ACC Upsets and Standout Players Define College Football’s Week 10
Week 10 of the college football season delivered significant upsets and impressive individual performances, particularly within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Notably, NC State defeated then-No. 8 Georgia Tech, handing the Yellow Jackets their first loss of the season, while Miami suffered its second conference loss against Southern Methodist University (SMU). The weekend showcased multiple players rising to the occasion, including Arizona State’s quarterback Jeff Sims and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
ACC’s Unpredictable Landscape
The ACC landscape has shifted dramatically, with Florida State and Clemson, both of which filed lawsuits against the conference for revenue discrepancies, struggling on the field. Their combined record stands at 7-9, leaving them out of the playoff conversation. Miami’s loss to SMU has further complicated its season, marking another disappointing October for the Hurricanes.
Georgia Tech’s defeat at the hands of NC State has raised questions regarding their playoff viability. The Tar Heels are now positioned as potential spoilers, riding a five-game winning streak, including a victory over West Virginia. Their upcoming games against Notre Dame and Miami could further influence the conference standings. The ACC’s outlook reflects a troubling trend, as it appears poised for a second consecutive year where the conference champion ranks outside the playoff committee’s top 12 on Selection Day.
Stars Shine Bright
Ohio State’s wide receiver duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate continues to capture attention. In a commanding 38-14 win over Penn State, the pair combined for 11 receptions, 247 yards, and three touchdowns. Tate’s breakout junior season has him tied for third in the FBS with five touchdowns on deep passes, while Smith remains a formidable presence with 24 career touchdown receptions, the most among active FBS players. Their mutual success could lead to an unprecedented situation in which both players are Biletnikoff Award finalists in the same season.
Meanwhile, SMU’s thrilling overtime victory against Miami has positioned them as a rising contender. Head coach Rhett Lashlee’s recent contract extension through 2032 underscores his commitment to building a competitive program at SMU. The Mustangs have demonstrated their potential, having reached the ACC title game in their first season and securing their inaugural playoff bid.
Arizona State, facing adversity with injuries to key players, has not lost hope. Jeff Sims, stepping in for the sidelined Sam Leavitt, made a remarkable impact during a recent game, recording 228 rushing yards—a new single-game record for a quarterback at Arizona State—and contributing 177 passing yards and a touchdown. Coach Kenny Dillingham praised Sims for his resilience, highlighting his determination to remain with the team despite challenges.
San Diego State has emerged as one of the season’s surprise stories. Under the leadership of coach Sean Lewis, the Aztecs currently hold a 7-1 record, including a perfect 4-0 in the Mountain West. Their defense has been particularly impressive, allowing opponents to score more than ten points only once in their last six games. If they can maintain their momentum, San Diego State could become a compelling candidate for playoff consideration.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the landscape of college football continues to evolve, with unexpected outcomes and standout performances shaping the narrative. The coming weeks promise to deliver exciting matchups and further developments in the quest for playoff spots.
