    "Wake Forest improved to 9-1 overall record, 6-1 in ACC with win."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}