There were only four games played in the ACC this weekend, but still a lot went down. The Cardinals snapped their ACC-losing streak and Miami almost had a comeback for the ages. Here’s everything that happened in the ACC in Week 6:
Louisville Ends ACC Skid
It had been exactly 686 days since the Cardinals had beaten an ACC opponent. Their nine-game losing streak to conference opponents was snapped on Saturday as Louisville outlasted Boston College 41-39. In a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair, Cards’ quarterback Malik Cunningham completed 13 passes for 288 yards and a TD, while also rushing for another score. With Cunningham dealing with a minor injury, third-string and freshman QB Evan Conley stepped up big-time. Conley threw for 140 yards and a touchdown, as well as led the game-winning drive capped by a field goal from Blanton Creque.
Boston College’s Anthony Brown completed six of seven passes for 193 yards and a TD, but left midway through the game with an apparent knee injury. The Eagles didn’t miss a beat with backup quarterback Dennis Grosel filling in for Brown, though. Grosel threw for 111 yards and three touchdowns to one interception. Running back AJ Dillon had another solid performance, totaling 118 yards on 22 carries; however; BC’s defense could not keep the Cards out of the end zone (or off the scoreboard) all game. The Eagles are off this week while Louisville battles #19 Wake Forest in Winston-Salem next.
Hokies Nearly Blow 28-Point Lead
In another wild ACC matchup this weekend, Virginia Tech edged Miami 42-35 after leading 28-0. Hokie’s Hendon Hooker had an efficient performance, combining for 260 yards, four TDs and zero turnovers. Deshawn McClease’s three-yard TD run with a minute left proved to be the game-winner for Virginia Tech after the Hurricanes had tied it at 35 apiece.
Miami turned to quarterback N’Kosi Perry after freshman Jarren Williams threw seven passes, three of them being intercepted. Perry didn’t shy away from the moment, as he threw for 422 yards and four TDs. Running back DeeJay Dallas’ 62-yard touchdown run knotted the score up at 35-35 before Bubba Baxa missed the extra point and the Hokie’s scored the go-ahead TD. The loss drops the Hurricanes to 0-2 in ACC play for the first time since 2011. Miami hosts 20th ranked Virginia on Friday, while Virginia Tech hosts FCS Rhode Island on Saturday.
Tar Heels, Panthers Pick Up Road Wins
A week after coming up one point short to mighty Clemson, the Tar Heels took care of business on the road against Georgia Tech 38-22. Sam Howell completed 33/51 passes for 376 yards, four TDs and one interception. Running back Javonte Williams added 144 yards and a touchdown on the ground, as the Yellow Jackets gave up nearly 600 yards of offense. Georgia Tech quarterback James Graham went 11 for 24, 171 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. North Carolina is off this week before traveling to Virginia Tech October 19. GT will look to halt a three-game losing streak when they visit Duke on Saturday.
Virginia Tech wasn’t the only ACC team who nearly blew a double-digit lead this weekend. The Panthers led Duke 26-3 before rallying late to win 33-30. Quarterback Kenny Pickett returned to the starting lineup and went 29/48 for 268 yards, three TDs and two turnovers in the narrow victory. Wide receiver V’Lique Carter caught a pass with 38 seconds left and went 26 yards for a touchdown, ending the Blue Devils’ comeback bid. Duke’s Quentin Harris had a rough day, as he completed just 18 passes for 165 yards, one TD and five turnovers. Duke hosts Georgia Tech next, while Pittsburgh has a bye week before facing Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.