{"id":1100,"date":"2025-09-29T10:00:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T10:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/?p=1100"},"modified":"2025-09-29T04:59:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T04:59:56","slug":"this-week-in-the-acc-surprises-struggles-big-games-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/this-week-in-the-acc-surprises-struggles-big-games-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"This Week In The ACC: Surprises, Struggles, Big Games Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Use<\/a>
\nWeek 5<\/a> in the ACC brought drama, upsets, and a reshuffling of expectations across the league. Our guest, Tim Thomas<\/a> of Tech Lunch Pail, joined Jeff<\/a> and Matthew<\/a> on This Week In The ACC<\/em> to break it all down.<\/p>\n

Duke and Virginia Shine<\/h2>\n

Duke continues to prove they\u2019re not a one-hit wonder. After early questions following a stumble against Illinois and Tulane, the Blue Devils are back on track. Quarterback Darian Mensah has elevated the offense, showing why he\u2019s viewed as one of the league\u2019s top signal-callers. Their path isn\u2019t easy, but Duke is quietly positioning itself for a possible run to Charlotte.<\/p>\n

The bigger shocker, however, came in Charlottesville. Virginia knocked off Florida State in one of the biggest wins for the Cavaliers since the Bryce Perkins era. QB Chandler Morris showcased poise and playmaking, while Jamari Taylor\u2019s power running gave UVA balance. Suddenly, the Hoos are legitimate contenders in the ACC race\u2014a storyline few predicted in August.<\/p>\n

Virginia Tech Fights Back<\/h2>\n

In Blacksburg, Virginia Tech\u2019s turnaround under interim leadership has sparked new optimism. Running back Terryon Stewart delivered explosive plays, including an 85-yard touchdown that ignited Lane Stadium. Add in standout linebacker play and clutch kicking, and the Hokies\u2019 win over NC State hinted at a scrappy second half of the season.<\/p>\n

Trouble in Tallahassee<\/h2>\n

Florida State\u2019s playoff hopes aren\u2019t dead, but their loss to Virginia puts the Seminoles in a must-win position heading into this weekend\u2019s showdown with Miami. The stakes couldn\u2019t be higher\u2014beat the Hurricanes, and FSU\u2019s path to both Charlotte and the CFP is alive. Lose, and their margin for error vanishes.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead In The ACC<\/h2>\n

Week 6 offers multiple games with ACC Championship implications. Miami at Florida State headlines the schedule, but UVA at Louisville could be just as pivotal. And don\u2019t overlook Duke\u2019s cross-country trip to Cal\u2014a classic upset spot after a heavy travel stretch.<\/p>\n

As Thomas put it: \u201cThis is the widest-open ACC race in years.\u201d Fans should buckle up\u2014October football is about to get wild.
\nListen to “This Week in the ACC: Surprises, Struggles, And Big Games Ahead” on Spreaker.<\/a>
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