Quarterback Tevin Washington and his team of running backs beat the Blue Devils to move atop the ACC Coastal Division and to become bowl eligible. Despite the loss to Georgia Tech, Conner Vernon claimed the ACC record for career receiving yards, one of the most notable feats this week around the ACC.
North Carolina 37, Virginia 13
UNC quarterback Bryan Renner had a near perfect day as the Tar Heels easily handled the Cavaliers Thursday night. Renner completed more than 80 percent of his passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with wide receiver Quinshad Davis 16 times and completed two touchdowns to wide receiver Erik Highsmith. UNC safety Tre Boston also picked off Virginia quarterback Phillip Sims for a 36-yard interception return.
Florida State 41, Maryland 14
The Seminoles continued to flaunt their top-ranked defense in their victory of the Terrapins. Florida State's top ranked defense held Maryland to 170 total yards, allowed only 10 first downs, and forced two fumbles. Seminole running back Devonta Freeman rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns, with quarterback EJ Manuel adding another two scores through the air. Maryland could not find the end zone until the second half, when quarterback Shawn Petty found Kevin Dorsey twice for two long touchdowns. With the win over Maryland, Florida State clinches the Atlantic Division and a spot in the ACC championship game.
Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 23
Being behind at the half, the Hokies managed to come back and squeeze by the Eagles in overtime. Virginia Tech did not have a touchdown until the second half, when quarterback Logan Thomas began to take control. After diving into the endzone on
a fourth-and-goal play from the 1-yard line, Thomas connected with receiver Marcus Davis for a 37-yard touchdown. Boston College running back David Dudeck ran 12 yards for a touchdown with four minutes left, followed by the game-tying field goal by Virginia Tech kicker Cody Journell. The Hokies received possession first and secured the victory with a 7-yard pass to tight end Randall Dunn. The Eagles were unable to respond.
Miami 40, South Florida 9
The Hurricanes blew away the Bulls on the rocket arm of quarterback Stephen Morris. Morris completed 21 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns, including an 87-yard bomb to wide open wide receiver Herb Waters and another 65-yard lob to uncovered tight end Clive Walford. Miami’s defense intercepted South Florida's quarterback Matt Floyd twice and forced a fumble. Miami became bowl eligible with the win and can clinch the Coastal Division with a win over Duke this weekend. However, the school is considering self-imposing a post-season ban amidst NCAA investigation of the program. The ban would make Georgia Tech the winner of the Coastal.
Notre Dame 38, Wake Forest 0
The ACC has not had any luck against BCS Championship contender Notre Dame, as Wake Forest became the third team in the conference to fall to the Fighting Irish. The Notre Dame defense was impenetrable, holding the Demon Deacons to 209 total yards and allowing only nine first downs. Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson completed three touchdown passes and recorded 346 yards passing. With this shutout and losses by former No. 1 Kansas State and No. 2 Oregon, Notre Dame stands at the top of both the AP and Coaches Poll and are making a strong case for a trip to the BCS championship game.
Clemson 62, North Carolina State 48
Clemson and its opponents continue to rack up ridiculous scores, as 14 touchdowns were scored in this basketball-esque battle. Tiger quarterback Tahj Boyd seemed unstoppable, throwing for 426 yards and five touchdowns in addition to his 103 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon looked equally as impressive through the air, amassing 493 yards and five touchdowns. The game concluded with a total of 1,351 offensive yards, 754 of which came from Clemson. Even though both offenses were clicking, each team committed two turnovers.
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