ACC Week 7 Preview: Sunshine State Showdown, In-State Rivalries, and Key League Battles

Week 7 features seven ACC games on the slate, with only Clemson and Stanford enjoying bye weeks.

The conference continues to showcase elite national presence. In the AP Top 25, Miami leads the way at No. 3 with two first-place votes—one of only two programs nationally to earn multiple first-place votes—while Wake Forest holds No. 21 and SMU enters at No. 24. In the US LBM Coaches Poll, Miami also sits at No. 3 with 11 first-place votes (one of five programs nationally with first-place votes), flanked by SMU at No. 22 and Wake Forest at No. 23.

AP Poll: October 11 📊 https://t.co/fFK4lCFlgI

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 11, 2026

Through six weeks, the ACC has established remarkable depth:

• FPI Strength: 11 programs rank inside the top 50 of ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), representing nearly two-thirds of the league.
• Winning Records: 13 of the 17 teams hold records of .500 or better, including five with just one loss.
• Parity & Drama: 15 of 17 programs have already recorded a conference victory, and 12 ACC games have been decided by a single possession.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the Week 7 ACC matchups:

Florida State at No. 3 Miami

In-state rivals clash in the Sunshine State as Florida State travels to Miami for the 71st meeting in a series dating back to 1951. The Seminoles hold a 21–19 edge on the road in Miami. Since becoming an annual matchup in 1969, the series is tied dead even at 29–29, though Florida State has dropped the last two contests.

Miami is led by star quarterback Darian Mensah, who leads the FBS in both completion percentage (84.2%) and passing efficiency (212.2). Through five games, Mensah has thrown 15 touchdown passes without an interception—making him the only quarterback in the national top 25 in passing yards who has yet to throw a pick.

North Carolina at Duke

The weekend’s second key in-state rivalry features North Carolina visiting Duke. The Tar Heels are riding high following a signature road victory over previously undefeated Pittsburgh—the first signature win under head coach Bill Belichick. UNC leads the all-time series 65–42–4 over the Blue Devils, though the last four meetings have been split 2–2.

North Carolina’s defense is anchored by Xavier Lewis, who ranks second in the nation in tackles for loss (1.90 per game) and fourth in sacks (1.30 per game). Duke counters with running back Nate Sheppard, the nation’s leader in rushing yards per game (148.6), all-purpose yards per game (180.6), and scoring (13.2 points per game), highlighted by a 227-yard rushing performance earlier this season.

Virginia at No. 22/24 SMU

Virginia heads to Dallas as SMU looks to protect its home turf. The Mustangs have built a formidable track record under head coach Rhett Lashlee, going 31–6 in their last 37 regular-season games and holding a 29–6 conference record during his tenure—the best in program history. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings is the active ACC leader in passing yards (9,297) and total offense (9,925).

The Cavaliers enter seeking to hand SMU its first-ever ACC home loss, fueled by momentum from last week’s 28–25 come-from-behind victory over Syracuse.

Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech travels to Blacksburg for the 22nd meeting against Virginia Tech. While the Hokies lead the all-time series 12–9, Georgia Tech has won six of the last 10 meetings, including four straight victories at Lane Stadium. Under head coach Brent Key, the Yellow Jackets are an extraordinary 8–1 against ranked opponents following last week’s 28–25 win over then-No. 23 Duke.

On Homecoming in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer ranks sixth in the FBS in passing yards (1,734) and fourth in completions per game (25.33). Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza counters ranking 18th nationally in completions per game (21.40) and 19th in completion percentage (69.9%).

Louisville at Syracuse

Louisville visits Syracuse with a 13–8 edge in the all-time series, having won three of the last four meetings against the Orange. Louisville running back Isaac Brown has provided explosive playmaking, posting a 235-yard game that stands as one of the top three single-game rushing totals in the nation this season.

Syracuse relies on wideout Umari Hatcher, who ranks among the top eight nationally in receiving yards per game (112.0) and receiving touchdowns (6).

No. 21/23 Wake Forest at California

Wake Forest makes the cross-country trip to face California. The Demon Deacons are one of only three FBS teams in the country with three Power 4 victories already this season. This marks only the second all-time meeting between the programs, with Cal winning the inaugural clash 46–36.

Wake Forest wide receiver Carlos Hernandez leads the nation in receptions (49), ranking second in receptions per game (8.17) and fifth in receiving yards per game (120.0). Cal’s secondary is led by safety Kingston Lopa, who leads the nation in both total interceptions (5) and interceptions per game (1.0).

Pittsburgh at Boston College

Pittsburgh looks to rebound from its loss to UNC as it visits Boston College. The Panthers have won five consecutive conference road games and hold a 19–16 lead in 35 previous meetings against the Eagles. Pitt’s offense ranks fourth nationally in total offense (459.8 yards per game) and second in the ACC with 17 passing touchdowns, while its defense ranks second in the league against the run, allowing just 49.7 rushing yards per game.

Boston College counters with a stingy pass defense that allows just 164.6 yards through the air per game (second in the ACC, top 20 nationally) and has forced eight takeaways. Safety KP Price leads the ACC with 25 solo tackles.