By: Zachary Davis (@assuredfame)
The ACC no longer has any unbeaten teams, in what is proving to be a very competitive conference. Let’s dive in.
#11 Miami Rebounds
After a hard-fought 31-20 loss to Alabama last week, Miami bounced back with a 44-34 win over Colorado, though it was far from easy.
The Hurricanes appeared to be in control at halftime, leading 31-13. However, Colorado roared back, scoring 14 unanswered points and limiting Miami to just a field goal in the third quarter, cutting the lead to 34-27 heading into the final period. Momentum seemed to shift when Miami was stopped on 4th-and-goal at the 1-yard line, settling for a field goal to make it 37-27.
Colorado got the ball back with just under seven minutes left, feeding star halfback Taylor James on a promising drive. But on a crucial 3rd-and-12 with 5:44 remaining, Miami’s defense came up big with a sack, forcing a punt. The Hurricanes then responded with an impressive drive, capped by HB Donovan Walls’ touchdown run, putting Miami up 44-27 with just over three minutes left. Colorado managed a late touchdown but couldn’t recover the onside kick, sealing the victory for Miami.
The player of the game was HB Bo Yost, who dominated with 143 rushing yards on 24 carries, a rushing touchdown, and added 55 receiving yards and another score through the air.
Black Diamond Trophy
Virginia Tech‘s victory was made, in large part, by an outstanding performance from Quarterback Saint Major. He threw for 507 yards and 5 touchdowns with no interceptions. Major’s precision and ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers, including standout performances from WRs Aloysius Jefferies (161 yards, 1 TD) and Savannah Olzer (105 yards, 2 TDs), powered the Hokies’ offense.
Despite a relatively quiet running game, Virginia Tech’s aerial attack was enough to secure a commanding 47-37 win. The game was a battle of quarterbacks, with West Virginia’s Gunner Rice also putting up impressive numbers (267 passing yards, 2 TDs as well as 152 rushing yards, 2 TDs), but it was Major’s consistency and decision-making that gave Virginia Tech the edge. Both teams fought hard, but the Hokies’ defense made key plays when needed, including 3 sacks and an interception by CB Noah Johnson, which helped to disrupt West Virginia’s offensive flow. Ultimately, Major’s leadership and explosive passing sealed the game for Virginia Tech.
The Tar Heels Come Up Short
North Carolina fell in a hard-fought game that ended in a 44-23 loss to Auburn. Despite a strong passing performance from quarterback Kevin Price, who threw for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Tar Heels struggled to keep up with Auburn’s relentless offense. Price’s favorite target, WR Broderick Enge, had an impressive outing with 11 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. However, North Carolina’s inability to sustain drives, converting just 38% of their third downs, hindered their momentum.
On defense, OLB Blake Barrow led the team with 13 tackles, while SS Ava Navarro contributed an interception. Auburn’s explosive offense, led by their high-powered passing attack and ground game, put North Carolina on their heels early, scoring 44 points throughout the game. Although North Carolina managed to put up some points late, including a touchdown run from HB Eric Martin, they couldn’t overcome Auburn’s commanding lead.
Special teams had a bright spot, with Chili Sierra and Jaxon Brooks combining for solid kickoff returns, but the game slipped out of reach by the final whistle.
Other Games
Florida State 38, Florida 57
Florida State’s high-powered offense couldn’t overcome defensive struggles, leading to a 57-38 loss against Florida.
Notre Dame 42, Oklahoma 52
Notre Dame fell to Oklahoma 42-52, with a strong offensive showing led by Noir Royal and Olin Norris, but were unable to overcome defensive struggles and costly turnovers.
Clemson 24, Texas A&M 55
Clemson fell 24-55 to Texas A&M, with quarterback Tavon Moss throwing for 346 yards and 1 touchdown while struggling to contain the Aggies’ explosive offense.
Week 3 Matchups
Monday
Florida State at Penn State (8:30 PM CST on Twitch)
Tuesday
Miami at Michigan (6:30 PM CST on Twitch)
North Carolina at Oregon (8:30 PM CST on Twitch)
Wednesday
Virginia Tech at Ohio State (8:30 PM CST on Twitch)
Thursday
Michigan State at Clemson (6:30 PM CST on Twitch)
Notre Dame at USC (8:30 PM CST on YouTube)
