Miami 21, No. 12 Florida 16
In the biggest upset of the weekend, Miami proved that it might be back as a legitimate contender in the ACC. Despite gaining just 212 total yards on offense, the Hurricanes’ defense put in a dominant performance, intercepting two passes and forcing three fumbles, the last of which set up Miami’s game-sealing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
No. 4 Clemson 52, South Carolina State 13
Clemson continued its impressive start to the season, thrashing South Carolina State 52-13. The Tigers scored three touchdowns in a five-minute span between the first and second quarters and didn’t look back. Backup quarterback Cole Stoudt went 19-for-20 and threw three touchdowns in the victory.
No. 2 Oregon 59, Virginia 10
Virginia didn’t stand much of a chance against the high-powered Oregon offense. The Ducks scored on their fifth play from scrimmage, a 71-yard touchdown run by quarterback Marcus Mariota. Running back De’Anthony Thomas averaged 11.3 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. The Cavaliers turned the ball over four times in the game—three interceptions and a lost fumble.
Boston College 24, Wake Forest 10
In its first game of ACC play, Boston College defeated Wake Forest to start 2-0 and match its win total from last season. Senior running back Andre Williams led the way for the Eagles, rushing the ball 35 times for 204 yards and a touchdown. Off to a fast start, the Eagles are proving that they won’t be the pushover they were last season.
North Carolina 40, Middle Tennessee 20
Following their difficult season opener against South Carolina last week, the Tar Heels rolled past Middle Tennessee. North Carolina was on easy street, shutting out the Blue Raiders 23-0 in the first half. Quarterback Bryn Renner led the way for the Tar Heels with 339 passing yards and a touchdown. Running back Romar Morris added two more touchdowns on the ground.
Virginia Tech 45, Western Carolina 3
Virginia Tech rebounded from its opening loss against Alabama with a dominant performance against Western Carolina. The Catamounts, now losers of 12 straight games, were no match for the Hokies, who forced Western Carolina quarterback Eddie Sullivan to three interceptions and only two completions in the first half.
No. 19 Northwestern 48, Syracuse 27
Syracuse proved no match for Northwestern, as they cruised to an easy victory against the Orange. The Wildcats were clicking on all cylinders on offense and amassed 581 total yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Northwestern intercepted Syracuse quarterback Drew Allen four times. Three different Orange players recorded rushing touchdowns in the game.
N.C. State 23, Richmond 21
Niklas Sade’s 48-yard field goal with just 33 seconds remaining earned N.C. State a nervous victory against FCS opponent Richmond. Wolfpack signal caller Pete Thomas led an impressive two-minute drill, taking N.C. State from their own 21-yard line to the Spiders’ 31 in just seven plays going 4-of-5 for 31 yards in the process, setting up Sade’s game winning field goal. Freshman fullback Bryant Shirreffs recorded both a rushing and passing touchdown in the contest.
Maryland 47, Old Dominion 10
Maryland’s ground game led the way in a dominant performance against Old Dominion. The Terrapins gained 312 yards on the ground and scored four touchdowns against an inferior Monarchs defense. Running back Brandon Ross and receiver Stefon Diggs each set career highs for yardage in the win, as Ross rushed for 149 yards, and Diggs caught six passes for 179 yards.
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