Week 9 Saturday Preview: Exciting ACC Matchups on Display
Overview of Week 9 in ACC Football
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, football fans know it’s that thrilling time of year again—Week 9 of ACC Football. This Saturday promises a slate of six exciting matchups, each carrying significant implications for the regular-season standings. With four teams ranked in the top 20 of the AP Poll—No. 7 Georgia Tech, No. 9 Miami, No. 16 Virginia, and No. 19 Louisville—it’s a day destined for drama on the gridiron. Fans can expect intense competition as all teams aim to gain momentum heading into the crucial stretch of the season.
Spotlight Matchups
Syracuse at #7 Georgia Tech | Noon ET
Kicking off the day, Georgia Tech welcomes Syracuse to Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets hold a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series but fell to the Orange last year in a nail-biting 31-28 finish. This season, Syracuse’s passing offense has been impressive, ranking second in the ACC with 294.3 yards per game. Dual-threat quarterback Rickie Collins will be a key player to watch, as he also leads the team in rushing during two of his three starts. On the other side, Georgia Tech remains unbeaten, displaying strong offensive performance with an average of 8.32 yards per play on first down—making them a formidable opponent.
Fans can catch the action on ESPN or SiriusXM radio, creating an electric atmosphere for this critical matchup.
16 Virginia at North Carolina | Noon ET
The “South’s Oldest Rivalry” resumes as the North Carolina Tar Heels host the Virginia Cavaliers, marking the 130th meeting between these two storied programs. Virginia is off to its best start since 2007 and is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2021, while the Tar Heels aim to snap a three-game losing streak. North Carolina’s defense stands out, ranking sixth nationally in red zone defense, making it a battle of wills for the Cavaliers’ offensive unit, which ranks third in the ACC for rushing.
This rivalry matchup, broadcast on the ACC Network, will have fans on the edge of their seats as both teams jostle for significant positioning.
SMU at Wake Forest | Noon ET
In one of the less-publicized showdowns, SMU will take on Wake Forest, aiming to extend their winning streak against the Demon Deacons. As they both gear up for their first ACC meeting, the spotlight will be on SMU’s quarterback Kevin Jennings, who leads the conference with 17 touchdown passes. Meanwhile, Wake Forest, coming off a restful week, looks to maintain momentum with standout performances from running back Demond Claiborne and wide receiver Chris Barnes. Catch this battle on The CW and see how ACC narratives unfold.
NC State at Pitt | 3:30 p.m. ET
A closely contested matchup arrives when NC State faces off against Pitt, as their all-time series sits at a tie with five wins apiece. North Carolina State enters this game after a week of preparation, featuring a standout performance from running back Hollywood Smothers. Meanwhile, the Panthers, who enter on a three-game winning streak, showcase an energized offense under quarterback Mason Heintschel. Tune in via the ACC Network for what promises to be an exciting game filled with big plays.
Stanford at #9 Miami | 7 p.m. ET
The evening features a first-time meeting between Stanford and Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. Coming off a notable win against Florida State, Stanford will face a Miami team eager to bounce back after a loss to Louisville. Miami’s star wide receiver Malachi Toney looks to continue his stellar performance, making this matchup one to watch for offensive fireworks.
Fans can catch this game live on ESPN, amplifying the excitement of an unpredictable Saturday night.
Boston College at #19 Louisville | 7:30 p.m. ET
Closing out the day, Boston College travels to face a red-hot Louisville squad that has just pulled off a significant upset against Miami. The Eagles, desperate to break a six-game losing streak, aim for their first ACC victory this season. With a prolific offense led by wide receiver Lewis Bond going up against Louisville’s top-tier defense, this matchup promises a blend of strategy and athleticism that ACC fans crave. Don’t miss the action on the ACC Network as the tension escalates.
Final Thoughts
With numerous matchups happening simultaneously, ACC fans are in for a thrilling Saturday filled with twists and turns. From heated rivalries to record-breaking performances, this week of college football is not one to be missed. Each game has unique narratives that enrich the ACC story, leading us deeper into the heart of the season.