lead with a field goal, however the Cardinals answered with their own field goal and a touchdown in the first quarter to take a 10–3 lead to halftime. In the third quarter, Skinner tied the game on a 30-yard touchdown pass and took a three-point lead in the fourth after a 36-yard field goal. The lead didn't last too long, as the Cardinals scored a quick touchdown and another one later in the quarter. With the scores the Cardinals took a 24–13 win. Even with the loss, the Deacons finished their best season in school history. Postseason Awards Conference Upon winning the conference many Deacons players and coach Jim Grobe received conference honors. Grobe was unanimously named the ACC Coach of the Year by the media. Along with Grobe's honor, Riley Skinner was singled out by the media and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year. Along with the individual awards, nine players, five on the first team, one on the second, and three honorable mention, a Wake Forest record, were named to the All-ACC team. National Two players and once again Jim Grobe were honored as finalists for national awards. Zac Selmon was named as a Wuerffel Trophy finalist, Sam Swank was named as a semifinalist for both the Lou Groza Award and the Ray Guy Award, and Grobe was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. Although none won, Grobe was named coach of the year by five other organizations, including the AP award and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award. Along with the award winners, six players were named by four sources to their All-America teams. Sam Swank was named to the first teams of Rivals.com, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated. Also named by Sports Illustrated were Steve Vallos also on the first team and Jon Abbate and Josh Gattis as honorable mentions. Vallos was also named by the Sporting News to their team. Finally, Jeff Griffin on the second team and Riley Skinner on the third team, were named by the Sporting News to their Freshman All-American team. Roster changes Ten former starters left due to graduation or being drafted in the 2007 NFL Draft. Mauk, who had to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery on his injured throwing arm, graduated and then left to pursue a master's degree. He took advantage of an NCAA rule (later repealed and still later restored) allowing