Around the ACC: Week 9
The Atlantic Coast Conference had some tough and close matchups this week. Let’s get into what teams proved themselves, and what teams met their matches.
NC State 22, Virginia Tech 21
In a game that should have been a clear victory for the Wolfpack, the Hokies put up quite a fight. Hosted on NC State turf, Virginia Tech led the charge leading by over double digits after halftime.
Although NC State started Jack Chambers, the Wolfpack quickly gave freshman MJ Morris the ball. It was a back and forth rotation between quarterbacks until Morris was given the entire second half.
In spite of the amateur quarterback, NC State powered through to score twelve unanswered points in the fourth quarter to get the victory. Not only does this put Virginia Tech on a five game losing streak, but the Hokies also lost every game in October.
No. 21 ranked NC State will be at home against No. 20 Wake Forest this weekend. Virginia Tech will take on Georgia Tech.
Louisville 48, Wake Forest 21
Wake Forest met its match against Louisville in a blowout game. The Demon Deacons led 14-13 heading into the third quarter and seemed to have been successfully handling the Cardinals.
The game was blown into the open when Louisville ran out of the locker room after halftime. The Cardinals forced six turnovers in the third quarter resulting in 35 points, entirely changing the outlook of the contest.
Louisville has now won three consecutive ACC games and is one win away from going to a bowl game. With this loss, Wake Forest moves to 2-2 in the conference and 6-2 overall. It heads to NC State next while Louisville is home against James Madison.
Miami 14, Virginia 12
Miami traveled to Virginia for a long low-scoring contest. It was a battle of four overtimes with each team trying for two-point conversions. Both teams were unable to connect on the first, and the bad luck continued to Virginia’s second until Miami converted on their second to win.
It was a game to watch as neither team scored a touchdown. Miami scored first with a field goal in the second quarter and led the game 3-0 going into halftime. Virginia came back to lead the game 6-3 before Miami came back on the final play of the game to send it into the first overtime.
Ultimately, the Hurricanes pulled out the victory over the Cavaliers. Miami hosts Florida State this weekend while Virginia will host North Carolina.
Notre Dame 41, Syracuse 24
The streak of orange was all No. 22 ranked Syracuse as Clemson was on its bye week. Unfortunately for ‘Cuse fans, their game was dominated by the Fighting Irish. In what began in a close game in a 7-7 draw after the first quarter, Notre Dame put up 14 unanswered points to go into halftime.
Syracuse battled back in the third, but ultimately could not stop the Leprechauns and earned their second loss in a row. In spite of Cuse losing previously to rival Clemson and now Notre Dame, fans should not be worried about the Orange. Syracuse put up a tough fight against the Tigers, leading 21-10 going into halftime.
Additionally, although NC State is ranked above Cuse at No. 21, Syracuse beat them 24-9 in their head to head matchup. The Orange should be able to turn their season around this week when they head to Pittsburgh to face off against the Panthers while Notre Dame hosts Clemson.
Allie Wenskoski is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, please email amw7637@psu.edu.
