Duke football began its season with a bang, earning a 46-26 win against Florida International. Here's a look at the rest of the action around the ACC, with Miami and Boston College playing in the first conference matchup of the season.
N.C. State 21 - Tennessee 35
The ACC was unable to defeat the SEC in the high-profile contest for both conferences Friday night. Big plays by the Volunteers in the first quarter prevented the Wolfpack from closing the gap. Four interceptions by North Carolina State quarterback Mike Glennon also led to the Wolfpack’s undoing at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Clemson 26 - Auburn 19
In easily the best showing of the weekend for the ACC, Clemson carried the conference’s flag by defeating SEC powerhouse Auburn at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. What makes the victory more impressive is that the Tigers did so without star wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Skilled players Andre Ellington and DeAndre Hopkins did more than fill the void. Ellington rushed for 231 yards, while the Hopkins set a school record by catching 13 passes for 119 yards.
FSU 69 - Murray State 3
N.C. State forced six Liberty turnovers in the win, though the game was closer than the final score indicated. The Wolfpack led by just eight in the fourth quarter, using a fumble recovery and interception to solidify the win. The Flames outgained N.C. State in total offense, 406-318.
UNC 62 - Elon 0
In similar fashion, the Tar Heels wasted little time putting away the Phoenix. North Carolina running back Gio Bernard had three touchdowns in the first half to help give the Tar Heels their best scoring output in 17 years. The win Saturday in Chapel Hill was also the programs first under first-year head coach Larry Fedora.
Wake Forest 20 - Liberty 17
Offensive woes plagued the Demon Deacons for much of the night and almost allowed Liberty, an FCS school, to escape with a big upset on the road. Losing four starters on the offensive line from last year, Wake Forest’s inexperience up front proved to be vulnerable all night. Junior quarterback Tanner Price struggled throwing the ball, connecting on just 16 of his 28 passing attempts.
UVA 43 - Richmond 19
After upsetting Duke in the season opener last season, Richmond was unable to replicate that same success this year against Virginia. Cavalier signal caller Michael Rocco threw for 311 yards on 25 of 37 passing with a touchdown. Outgaining the Spiders 545 to 266 in yardage, Virginia got out to a 22-0 start and never looked back.
Maryland 7 - W&M 6
It took a fourth quarter touchdown by Justus Pickett for Maryland to avoid losing at home to William & Mary. The Terrapins struggled mightily on third downs, converting on just 3-of-10 attempts. Freshman quarterback Perry Hills experienced similar struggles by throwing three interceptions in his first game as a starter for Maryland.
Miami 41 - Boston College 32
Despite finding itself in a 14-0 hole to start the game, Miami came back to defeat the Eagles on the road. In the loss, junior quarterback Chase Rettig torched the Hurricane secondary, throwing for 441 yards even though he completed just 32 of his 51 attempts. Freshman Duke Johnson rushed for 135 yards and scored two touchdowns to help give Miami its first conference win of the season.
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