Week 8 in the ACC offered us just about everything. From big time upsets to six overtimes, it was a wacky weekend that saw 3rd-ranked Clemson move to 7-0 on the season. Here’s everything that you need to know from Week 8 in the ACC:
Hokies Outlast Tar Heels in 6 Overtimes, 43-41
Virginia Tech somehow survived North Carolina in six overtimes on Saturday, the longest ACC game in conference history. Quincy Patterson II’s successful two-point conversion won it for the Hokies in one of the craziest college football games you’ll ever see. VT played three quarterbacks in Hendon Hooker, Ryan Willis and Quincy Patterson II, and all three played well. Hooker got the majority of the snaps, going 8/12 for 127 yards and 1 touchdown. UNC’s Sam Howell had a big day, airing it out for 348 yards and five touchdowns; however, it wasn’t enough. The Tar Heels blew a golden opportunity for a solid ACC road win, as they outgained the Hokies in yardage and forced two turnovers. UNC also had countless opportunities to kick the game-winning FG in OT, but missed each time. Virginia Tech is off this week, while North Carolina plays host to Duke.
Clemson Passes Road Test Against Louisville
After being a closer game than anticipated, the Tigers pulled away from the Cardinals 45-10 for their 23rd consecutive win. Trevor Lawrence threw two first-half interceptions, but played well overall in the road victory. Lawrence went for 233 yards through the air on 20/29 passing and 3 touchdowns, including 47 yards rushing. The Tigers, who rank third in the country in rushing yards per attempt, shredded Louisville for 298 yards on the ground. Clemson’s defense balled out once again, as they held an explosive Louisville offense to just 263 total yards. However, Cards’ running back Javian Hawkins rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown, snapping the Tigers’ streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher at 28 games. Up next for Clemson is a home matchup vs Boston College. Louisville welcomes Bryce Perkins and Virginia.
Georgia Tech Stuns Hurricanes in Miami
Miami was an 18-point favorite vs the Yellow Jackets and were coming off an impressive win over then 20th-ranked Virginia. Georgia Tech had lost four in a row, including a 24-27 loss to the Citadel. This should have been an easy, comfortable win for the Hurricanes.
It wasn’t.
The Yellow Jackets went into Hard Rock Stadium and shocked Miami 28-21 in OT. Jordan Mason rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown, which proved to be the game-winning score. The U’s N’Kosi Perry played well, throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns before getting banged up late. The Hurricanes entered the game with a 93.3% chance to win, and need every win they can get after starting the year 0-2. It may be Manny Diaz’s first season, but his seat sure is getting warm as his team sits at 3-4 overall. He better make adjustments sooner rather than later, as Miami travels to Pittsburgh Friday. Georgia Tech has a bye week before hosting the Panthers.
Other Results:
Pittsburgh: 27, Syracuse: 20 – The Orange made it interesting late, but Pittsburgh’s passing attack was too much to overcome, as Kenny Pickett threw 2 touchdowns on 232 yards passing. The Panther’s defense held a struggling Syracuse offense in check, as the Orange ran for just 51 yards. Pitt ranks sixth in country in rush defense at 2.67 yards per attempt.
Boston College: 45, NC State: 24 – Check this stat out: NC State’s defense had given up 371 rushing yards total through their first six games. On Saturday against BC, they gave up 429 yards rushing. That’s absurd. The Eagles’ AJ Dillon rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns in the blowout win. BC travels to Clemson while the Wolfpack get a much-needed bye week.
Virginia: 48, Duke: 14 – The Cavaliers handled Duke behind Bryce Perkins’ three rushing touchdowns. Virginia’s defense was stellar, limiting the Blue Devils to 250 total yards. In fact, UVA’s rush defense ranks ninth in the country at 2.79 yard per attempt. Duke is the only team in the country with multiple games of fiver or more turnovers.
Wake Forest: 22, FSU: 20 – Nick Sciba made a 25-yard FG with four minutes left that ultimately gave the Demon Deacons the win over Florida State. Cam Akers had a monster day with 30 carries, 157 yards rushing, 42 yards receiving and two touchdowns in the defeat. Why Willie Taggart continues to throw the ball when Cam Akers is averaging five yards per carry is questionable. Wake Forest is off this week and Florida State welcomes Syracuse.