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For the second straight week, the ACC boasts the #1 college football team in the land. The Miami Hurricanes remain in the top spot as they prepare to meet North Carolina on Saturday night. Despite their place atop the national polls, the Canes hold just a one-game lead over both SMU and Wake Forest. Those three teams, along with Virginia Tech, have already achieved bowl eligibility, with two more on the cusp of joining them after this weekend.
In the weekly polls, the ACC is looking strong. In the AP Top 25, Miami is #1 with 59 first-place votes and 1,735 points, Wake Forest is #14 with 822 points, and SMU sits at #19 with 550 points. In the US LBM Coaches Poll, Miami is #1, Wake Forest is #15, and SMU is #16. The Demon Deacons lead all FBS teams with four Power 5 road wins, while Miami is tied for second with three. Four league teams won on the road last weekend—the most by the ACC in a single week since Week 10 of last season.
The No. 1 team in the country hails from the ACC 🙌 https://t.co/0mb0zZ6yp0
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 18, 2026
As the conference enters Week 9 with 12 of its 17 teams at .500 or better, it stands as the only Power 4 conference that can make that claim. There are several marquee matchups this weekend, starting with Miami taking on UNC on Saturday night. The Canes’ offense has been unstoppable this season, outscoring opponents by a 343–107 margin with an FBS-best +236 point differential and a +33.7 average scoring margin. They have scored at least 40 points in six of seven games and have won five games by at least 28 points, tied for the most in the FBS. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels’ defense has allowed 20.9 points per game and boasts three Power 4 road wins, including two against teams ranked at the time (#25 Pittsburgh and Duke). UNC’s defense is anchored by tackle leader Derek Macdonald and sack leader Xavier Lewis.
Wake Forest hosts Virginia. The Demon Deacons have won four straight and are 4-0 in games decided by more than 14 points, with their only loss coming against Miami. QB Gio Lopes has thrown 10 touchdowns without an interception during the winning streak, leading an offense averaging 34 points per game over this run. The team has committed only three turnovers while ranking fourth nationally in fourth-down defense, 11th in rushing defense, and inside the top 10 in blocked kicks, punt-return defense, and net punting.
SMU travels to Syracuse. The Mustangs have also won four straight and are 18-3 in league play since 2024. SMU is one of just six teams nationally ranked in the top 25 in both total offense and total defense, as well as passing offense and passing defense. On third downs, their offense averages 7.3 yards while the defense holds opponents to 4.03 yards, ranking fourth in the country in third-down conversion defense at 27.3%. QB Kevin Jennings has completed 72.6% of his passes for 2,062 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Duke hosts Boston College. The Blue Devils’ defense is solidly ranked in the top 25 in scoring defense, rushing defense, and total defense, allowing just 16 points per game. Their offensive line has been outstanding, ranking second nationally in fewest sacks allowed (0.43 per game, with just three total) and allowing just one fumble lost. Additionally, they have surrendered zero points off turnovers this season. Boston College comes in on a two-game winning streak, coming off a performance where they rushed for 399 yards and totaled 500 yards of offense. Eagles QB Mason Mackenzie ranks 22nd in total offense at 282.4 yards per game, while CB Charlie Comella is tied for third in the nation in interceptions (3) and picks per game (0.57).
Pittsburgh hosts Georgia Tech. The Panthers have lost three straight games, all following a season-ending injury to starting QB Mason Heintschel. Despite the skid, Pitt still averages 31.3 points per game and 444.3 yards of total offense. Their defense has been tough against the run, allowing just 65 rushing yards per game and 2.2 net yards per carry while holding opponents to 40 rushing first downs on the year. The Yellow Jackets’ defense will look to bounce back from last week’s home struggle against Boston College.
Clemson travels to Florida State. The Tigers rank 33rd nationally in third-down defense, holding opponents to a 33.3% conversion rate. They have allowed only four passing touchdowns and recorded 20 sacks across seven games (nearly three per game). For FSU, QB Ashton Daniels ranks 23rd in total offense, averaging 281.7 yards per game, and is tied for sixth nationally in points responsible for, with 140.
Author Profile
- John is VP of NGSC Sports and head of our New England operations. He covers sports in the America East, Big East, ACC, Hockey East conferences.
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