WINSTON-SALEM – In a showdown between ACC rivals, the North Carolina State Wolfpack asserted their dominance over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in a resounding victory, triumphing 26-6 in a game that showcased their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.

How it Happened

In the first quarter, quarterback Brennan Armstrong connected with J. Gray for a 20-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for their offensive prowess. The Wolfpack continued their scoring spree in the second quarter, with Armstrong rushing for a 1-yard touchdown and Delbert Mimms III adding another 1-yard rushing touchdown. The fourth quarter saw the Wolfpack extending their lead with a 45-yard field goal by Narveson. The Demon Deacons managed to score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter with Michael Kern throwing a 19-yard pass to Deuce Alexander. Interestingly, the Wolfpack's Jaylon Scott intercepted the Demon Deacons' two-point attempt and raced 100 yards for the defensive PAT, setting the final score at 26-6 in favor of the Wolfpack.

Offensive Showdown

The Wolfpack’s quarterback, Brennan Armstrong, had a solid performance, completing 12 of 17 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown. Armstrong also showcased his versatility on the ground, rushing for 96 yards and one touchdown on 15 attempts. Armstrong’s rushing efforts were complemented by a well-distributed ground attack featuring KC Concepcion (86 yards), Kendrick Raphael (54 yards), and Delbert Mimms III (35 yards, one touchdown). The team’s rushing unit totaled an impressive 268 yards on 50 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. In the receiving department, Julian Gray hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass, contributing to a receiving corps that accumulated 111 yards overall. Armstrong distributed the ball effectively, with Keyon Lesane leading the receiving chart with four receptions for 27 yards.

Demon Deacons Struggle to Find Momentum

On the other side of the field, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons faced a tough challenge against the stout Wolfpack defense. Quarterback Michael Kern threw for 156 yards, completing 14 of 26 attempts, and connected with Deuce Alexander for a 19-yard touchdown pass. However, the Demon Deacons were unable to establish a consistent ground game, managing only seven rushing yards on 18 attempts.

Defensive Standouts

The defensive battle was equally intense, with both teams making notable plays. For the Wolfpack, linebacker Jaylon Scott and linebacker Payton Wilson stood out, combining for 15 tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. Safety Sean Brown made a crucial interception, adding to a formidable defensive effort that held the Demon Deacons to just one touchdown. Wake Forest’s defense, led by linebacker Dylan Hazen and defensive back Chelen Garnes, showed resilience despite the challenging circumstances. Hazen recorded 14 tackles, while Garnes contributed with a sack and a tackle for loss.

Key Stats and Analysis

The game statistics reflected the Wolfpack’s dominance, as they outgained the Demon Deacons in total yards (379-163), passing yards (111-156), and rushing yards (268-7). The Wolfpack converted 5 of 14 third downs, while the Demon Deacons struggled, managing only 1 of 12.

The Takeaway

With this convincing win, the NC State Wolfpack (7-3, 4-2) improved their record and solidified their position in the competitive ACC. The team showcased a balanced offensive attack and a stingy defense, signaling their readiness for future challenges in the conference. The Demon Deacons (4-6, 1-6), on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their offensive struggles as they look to bounce back in the remaining games of the season, needing to win both games to become bowl eligible.

RALEIGH – The NC State Wolfpack delivered an electrifying performance at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, securing a 24-17 victory over the Clemson Tigers in a game that had the Wolfpack faithful in a frenzy of excitement when the final horn sounded. With this win, head coach Dave Doeren celebrated his 100th career victory and tied the program record for most wins with 77, alongside Earle Edwards, who set the mark in 1970.

Freshman sensation KC Concepcion stole the show, notching two crucial touchdowns and showcasing his incredible versatility. Concepcion hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback MJ Morris, capping off a remarkable catch-and-run in the third quarter. His performance didn't stop there, as he also led the team in rushing, accumulating 51 yards on the ground.

The game began with a nine-yard touchdown connection between Morris and Concepcion, giving NC State an early 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack extended their lead with a 41-yard field goal from Brayden Narveson after an impressive 55-yard drive. Clemson managed to narrow the gap with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Phil Mafah, bringing the score to 10-7 in favor of NC State.

Just before halftime, Clemson had an opportunity to level the score with a field goal, but an NC State timeout disrupted their plans, keeping the score at 10-7. The Wolfpack defense stepped up in a big way, with Payton Wilson making a spectacular 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving NC State a 17-7 lead.

NC State's offensive momentum continued, with Morris and Concepcion connecting once again for a 72-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to its largest margin of the day. While Clemson managed to put together 10 consecutive points, it wasn't enough to overcome the Wolfpack's lead.

The Wolfpack defense played a pivotal role in this victory, forcing two turnovers, securing two sacks, and making nine tackles for a loss. Linebacker Sean Brown led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, and Jaylon Scott was right behind with 10 tackles.

The victory marks the second straight time NC State has defeated Clemson at home, and the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have lost back-to-back games. The Wolfpack now stands at 5-3 (2-2 ACC), moving within one game of securing a bowl berth.

Up next, NC State will face Miami in another crucial ACC matchup at Carter-Finley on Saturday, November 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m., broadcast on the ACC Network. The Wolfpack faithful have every reason to be excited about their team's resurgence after this impressive win over Clemson.

CHAPEL HILL – In a college football showdown that had fans that no one expected to be close but left fans on the edge of their seats, the Virginia Cavaliers narrowly defeated the #10 North Carolina Tar Heels, 31-27, on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions with both teams showing immense determination and skill, but in the end, it was the Cavaliers who emerged victorious.

First Quarter: Cavaliers Take Early Lead

The game started with a bang as the Virginia Cavaliers drew first blood with a brilliant 11-yard rushing touchdown by #7 Mike Hollins. The 7-play, 51-yard drive set the tone for an intense matchup. Kicker #41 Will Bettridge was successful with the extra point, and Virginia took an early 7-0 lead. However, the Tar Heels wasted no time in responding. Quarterback Drake Maye connected with Tez Walker for a 25-yard touchdown pass, which was expertly executed. Noah Burnette’s successful extra point tied the game at 7-7. Virginia wasn’t done in the first quarter, as Mike Hollins found the end zone again with a 3-yard rushing touchdown. The Cavaliers reclaimed the lead, finishing the quarter 14-7.

Second Quarter: Tar Heels Strike Back

The Tar Heels showed their resilience in the second quarter. Quarterback Drake Maye showcased his arm strength by throwing a 62-yard bomb to Bryson Nesbit, who raced to hit paydirt. Noah Burnette’s successful extra point once again tied the game at 14-14. Armani Chatman’s interception in the end zone late in the quarter secured North Carolina’s tenth scoreless quarter of the year. With just seconds left in the first half, Burnette added a 43-yard field goal for North Carolina, making him the the first Tar Heel kicker to make his first ten field goals in a season since Connor Barth in 2006. The Tar Heels took a 17-14 lead into halftime. 

Third Quarter: Tar Heels Maintain Control

North Carolina continued to build on their lead in the third quarter as Drake Maye rushed for a 3-yard touchdown. The Tar Heels were up 24-14 following Burnette’s extra point. Virginia responded as Mike Hollins plowed through the Tar Heels’ defense for a 1-yard touchdown. The score was 24-21 after Will Bettridge’s extra point. Late in the third quarter, Virginia managed to level the game at 24-24 with a 45-yard field goal by Bettridge.

Fourth Quarter: Cavaliers Seal the Win

In the final quarter, North Carolina briefly took the lead with a 27-yard field goal from Noah Burnette, making it 27-24 in favor of the Tar Heels, marking his fourth straight game with multiple field goals. Virginia, however, staged a remarkable comeback. Quarterback Tony Muskett threw a 14-yard pass to Malik Washington, who found the end zone. Will Bettridge’s extra point gave the Cavaliers a 31-27 lead. Despite North Carolina’s best efforts, they couldn’t overcome Virginia’s stout defense in the final moments. 

Player Performances

Virginia’s offensive efforts were led by Mike Hollins, who rushed for three touchdowns. Tony Muskett passed for 208 yards and threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Malik Washington. Mike Hollins scored three touchdowns for the Cavaliers.

North Carolina’s Drake Maye had an impressive performance, running for a score and throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns, including a stunning 62-yard pass to Bryson Nesbit. Tez Walker caught 11 passes for 146 yards and one touchdown.

They Said It

Mack Brown: “Obviously, tonight was a disappointing loss for us. Congratulations to Virginia, they out-coached us and played better than us tonight. You don’t normally win the game when you give up 228 yards rushing and only rush for 143. We had chance after chance, but I think you'd have to say that we as coaches didn't prepare our guys very well…This week, we talked about poisoned cheese and we ate it. Tonight, we didn't punt the ball well, we were inconsistent on offense and we didn't score in the red zone when we needed to. We were four of 13 on third downs while they were eight of eight. We had a chance to win the game two times and didn't do it… Again, on critical plays, they made the plays and we didn't. I am disappointed tonight that we didn't play about like we did last year against him. Our guys played hard but we just didn't make plays. Now, we have to go back to work and go to Georgia Tech next week.” 

Up Next

North Carolina (6-1, 3-1) will play three of their last five games on the road, starting with a game against Georgia Tech (3-4, 2-2). Virginia (2-5, 1-2) remains on the road, traveling to Miami.

DURHAM – The No. 17 Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0) delivered an impressive performance at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday night, sealing a commanding 24-3 victory over the NC State Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2). Duke's defense shone brightly, allowing just three points, marking the fewest points scored by NC State since 2014. This ACC clash was characterized by explosive plays, defensive prowess, and a young quarterback's promising debut.

The game began with NC State taking an early lead, as Brayden Narveson drilled a career-long 57-yard field goal on the Wolfpack's opening possession. This kick set a new program record for the longest field goal, surpassing Damon Hartman's 56-yard mark from 1990.

Duke quickly responded with a two-play, 90-yard drive that saw redshirt freshman Henry Belin IV connect with redshirt senior Jalon Calhoun for a stunning 69-yard touchdown reception. This play gave the Blue Devils a lead they wouldn't relinquish, making it 7-3 with 6:26 left in the first quarter.

Before heading into halftime, Duke extended their lead to 17-3 with a career-long 52-yard field goal from Todd Pelino and an eight-yard touchdown reception by Jeremiah Hasley, his first career score. The defensive dominance displayed by the Blue Devils was evident, limiting the Wolfpack to just a single field goal.

In the second half, graduate Jordan Waters made a significant impact by rumbling for an impressive 83-yard touchdown run, securing the win for Duke with a final score of 24-3. This run tied for the third-longest touchdown in program history.

The standout performance was not limited to the offense. The Blue Devil defense recorded a season-high four sacks and eight tackles for loss, holding NC State to its fewest points scored in an ACC game since 2008.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman was a force to be reckoned with, tallying a career-high 15 tackles and claiming his first career interception. The last Duke player to record 15 or more tackles in a game was Shaka Heyward in 2021.

With this victory, Duke maintained their unblemished record in ACC play, setting up an exciting matchup against unbeaten and No. 4 ranked Florida State on October 21. The Seminoles are coming off a dominant 41-3 win over Syracuse, promising another thrilling showdown in the weeks to come.

DURHAM – In a heart-pounding college football clash that played to the final whistle, No. 17 Duke went head-to-head with No. 11 Notre Dame at a raucous Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. The game lived up to its top-25 billing, culminating in a thrilling finish that left spectators breathless. Duke, initially trailing 10-0 at halftime and 13-0 in the second half, mounted a remarkable comeback. Their persistence paid off as they took a 14-13 lead late in the game, fueled by a third-quarter touchdown from Jordan Waters and a fourth-quarter strike from Riley Leonard to Jordan Moore with just over nine minutes remaining.

However, the Fighting Irish, displaying their championship mettle, clawed back and orchestrated a game-winning drive. The turning point came on a crucial fourth-and-16 play when Notre Dame's quarterback, Sam Hartman, scrambled for 17 yards, keeping their hopes alive. Two plays later, Audric Estime broke free for a game-winning 30-yard touchdown rush with a mere 31 seconds left on the clock, stunning the Blue Devils with a final score of 21-14.

For Duke, it was a tough loss, ending their impressive six-game winning streak that had stretched back to last season. The Blue Devils now stand at 4-1, while the Fighting Irish improved to 5-1. 

Quarterback Riley Leonard played a pivotal role, accounting for 134 passing yards and leading the ground attack with 88 rushing yards on 18 carries. Duke's ground game, dominant throughout the contest, outgained Notre Dame on the turf, accumulating 189 yards compared to the Irish's 159.

The game marked a historic moment with the largest home crowd at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium since November 11, 1989, as 40,768 fans filled the stands. Notably, Jordan Waters continued his scoring streak with a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games, a feat not achieved by a Blue Devil since Riley Leonard in 2022. Jordan Moore contributed significantly with four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, bringing his receiving touchdown tally to eight.

On the defensive side, redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including half a sack and a tackle for loss. Graduate safety Jeremiah Lewis also impressed with more than 10 tackles for the second time in his career. Notably, Duke's defense prevented Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman from finding the end zone through the air for the first time this season.

Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Duke head coach Mike Elko acknowledged the fantastic atmosphere created by the Duke community, especially on a day that began with ESPN College GameDay's first-ever visit to the campus. Elko commended the resilience and character of his team while expressing regret about missed opportunities and the critical fourth-and-16 play that swung the game in Notre Dame's favor.

With an open week ahead, Duke now looks forward to preparing for their next challenge against NC State at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, with the kickoff time yet to be announced. As they regroup and analyze their performance, the Blue Devils remain confident in their abilities and determined to bounce back stronger in the coming weeks.

 CHARLOTTE – Both the Clemson Tigers and North Carolina Tar Heels came into Saturday night’s ACC Championship Game off losses to their rivals and looking for a big win to secure a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Clemson's streak of six straight conference titles was snapped in 2021 and the Tigers were looking to reclaim their spot atop the conference. North Carolina was making its second trip to the conference title game and looking for its first title since 1980. The two schools met in the 2015 championship game with Clemson taking the title, 45-37. The 2022 edition of this matchup would not have the same fireworks with the Clemson Tigers overcoming a slow start to eventually blow away the Tar Heels, 39-10, in front of a raucous crowd of 64,115.

North Carolina opened the game strong, forcing a three-and-out on defense and then marching seventy-eight yards on eleven plays to land on the scoreboard first with a Drake Maye three-yard keeper. The Tar Heels were unable to maintain the early upper hand, though, as the UNC offense could only muster three more points the rest of the evening.

Former Weddington standout RB Will Shipley stretches for the pylon. Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Dabo Swinney’s decision to swap quarterbacks paid dividends for the fifteenth-year head coach. After starting sluggishly on offense, Cade Klubnik came into the game on the third drive and the Tigers’ offense began to roar. Completing his first ten passes, including a one-yard touchdown toss to Davis Allen, catching a pass to set up a Phil Mafah rushing touchdown, and taking one in himself for another score, the freshman signal caller paced the Tigers to a three-score halftime lead.

Just when it looked like the Tar Heels were about to get back in the game in the third quarter, Clemson quarterback Nate Wiggins stepped in front of a pass at the two-yard line and raced the ninety-eight yards to the end zone for the spectacular pick-six. At this point, the rout was on and the only enemy of the Tigers was the clock.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – the redshirt freshman passed for 268 yards and rushed for the Tar Heels’ lone touchdown

Will Shipley (Weddington) the sophomore running back scored a touchdown in the third quarter.

Trenton Simpson (Mallard Creek) the junior linebacker had eight tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and two quarterback hurries.

Up Next

Clemson (11-2) will represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl while North Carolina (9-4) will learn its bowl assignment on Sunday afternoon.

WINSTON-SALEM – Drake Maye threw for 448 yards and three
touchdowns and ran for a touchdown to lead the #15 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels
to a 36-34 win over Wake Forest on Saturday evening. Sam Hartman had 320 yards
and four touchdowns in the losing effort for the Demon Deacons.

UNC came out strong in the first quarter with Maye
connecting with Josh Downs, their first of three touchdown connections on the
night, six minutes into the game. The Tar Heels scored touchdowns on four of
their first five drives of the night.

When it seemed like the top-fifteen Heels were going to run
away with the game, the Wake Forest offense came alive, tallying touchdowns on three
straight drives in the first half, making it a one-score game at the half.

The Demon Deacons used the third quarter to take the lead
over the Tar Heels, with Hartman netting two of his scoring passes in the quarter.
After AT Perry made a great grab to give the home team the lead, Maye responded
for the Tar Heels, running it in from five yards out. It was the last touchdown
the Tar Heels would score on the evening. Wake Forest’s Donavon Green got
behind the defense, snagged in a ball from Hartman, and raced sixty yards to
the end zone to give the Demon Deacons a one-point lead going into the final
quarter.

North Carolina started the fourth quarter on the Wake Forest
one-yard line, but the Demon Deacons defense stepped up and stuffed the Tar Heels,
keeping them out of the end zone and turning them over on downs. Wake Forest
then marched ninety-one yards down the field on eleven plays before the UNC
defense returned the favor, stopping the Demon Deacons on downs. The decision
to not kick the field goal would come back to haunt Wake Forest as Noah
Burnette was able to kick the go-ahead field goal for the Tar Heels, giving
them a two-point lead, a margin that held through the final whistle.

Key Stats

North Carolina was 10 of 16 on third down while Wake Forest
was 3 of 12. Wake Forest was 4 of 6 on fourth down, though.

North Carolina led the time of possession battle, 33:02 to
26:58.

Both teams were great in the red zone with North Carolina
scoring six times on eight tries with Wake Forest scoring on three of their four
trips.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – The redshirt freshman was 31 of 49
for 448 yards and three touchdowns while leading the team with 71 rushing yards
and a touchdown.

Sam Hartman (Davidson Day) – The senior quarterback threw
for 320 yards and four touchdowns. Hartman became just the second quarterback to
throw for over 100 touchdowns in his career.

Donavon Green (Mount Airy) – The sophomore receiver scored two
touchdowns on the evening for Wake Forest.

Cedric Gray (Ardrey Kell) – The junior linebacker led the Tar
Heels with nine tackles, including five solo tackles.

Next Week

Both teams are at home next Saturday as North Carolina (9-1,
6-0) hosts Georgia Tech at 5:30pm while Wake Forest (6-4, 2-4) hosts Syracuse
at 8:00 pm.

RALEIGH – A top 25 matchup of two in-state schools does not
happen that often in the state of North Carolina. Wake Forest and NC State,
both with high hopes opening the season, were looking to finish the last
quarter of the regular season strong and a win in this game would put either
team in prime position for a high-profile bowl later on. In the end, it was NC
State, behind a three-touchdown effort by freshman quarterback MJ Morris, who
emerged victorious, 30-21 over the Demon Deacons.

After forcing a quick punt to open the game, Wake Forest
looked like they were in business to grab the momentum early on. That hope was
short-lived as Jakeen Harris picked off a Wake Forest pass and returned it
across midfield, but the Wolfpack were only able to turn it into a Christopher
Dunn field goal, the only scoring over the first nineteen minutes of the game.
The second quarter showed off both teams’ offenses with each team scoring twice
before the half. Christian Turner’s rushing score was answered by MJ Morris
finding Keyon Lesane. Sam Hartman’s scoring toss to Taylor Morin was answered
by Morris hitting Darryl Jones in the end zone. The two connected for another
score in the third quarter. Another Dunn field goal saw the Wolfpack heading
into the final quarter with a 27-14 lead.

Wake Forest wasn’t done, though, driving ninety-nine yards
on a drive halfway through the fourth quarter and making it a one-score game
after Sam Hartman’s twenty-nine-yard pass to AT Perry. NC State wasn’t going to
be denied, and Christopher Dunn’s third field goal of the night put the game
out of reach.

Defensively, Aydan White and Jakeen Harris tallied second-half interceptions for the Wolfpack. Isaiah Moore and Drake Thomas were
monsters roaming the field for NC State, combining for eighteen tackles,
including five for a loss, and three sacks. The Wake Forest defense was paced
by Ryan Smenda, Jr., who tallied sixteen tackles on the evening.

Next Week

NC State (7-2) is back at Carter-Finley Stadium hosting
Boston College at 3:30 pm while Wake Forest (6-3) plays another in-state rival,
North Carolina, at 7:30 at Truist Field in Winston-Salem.

DURHAM – An eight-yard Drake Maye touchdown pass to Antoine
Green at the edge of the endzone with 16 seconds left helped the North Carolina
Tar Heels escape Durham with a 38-35 win over the Duke Blue Devils the latest
installment of this Tobacco Road “Victory Bell” rivalry.

North Carolina opened the scoring with a 45-yard Noah
Burnette field goal to take the early 3-0 edge. Duke quickly responded with an
eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a two-yard rushing score by
Waters. The Tar Heels jumped back in front 10-7 following a 10-yard touchdown
reception by Kamari Morales from Drake Maye with under five minutes to play in
the opening frame.

The Blue Devils answered with fourteen consecutive points in the
second quarter following rushing scores by Leonard and Jaquez Moore. Leonard
broke free for a 74-yard scamper, while Moore found paydirt from two yards out
to make it a 21-10 ballgame. The visitors sparked a rally of their own, scoring
21-straight points with a Caleb Hood reception and two Elijah Green rushing
scores to pull back in front at 31-21 with 3:54 remaining in the third quarter.

Duke again had an answer as Sahmir Hagans and Jordan Waters
posted back-to-back touchdowns to take the 35-31 advantage with 10:12 left to
play. Holding onto the slim four-point lead late in the game, the Blue Devils
were at the North Carolina 11-yard line but couldn't find the end zone after
consecutive penalties shifted them back, forcing them to settle for a 43-yard
field goal attempts, which sailed wide right giving the Tar Heels hope.

North Carolina then drove 74 yards in nine plays to register
the game-winning score with 16 seconds remaining.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – The freshman quarterback finished
with 380 passing yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Jordan Waters (Fairmont) – the redshirt junior running back
scored two touchdowns and ran for 91 yards.

Caleb Hood (Richmond) – the sophomore running back ran for
48 yards, caught five passes, and score one touchdown.

Up Next

North Carolina is off next Saturday and will host Pittsburgh
on October 29 while Duke travels to take on Miami.

CLEMSON – The No. 10 NC State football team dropped its first game of the season in a 30-20 defeat at No. 5 Clemson Saturday night at the Tigers' Memorial Stadium.

Devin Leary led the Pack with two passing touchdowns on 28 of 47 passing. Leary also ran for a score. Thayer Thomas led the team with nine receptions for eighty-four yards. Linebacker Payton Wilson was the defensive leader for NC State with eleven tackles, including six solo stops, and a tackle for loss.

Up Next

NC State hosts Florida State next Saturday night on ACC Network.

WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest University's fourth sellout crowd (32,903) in its last five games inside Truist Field witnessed a double-overtime classic between No. 16 Wake Forest and No. 5 Clemson. In front of a national television audience on ABC, the Demon Deacons battled the Tigers to the wire and eventually fell in double overtime, 51-45. 

Wake Forest amassed 447 yards on offense and redshirt junior quarterback Sam Hartman tossed a Demon Deacons record six touchdowns. The six touchdown passes marked the most against the Clemson Tigers since current Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields threw six of his own on Jan. 1, 2021 in the Sugar Bowl. Additionally on Saturday, the Charlotte native finished 20-of-29 passing for 337 yards to go along with the half-dozen scores.  

Sophomore wideout Jahmal Banks caught a pair of touchdown passes for the second-straight game and redshirt sophomore Donavon Greene reeled in his first touchdown pass since Nov. 14, 2020 against North Carolina. Also with his eight-yard touchdown catch in the first overtime, redshirt junior wide receiver A.T. Perry tallied his 19th-career scoring grab which ties him for seventh in program history and gives him sole possession of first place among wideouts in the Dave Clawson era.

Overall this season, Wake Forest's offense has been unstoppable and has now set a new scoring record with 171 points through four games. The 45 points that the Deacs tallied on Saturday marked their highest total against the Tigers since Nov. 1, 2003 (45 points) and the most points Clemson has allowed since Nov. 7, 2020 at Notre Dame.

Defensively, captains Ryan Smenda, Jr. and Chase Jones each recorded a game-high nine tackles, respectively. The Demon Deacons defense totaled six tackles-for-loss, six pass breakups, eight quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. 

Up Next

Wake Forest travels to take on Florida State next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. The Deacs next return to Truist Field on Oct. 8 vs. Army.

Story courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics

RALEIGH – Both #16 NC State and
Texas Tech came into Saturday night’s game with 2-0 records, with each team
struggling with an in-state American Athletic Conference rival and also blowing
out an FCS opponent. With both offenses having scored a combined 162 points
over the first two weeks, it seemed like a shootout was in the works for the 56,919
fans in attendance in Carter-Finley Stadium. But, it was the NC State defense
that shined the brightest on Saturday night as the hometown Wolfpack walked
away with a 27-14 win.

The first quarter of the game saw the Wolfpack excelling in
two of the three phases of the game. Defensively, the Wolfpack forced a punt on
the first three possessions of the game. In special teams, Christopher Dunn hit
two field goals and the punt team recovered a muffed punt return by Texas Tech.

After the NC State defense forced yet another punt, the Wolfpack
offense began to wake up after their slow start. When a personal foul penalty
added fifteen yards to a Devin Leary deep completion to Thayer Thomas, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye
became the first Pack player to find the end zone on the evening with a
fourteen-yard scoring run on the next play.

Trying desperately to find any offensive momentum in the
first half, Texas Tech rolled the dice on the next drive and went for it on a
fourth down at the NC State 28-yard line. Defensive end Davin Vann forced Red
Raiders quarterback Donovan Smith to hurry the throw and sophomore Aydan White
stepped in front of the pass and raced eighty-four yards down the home sideline
for the pick-six and a three-score lead. Smith made up for his error on the
next drive, hitting Myles Price on a deep pass across the middle for the Red
Raiders touchdown.

The third quarter ended up being the only scoreless quarter
of the evening. NC State almost got on the board late in the quarter, but a
Texas Tech player punched the ball out of Demie Sumo-Karngbaye's hands at the one-yard
line and the ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback.

Opening the fourth quarter, Texas Tech tried its luck again
as the Red Raiders decided to go for it on fourth down at their own 35 yard
line, but they stopped short of the first down marker. Sensing a chance to put
the game away, NC State came out with a halfback pass from Thayer Thomas to
Demie Sumo-Karngbaye on the next play for a Wolfpack TD.

Even after Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith made it a two
score-game again with a three-yard keeper, the NC State defense stepped up with
Jakeen Harris picking off Smith on the Raiders’ next possession. When Aydan
White intercepted his second pass of the night with one minute left in the
game, NC State was able to run out the clock and celebrate a 3-0 start to the
season.

Notable North Carolinians

Thayer Thomas (Heritage) – the graduate receiver caught 4
passes and even threw for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Aydan White (Asheville Christ School) – the sophomore cornerback
had an eighty-six-yard pick-six in the third quarter and a second interception
to seal the game later on.

Payton Wilson (Orange) – the redshirt junior linebacker led
the team with nine tackles for a defense that only gave up fifty-four rushing
yards.

Next Week

Both teams are at home next week as NC State (3-0) hosts
UConn at Carter-Finley Stadium while Texas Tech (2-1) invites in-state rival
and the #21 ranked Texas Longhorns to Lubbock.

BOONE – It was a matchup that had been circled on calendars for both teams. For North Carolina, many of the Tar Heels remembered App State’s blocked field goal to upset the Heels, 34-31, on the road during the 2019 season. For App State, a chance to host the state’s flagship university for the first time ever showed that App State had finally “arrived” in the state’s college football landscape. The game started strong for the hometown Mountaineers, who were energized by a raucous and record crowd of 40,168 in attendance, but it was the visiting Tar Heels who laid claim to victory on Saturday afternoon after a wild sixty-two-point final quarter eventually ended with a 63-61 victory over App State.

App State rode the momentum wave into their first drive of the game. After Eli Wilson rolled over a Tar Heel defender and rumbled out to midfield on a catch and run, sophomore running back Nate Noel burst through the line and scampered fifty-two yards for the opening score of the game.

Carolina responded quickly, with JJ Jones’s thirty-one-yard reception getting the Tar Heels into Mountaineer territory. Drake Maye’s keeper on fourth down extended the drive and the redshirt freshman signal caller hit Jones on the next play for the tying score.

The Mountaineers were not intimidated, though, and came right back with a scoring drive on their second possession. Redshirt freshman Dalton Stroman’s second career catch was a great grab, putting App State in Tar Heel territory, giving Chase Brice the space he needed to find tight end Henry Pearson streaking down the home sideline for the score and a 14-7 lead. App State continued its early domination into the second quarter and even extended the lead to 21-7 on a Christian Wells catch, but the rest of the second quarter belonged to the visiting Tar Heels.

Carolina’s freshman quarterback, who beat out more experienced competition in fall camp, showed off why Tar Heels coach Mack Brown named him the starter with his performance in the middle quarters. Drake Maye beat the App State defense with his arm and legs to turn the tide in favor of the Heels. Maye threw for two scores, a fourteen-yard strike to Kobe Paysour and a ten-yard pass to Bryson Nesbit, while also running for a score to open the second half. In the span of fifteen minutes of game action, the Tar Heels had turned a 21-7 deficit into a 35-21 lead early in the third quarter.

Gene Chizik’s Tar Heel defense, who gave up big plays to open the first half, clamped down and held App State at bay through the middle two quarters. Cedric Gray was all over the field for the visitors, registering tackle after tackle. Gray’s interception late in the third quarter led to three more points for the Heels as Noah Burnette was good on his second field goal of the day to finish the scoring heading into the final stanza.

The fourth quarter was an entire game within itself. Both teams traded blow after blow, combining for sixty-two points and eight touchdowns. Chase Brice threw four of his six touchdowns for the day in the final ten and a half minutes of the game. With fans at The Rock roaring, App State, who had trailed by twenty points, came back to tie the score at 49-all on Camerun Peoples' 38-yard touchdown run and Michael Hughes' extra point with exactly four minutes remaining.

Carolina moved back ahead, converting a third-and-9 pass from Drake Maye to an open DJ Jones for a forty-two-yard touchdown with just under three minutes remaining before the Mountaineers moved quickly into UNC territory in the final minute. Chase Brice hit Dashaun Davis for a twenty-eight-yard touchdown with thirty-one seconds left, and the Mountaineers went for a go-ahead two-point conversion, but the pass to Davis sailed just out of his reach.

“I had made my mind up early that we were going for two and the win,” App State head coach Shawn Clark said after the game. “We're not going for second place at Appalachian State.”

UNC's Bryson Nesbit returned the onside kick for a touchdown, but that at least gave App State one more chance, because the extra point kept the margin as a one-score game at 63-55. Milan Tucker's long kickoff return to near midfield and Brice's twenty-two-yard completion to Kaedin Robinson set up another Brice-to-Robinson connection, this one a twenty-six-yard touchdown with nine seconds remaining.

The Tar Heels took away Brice's throwing options and stopped him short of the goal line on the two-point conversion to secure the win.

After the game UNC head coach Mack Brown praised what he called “two great offenses, two tremendous quarterbacks…a tremendous performance” after the wild fourth quarter while acknowledging “as many things we need to fix on defense, they had two, two-point conversion stops, to win the game.”

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Hough) – The freshman quarterback threw for 352 yards on 24 of 36 passing and four touchdowns while running for 76 yards and a score.

Kobe Paysour (Kings Mountain) – The freshman wide receiver was a threat the entire afternoon, tallying 8 catches and a touchdown.

Cedric Gray (Ardrey Kell) – the junior linebacker had a big interception late in the third quarter along with a team-high 13 tackles.

Kaedin Robinson (Christ School) – The redshirt sophomore had two big catches on the final, potential, game-tying drive in the last thirty seconds of the game.

Next Week

North Carolina (2-0) is on the road at a Sun Belt foe for the second straight week, taking on Georgia State, while App State (0-1) goes on the road to face preseason #6 Texas A&M from the SEC.

GREENVILLE – The thirteenth-ranked NC State Wolfpack survived on Saturday
afternoon after a failed comeback attempt by the host East Carolina Pirates. A
record crowd of 51,711 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium watched the Wolfpack power out
to a 21-7 halftime lead before the Pirates scored thirteen unanswered points in
the second half to come up just short.

After an ECU third-quarter touchdown made it a one-score
game, a goal-line stand by the Pirates defense gave the home fans hope for the
comeback. Seven minutes later, the Pirates offense, led by signal caller Holton
Ahlers, found the end zone in hopes of tying the game up, but the PAT was wide
and the Wolfpack was clinging to a one-point lead. The Pirates defense stepped
up again, forcing a punt, and the ECU offense got in NC State territory with
just a few seconds left but the potential game-winning field goal was wide and
the Wolfpack escaped with the one-point win.

Coaches Corner

NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren

"First, give East Carolina a lot of credit. We were up
21-7 and their kids fought. The most disappointing part for us is not scoring
at the goal line and the other opportunities that we didn't come up with
points. There's a lot to look at on film. It always starts with the schemes
that we're running, seeing how we're coaching things, looking at guys that are
running the plays and where we can get better and we will get a lot better. The
one thing I can't do is change our record tomorrow. We're 1-0 and we're
excited. The last time I was here, we lost 33-30 so it feels good to leave with
a win. You've got to give Coach Houston and his staff at ECU a lot of credit.
They did a great job today."

East Carolina Head Coach Mike Houston

"There's not a whole lot to say. Kids fought their
tails off. They inspire me with the way they play. Our preparation coming into
this game, we were very confident this morning. I know nobody outside of
Greenville gave us much of a chance, but those kids never doubted. We should
have won the ballgame. We outplayed them. We dominated them physically in the
second half. I just hurt for those kids in that locker room right now. They've
brought this program from the depths back to what it was today. That stadium
today was incredible. Our fan base is incredible, and we all deserve to have a
win today. I'm just sorry we're not sitting here celebrating one."

Notable North Carolinians

Thayer Thomas (Heritage) – the graduate wide receiver had
four catches for fifty-eight yards and a touchdown

Jaylon Scott (Shelby) – the junior linebacker had eight
tackles, including five solo stops

Holton Ahlers (Conley) – the senior quarterback completed 24
of 40 attempts for 255 yards with two touchdowns

Next Week

NC State (1-0) hosts Charleston Southern in their home debut
at Carter-Finley Stadium while East Carolina (0-1) hosts Old Dominion (1-0), who
is fresh off a Power 5 upset of Virginia Tech.

GREENSBORO – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Tuesday a new football scheduling model that will go into effect beginning with the 2023 season.

The new model is based on a 3-5-5 structure whereby each team will play three primary opponents annually and face the other 10 league teams twice during the four-year cycle, once at home and once on the road. The schedule allows for each team to face all 13 conference opponents home and away at least once during the four-year cycle. The structure was adopted by the league’s athletic directors and faculty athletic representatives earlier today. 

The new schedule will eliminate the Atlantic and Coastal divisions with all 14 schools competing in one division beginning in 2023. The top two teams based on conference winning percentage will compete in the Subway ACC Football Championship Game on the first Saturday in December at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. In May, the NCAA Division I Council approved the deregulation of the current rule that had limited an individual conference's autonomy to determine their football championship game participants.

“The future ACC football scheduling model provides significant enhancements for our schools and conference, with the most important being our student-athletes having the opportunity to play every school both home and away over a four-year period,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “We appreciate the thoughtful discussions within our membership, including the head football coaches and athletic directors. In the end, it was clear this model is in the best interest of our student-athletes, programs, and fans, at this time.”

A special one-hour edition of The Huddle will air on ACC Network on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to discuss the new scheduling format. The show will be hosted by Drew Carter and feature analysis from Eric Mac Lain, EJ Manuel, and Mark Richt.

The three primary partners for each ACC team are as follows:

Boston College: Miami, Pitt, Syracuse

Clemson: Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State

Duke: North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest

Florida State: Clemson, Miami, Syracuse

Georgia Tech: Clemson, Louisville, Wake Forest

Louisville: Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia

Miami: Boston College, Florida State, Louisville

North Carolina: Duke, NC State, Virginia

NC State: Clemson, Duke, North Carolina

Pitt: Boston College, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

Syracuse: Boston College, Florida State, Pitt

Virginia: Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech: Pitt, Virginia, Wake Forest

Wake Forest: Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech

The 2023-2026 ACC Schedules (home and away) are as follows:

2023 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Florida State, Miami, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Louisville, Pitt, Syracuse

Clemson: Home – Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Miami, NC State, Syracuse

Duke: Home – Clemson, NC State, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia

Florida State: Home – Duke, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Clemson, Pitt, Wake Forest

Georgia Tech: Home – Boston College, Louisville, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Clemson, Miami, Virginia, Wake Forest

Louisville: Home – Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Miami, NC State, Pitt 

Miami: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State

North Carolina: Home – Duke, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, NC State, Pitt

NC State: Home – Clemson, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina; Away – Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Pitt: Home – Boston College, Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina; Away – Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Syracuse: Home – Boston College, Clemson, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia Tech

Virginia: Home – Duke, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina

Virginia Tech: Home – NC State, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Boston College, Florida State, Louisville, Virginia

Wake Forest: Home – Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State, Pitt; Away – Clemson, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

2024 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Clemson, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina 

Clemson: Home – Louisville, Miami, NC State, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech

Duke: Home – Boston College, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Wake Forest

Florida State: Home – Boston College, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State; Away – Georgia Tech, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia

Georgia Tech: Home – Clemson, Florida State, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Louisville, NC State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

Louisville: Home – Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Clemson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Miami: Home – Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Pitt; Away – Clemson, Louisville, Syracuse, Wake Forest

North Carolina: Home – Boston College, NC State, Pitt, Virginia Tech; Away – Duke, Florida State, Louisville, Virginia

NC State: Home – Duke, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, Pitt

Pitt: Home – NC State, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina

Syracuse: Home – Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami; Away – Boston College, Louisville, NC State, Pitt

Virginia: Home – Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Duke, Pitt, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia; Away – Duke, North Carolina, Pitt, Wake Forest

Wake Forest: Home – Duke, Louisville, Miami, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia 

2025 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, NC State; Away – Pitt, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech

Clemson: Home – Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Syracuse; Away – North Carolina, NC State, Pitt, Wake Forest

Duke: Home – Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Pitt

Florida State: Home – Miami, Pitt, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Clemson, Duke, Louisville, Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech: Home – Duke, Louisville, Miami, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Clemson, North Carolina, Wake Forest 

Louisville: Home – Florida State, NC State, Pitt, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami

Miami: Home – Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia

North Carolina: Home – Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia; Away – Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Wake Forest

NC State: Home – Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Duke, Louisville, Miami

Pitt: Home – Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, Louisville, Syracuse, Virginia Tech

Syracuse: Home – Boston College, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia Tech; Away – Clemson, Florida State, Virginia, Wake Forest

Virginia: Home – Boston College, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State

Virginia Tech: Home – Boston College, Florida State, Pitt, Wake Forest; Away – Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Virginia

Wake Forest: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Duke, Florida State, Pitt, Virginia Tech 

2026 ACC Football Schedule

Boston College: Home – Duke, North Carolina, Pitt, Syracuse; Away – Clemson, Miami, NC State, Wake Forest

Clemson: Home – Boston College, NC State, Pitt, Virginia Tech; Away – Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia

Duke: Home – Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Syracuse; Away – Boston College, NC State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Florida State: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia; Away – Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Syracuse

Georgia Tech: Home – Clemson, NC State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Florida State, Louisville, Pitt 

Louisville: Home – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami, Wake Forest; Away – Florida State, North Carolina, Syracuse, Virginia 

Miami: Home – Boston College, Florida State, Syracuse, Wake Forest; Away – Duke, Louisville, Pitt, Virginia Tech

North Carolina: Home – Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Wake Forest; Away – Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech

NC State: Home – Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Pitt; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Syracuse 

Pitt: Home – Georgia Tech, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech; Away – Boston College, Clemson, NC State, Virginia

Syracuse: Home – Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Virginia; Away – Boston College, Duke, Miami, Pitt

Virginia: Home – Clemson, Louisville, North Carolina, Pitt; Away – Florida State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Virginia Tech: Home – Duke, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia; Away – Clemson, Georgia Tech, Pitt, Wake Forest

Wake Forest: Home – Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Virginia Tech; Away – Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina

Story courtesy of ACC Communications

GREENSBORO – The Atlantic Coast Conference and its television partners announced the kickoff times and networks for all ACC-controlled contests during the early weeks of the 2022 football season Thursday. 

Also included are the times and networks for the Thursday and Friday night contests throughout the 2022 season. 

ESPN also announced its complete bowl schedule, which includes most ACC-affiliated bowl games.  

“We look forward to the upcoming 2022 ACC football season and anticipate a fantastic year with our student-athletes competing at the highest level for ACC and national championships,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “As part of playing arguably the most challenging non-conference schedule in the country, we open the season with some incredible games, which include five consecutive days of football over the Labor Day weekend. We appreciate the outstanding coverage our television partners provide to our institutions and now with full distribution, we specifically look forward to this season of football coverage on ACC Network.”

The ACC football season gets underway on Saturday, Aug. 27, when Florida State hosts Duquesne at 5 p.m. on ACC Network and North Carolina hosts Florida A&M at 8:15 p.m. on ACC Network in Week Zero. It marks the first August season opener for the league since 2019. 

The ACC will be featured throughout the Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1-5) with 12 games over a five-day span. No other league plays across all five days in Week One. This is the fourth time in the last six years the ACC has played over five consecutive days in Week One. The Labor Day weekend begins on Thursday, Sept. 1, with both of last year’s ACC division champions in action. ACC and Coastal Division Champion Pitt hosts West Virginia at Heinz Field at 7 p.m. on ESPN, and Atlantic Division champion Wake Forest opens against VMI in Winston-Salem at 7:30 p.m. on ACC Network. On Friday, Sept. 2, Virginia Tech plays at Old Dominion at 7 p.m. on ESPN, while Duke plays host to Temple at 7:30 p.m. on ACC Network. 

Saturday’s slate includes the first of four games this season against an Alliance member school – Boston College vs. Rutgers (Big Ten) at noon on ESPNU – and the first league matchup of the year with Louisville at Syracuse at 8 p.m. on ACC Network. Other games on Sept. 3 include North Carolina at Appalachian State at noon on ESPNU, NC State at East Carolina at noon on ESPN, Richmond at Virginia at 12:30 p.m. on RSN, and Bethune-Cookman at Miami at 3:30 p.m. on ACC Network. 

On Sunday, Sept. 4, Florida State travels to New Orleans to face LSU at the Caesars Superdome in the Allstate Louisiana Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. The following night in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Labor Day Monday, Georgia Tech hosts Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 8 p.m. on ESPN. 

The second weekend of the season features a conference battle with Boston College at Virginia Tech at 8 p.m. on ACC Network. Two Alliance matchups are also in Week Two – Duke at Northwestern at Noon on FS1 and Virginia at Illinois at 4 p.m. on ESPNU. Wake Forest plays at Vanderbilt at noon on SEC Network, Tennessee travels to Pitt at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and Syracuse plays at UConn at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

Week three begins with a Friday (Sept. 16) night game between Florida State and Louisville at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Four Power 5 matchups are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, including Purdue at Syracuse at noon on ESPN2, Ole Miss at Georgia Tech at 3:30 p.m. on ABC, Texas Tech at NC State at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, and Miami at Texas A&M at 9 p.m. on ESPN. 

The ACC’s non-conference schedule continues to be the most difficult in the country. In addition to 21 games against Power 5 opponents, the ACC will play eight non-conference games against teams ranked in the final 2021 Associated Press Top 25 poll. All 14 ACC teams play at least one Power 5 non-conference opponent, while seven schools – Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Pitt and Syracuse – play two. ACC teams will play 27 games against opponents that appeared in a bowl game last year. ACC teams will play nine non-conference games against teams in ESPN’s 2022 Way-Too-Early Top 25. 

The 2022 Subway ACC Football Championship Game will be played Dec. 3 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and feature the winner of the Atlantic Division vs. the winner of the Coastal Division. The ACC and the Charlotte Sports Foundation have an agreement in place to keep the championship game in Charlotte through the 2030 season. The game will be televised by ABC with kickoff time announced at a later date.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Duquesne at Florida State, 5 p.m., ACCN

Florida A&M at North Carolina, 8:15 p.m., ACCN

Thursday, Sept. 1

West Virginia at Pitt, 7 p.m., ESPN

VMI at Wake Forest, 7:30 p.m., ACCN

Friday, Sept. 2

Virginia Tech at Old Dominion, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Temple at Duke, 7:30 p.m., ACCN

Saturday, Sept. 3

Rutgers at Boston College, Noon, ACCN

North Carolina at Appalachian State, Noon, ESPNU

NC State at East Carolina, Noon, ESPN

Richmond at Virginia, 12:30 p.m., RSN

Bethune-Cookman at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ACCN

Louisville at Syracuse, 8 p.m., ACCN

Sunday, Sept. 4

Allstate Louisiana Kickoff

Florida State at LSU (New Orleans, La.)

Caesars Superdome, 7:30 p.m., ABC (previously announced)

Monday, Sept. 5

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game

Clemson at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, Ga.)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 8 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Sept. 9

Louisville at UCF, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, Sept. 10

Duke at Northwestern, Noon, FS1

Southern Miss at Miami, Noon, ACCN

North Carolina at Georgia State, Noon, ESPNU

Wake Forest at Vanderbilt, Noon, SECN

Charleston Southern at NC State, 12:30 p.m., RSN

Furman at Clemson, 3:30 p.m., ACCN

Tennessee at Pitt, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Virginia at Illinois, 4 p.m., ESPNU

Western Carolina at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m., ACCNX/ESPN+

Syracuse at UConn, 7 p.m., CBSSN

Boston College at Virginia Tech, 8 p.m., ACCN

Open: Florida State

Friday, Sept. 16

Florida State at Louisville, 7 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, Sept. 17

Wofford at Virginia Tech, 11 a.m., ACCN

Purdue at Syracuse, Noon, ESPN2

Old Dominion at Virginia, 2 p.m., ACCN

Ole Miss at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Liberty at Wake Forest, 5 p.m., ACCN

North Carolina A&T at Duke, 6 p.m., ACCNX/ESPN+

Texas Tech at NC State, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Pitt at Western Michigan, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

Maine at Boston College, 7:30 p.m., RSN

Louisiana Tech at Clemson, 8 p.m., ACCN

Miami at Texas A&M, 9 p.m., ESPN

Open: North Carolina

Thursday, Sept. 22

West Virginia at Virginia Tech, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Sept. 23

Virginia at Syracuse, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Thursday, Oct. 20

Virginia at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Thursday, Oct. 27

Virginia Tech at NC State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Nov. 4

Duke at Boston College, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Friday, Nov. 25

NC State at North Carolina, Noon or 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., ABC or ESPN

Florida at Florida State, 7:30 p.m., ABC (previously announced)

Saturday, Dec. 3

2022 Subway ACC Football Championship Game, TBD, ABC

Atlantic Division Champion vs. Coastal Division Champion

Charlotte, N.C., Bank of America Stadium

ACC Bowl Game Affiliations

Wasabi Fenway Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 17, 11:00 a.m., ESPN

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl – Friday, Dec. 23, TBD, ESPN

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl – Tuesday, Dec. 27, 3:15 or 6:45 p.m., ESPN

Military Bowl Presented by Peraton – Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m., ESPN

Pinstripe Bowl – Thursday, Dec. 29, 2 p.m., ESPN

Cheez-It Bowl – Thursday, Dec. 29, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, Noon, ESPN

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, 2 p.m., CBS

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Capital One Orange Bowl – Friday, Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. or 8 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl – Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 or 8 p.m., ESPN

Tampa Bay Bowl – Monday, Jan. 2, Noon, ESPN2

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic – Monday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T – Monday, Jan. 9, TBD, ESPN

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl – TBD 

RALEIGH – It was homecoming under the lights at Carter-Finley
Stadium on Saturday during the Halloween weekend. The Wolfpack, fresh off a disappointing
loss at Miami the previous Saturday, looked for a treat in a rebound win
against Atlantic Division rival Louisville. The Cardinals, coached by North
Carolina native Scott Satterfield, looked for the trick in ending NC State's
seven-game home winning streak.

Going into the fourth quarter, Coach Satterfield thought he
had a basket of full-size chocolate candy bars with the home team seemingly asleep
with the light off. In the end, it ended up being a bucket of black licorice
for Louisville as the Wolfpack came alive in the fourth quarter, outscoring the
Cardinals 21-3, on their way to a 28-13 win.

In the spirit of Halloween, here are a few tricks and treats
from tonight's game.

Trick

After starting the game with two nine-play drives, the
second of which ended in a touchdown catch by Emeka Emezie, the Wolfpack
offense went stagnant over their next six drives, punting each time.

Treat

The Wolfpack finally woke up early in the fourth quarter,
with Devin Leary hitting Porter Rooks and Trent Pennix for two long passes, with
Pennix's reception resulting in the Pack's second touchdown of the night.

Trick

The Wolfpack defense got hit with two personal foul
penalties on a Louisville drive in the fourth quarter.

Treat

The defense rebounded and forced Louisville to kick a field
goal.

Trick

The Wolfpack only rushed for eleven yards through three
quarters.

Treat

Eleven NC State players recorded at least one reception on
the night.

Trick

Louisville QB Malik Cunningham led the Cardinals in rushing
and passing for the night.

Treat

The NC State defense stepped up when it mattered, stopping
the prolific dual-threat quarterback on a fourth-down twice in the fourth
quarter.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Thomas (Heritage) – the sophomore linebacker had fifteen tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup.

Emeka Emezie (Marvin Ridge) – the senior wide receiver had five
catches for ninety-one yards and a touchdown.

Trent Pennix (Sanderson) – the redshirt sophomore running
back came alive in the passing game, scoring the go-ahead touchdown early in
the fourth quarter.

Up Next

Both teams stay in Atlantic Division action next week as NC
State (6-2) travels to take on Florida State while Louisville (4-4) hosts Clemson.

CHARLOTTE – It was the first time that the Charlotte 49ers
had ever hosted a Power Five opponent in its brief nine-year history. The crowd
was excited to host an in-state opponent on a Friday night leading into Labor
Day weekend. The fans in attendance were given a good show as the two teams
combined for over a thousand yards of offense and five lead changes in the second
half alone. Paced by Chris Reynolds's 324 passing yards, three passing
touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, Charlotte claimed its first-ever win over
a P5 opponent, defeating Duke 31-28 to open the 2021 college football season.

The energy and momentum were on the Niners' side early in
the game with Charlotte forcing the Blue Devils to punt on the first possession
of the game and then hopping on the scoreboard five plays later with a 56-yard
touchdown pass from Chris Reynolds to a streaking Grant DuBose. The early 7-0
lead had the 49ers faithful on their feet and saw the visiting Blue Devils
scrambling to respond but unable to do so until a few drives later.

Charlotte led by a touchdown going into the second quarter and
was on its way to a 32-yard Jonathan Cruz field goal to take a 10-0 lead over
the visitors. Duke responded with force on its next drive, moving seventy-five
yards in six plays, but it was the 43-yard scoring play that will stick out in
the minds of the visiting fans. Gunnar Holmberg hit Jordan Waters on the left
side and Waters bulled over a Charlotte defender and raced to the end zone. 

The Charlotte offense looked a little shaky on their subsequent
drives in the first half. Duke did not show the hesitancy that they demonstrated
in the first quarter, moving methodically down the field on their next drive, taking
the lead with a five-yard touchdown run by Mataeo Durant. Durant finished the
night with 255 yards and three scores.

Any signs that Charlotte might back down against Duke to
start the second half were quickly dismissed as the Niners moved down the
field, aided by a 40-yard Calvin Cook run to get Charlotte down to the
one-yard-line. Two plays later, Chris Reynolds was able to hit paydirt on a
quarterback sneak, helping Charlotte retake the lead. A promising Duke drive saw
the Blue Devils poised to bring the lead back to the visitors, but a Tyler
Murray forced fumble was recovered in the end zone by Charlotte, ending any
hopes of a score.

The fourth quarter seemed like it would quickly become the
Mataeo Durant show. The senior running back put the Blue Devils on his back, putting
Duke back on top with a blistering 59-yard scoring run around the left side.
Charlotte floundered around for a few possessions, but eventually came alive
with quick passes to Taylor Thompson, Victor Cruz, and Grant DuBose got the Niners
in scoring position and Charlotte retook the lead with the second Reynolds to
DuBose touchdown of the night. Durant and the Blue Devils would not be denied,
though, as the standout running back rushed for his second long touchdown of
the quarter, a 53-yard scamper that gave Duke a 28-24 lead.

It was Charlotte's night, however, and fate had the Niners
marching down towards their destiny. Victor Tucker's three big grabs got Charlotte
in scoring position and Chris Reynolds found an open Shedrich Byrd for an
11-yard score to cause a scene unlike any other in the program's nine-year
history.

Both teams host in-state FCS opponents next week as Charlotte (1-0) hosts Gardner-Webb while Duke (0-1) will face off against North Carolina A&T.

Notable North Carolinians

Chris Reynolds (Davie) – the senior quarterback passed for 324
yards and three scores while running for one as well.

Gunnar Holmberg (Heritage) – the graduate quarterback was 20
of 29 for 241 yards and a touchdown

Jordan Waters (Fairmont) – the redshirt sophomore's physical
scoring catch and run opened the scoring for the Blue Devils in the second
quarter