No. 7 Miami 14, No 3. Florida St. 41
In what was college football’s most anticipated game of the week, Florida State continued its ACC dominance, handing Miami its first loss of the season. With redshirt freshman sensation Jameis Winston’s throwing two uncharacteristic interceptions, junior running back Devonta Freeman led the way for the Seminoles, recording 78 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and 98 yards receiving and with another touchdown. Miami’s star running back, Duke Johnson recorded 97 yards on 23 carries before leaving the game with an ankle injury.
Although the Hurricanes remain the only team with just one ACC loss, the result has significant implications in the Coastal Division race. Virginia Tech, Duke, and Georgia Tech are all tied in second with two ACC losses each. Virginia Tech will visit Miami this week in a game that Duke fans will be pulling for the Hokies. As surprising as it may be, the Blue Devils are in contention for a Coastal Division title.
Virginia Tech 27, Boston College 34
For the second week in a row, Virginia Tech turned the ball over four times, resulting in an ACC loss. Boston College won its first contest against the Hokies in their last six meetings in large part due to the play of running back Andre Williams, who ran for 166 yards and two scores. Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas threw for 391 yards, two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. The Hokies’ turnovers led to 17 Boston College points, including a 33-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Kevin Pierre-Lewis.
North Carolina 27, NC State 19
North Carolina beat rival N.C. State in Carter-Finley Stadium for the first time since 2005. Sophomore receiver Quinshad Davis led the way for the Tar Heels with two touchdowns on as many receptions, and Wolfpack graduate student quarterback Brandon Mitchell had a much better day with his legs than his arm, running for 105 yards and a touchdown and throwing two interceptions. Both teams now stand at 3-5 overall with UNC improving to 2-3 and NC State remaining winless in conference play.
Pittsburgh 10, Georgia Tech 21
Georgia Tech used a balanced rushing attack and constant quarterback pressure to top Pittsburgh in a crucial matchup between Coastal Division foes. Running backs Robert Godhigh and David Sims combined for 183 yards and three touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets, while their defense recorded a season-high five sacks, two coming from defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu. Pittsburgh was unable to convert a first down in the first quarter and managed only 55 total yards of offense in the first half. The Panthers’ halfback combo of James Conner and Isaac Bennett ran for a mere 19 yards on 14 carries.
No. 9 Clemson 59, Virginia 10
In a lopsided contest in Charlottesville, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd threw for 377 yards and two touchdowns. Playing just one half and one series, the Hampton, Virginia native became the ACC’s career leader in touchdowns, breaking a tie with former N.C. State and current San Diego Charger quarterback Philip Rivers. Sammy Watkins found himself on the receiving end of two Boyd touchdowns, including a 96-yard play in the third quarter. Virginia lost its six game in a row and was officially eliminated from bowl contention.
Wake Forest 0, Syracuse 13
After a scoreless first half, Syracuse scored twice in the third quarter to secure a critical win for their postseason hopes. Quarterback Terel Hunt scored on a 6-yard run to break the tie and freshman defensive end Isaiah Johnson set up another score with an interception moments later. In their first league shutout since 1996, the Orange improved to 4-4, with games against Maryland, Florida State, Pittsburgh and Boston College remaining. Even more significant than the loss for Wake Forest is Michael Campanaro’s left shoulder injury suffered in the first quarter. Campanaro, unquestionably Wake Forest's top offensive weapon, is likely to miss four to six weeks.
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