The college football regular season has come to an end, as teams are either making bowl preparations for late December or turning their attention to next season. Rivalry week was not as competitive as year’s past, but there were some key takeaways. Here’s what to know about what happened in Week 14 in the ACC:
On Friday, the Cavaliers did something they hadn’t done since 2003.
They beat Virginia Tech.
In doing so, they clinched the ACC Coastal crown for the first time in school history. Quarterback Bryce Perkins was phenomenal with 311 yards through the air, 164 on the ground and 3 total touchdowns. The Hokies’ Hendon Hooker eclipsed 350+ yards and scored twice in the loss.
With the game tied at 30 apiece and just over a minute left, it was kicker Brian Delaney’s chance to be a hero. Delaney nailed the 48-yard game-winning field goal to end a long, painful losing streak to their crosstown rival. Between the two teams, the offensive numbers were nearly identical. However, it was Virginia’s defense forcing four VT turnovers that impacted the game significantly. The Hokies wait to see their bowl destination while the Cavaliers play Clemson in the ACC Championship this Saturday.
Another win against the Gamecocks means another undefeated regular season for the Tigers.
(Photo by Sean Rayford / the AP)
What else is new?
Behind Trevor Lawrence’s 361 yards and three touchdowns, Clemson beat rival South Carolina for the sixth consecutive time. Travis Etienne added an additional two touchdowns on the ground, totaling 18 touchdowns on the year. Consistency and conference championships have become the standard in Clemson, SC. Barring a stunning loss in the ACC title game, Dabo’s Tigers will be in the College Football Playoff for the fifth year in a row. Get used to it.
(Photo by Joe Sargent / Getty Images)
Behind AJ Dillon’s 32 carries, 178 yards and a 61-yard TD run, the Eagles reached bowl-eligibility in the season finale with the seven-point win over the Panthers. Dennis Grosel didn’t do much (174 total yards, one touchdown), but avoided making the big mistakes.
The Pitt offense had a rough day at the office, coughing up the ball four times. Kenny Pickett threw for 323 yards on 30/40 passing, but no scores and an interception. Both teams are now waiting for their postseason fate, along with the rest of the country.
The Tar Heels got that elusive sixth win with a victory over rival NC State 41-10. Freshman Sam Howell threw for 401 yards and three touchdowns as UNC is going bowling in Year One of Mack Brown’s second stint. The Wolfpack, who were plagued by injuries and transfers, couldn’t muster anything on offense, gaining just 289 total yards. Devin Leary went 7/20 passing, 98 yards, a touchdown and two picks. It was the Tar Heels’ first win in the series since 2015.
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