Michael Floyd caught the go-ahead touchdown pass and Notre Dame's defense dominated the second half to pave the way for a 24-17 victory over host Wake Forest on Saturday.

The Fighting Irish (6-3), who trailed 17-10 at halftime, opened the third quarter with two touchdown drives and took the lead on a 16-yard pass from Tommy Rees to Floyd at the 9:04 mark.

The Demon Deacons (5-4) appeared poised to tie it late in the third quarter when they drove to the Notre Dame 8, but Harrison Smith forced a fumble on second and goal that was recovered by Gary Gray.

Wake Forest also had a first-and-goal at the Irish 10 in the fourth quarter, but the march ended with a missed field goal and Notre Dame ran out the remaining 5 minutes, 24 seconds.

Notre Dame looked extremely shaky on defense while giving up an easy touchdown on the game's opening possession, but the Fighting Irish defense limited the Demon Deacons to 100 yards of offense in the second half, including 20 on the ground.

Smith finished with a game-high 11 tackles.

Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood combined for 179 yards rushing to pace the Notre Dame offense, which overcame a pair of turnovers.