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Week 10 Saturday Preview: Eight-Game Saturday Slate Features Seven Conference Matchups, Four Ranked Teams on the Road

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The race for the ACC Football Championship heats up this Saturday, November 1, as Week 10 of the 2025 college football season delivers a loaded eight-game slate across the Atlantic Coast Conference. Seven of those contests are key league matchups, while one of college football’s most storied rivalries — the “Holy War” — highlights non-conference action as Boston College hosts No. 12 Notre Dame.
 
Four nationally ranked ACC teams will hit the road in conference play, including unbeaten No. 8 Georgia Tech and one-loss No. 15 Virginia, both looking to remain perfect in conference play as November begins.
 
A cluster of teams with just one loss in conference play — Duke, Louisville, Miami, Pitt and SMU — are also in action on Saturday, with every game carrying major implications for the ACC regular standings, the 2025 ACC Football Championship Game and the College Football Playoff picture.

 

#10 Miami at SMU | Noon ET
Series: SMU leads series, 1-0-0
Last meeting: SMU, 7-3 (1965)
TV: 
ESPN
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 106 / SiriusXM 145 / SiriusXM 194
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 145 / SiriusXM 956 
 
The ACC’s Week 10 slate features a pivotal conference matchup as Miami visits SMU in just the second-ever meeting between the programs — and the first since 1965, when the Mustangs earned a 7-3 win in Miami.
 
Miami boasts one of the nation’s most complete defenses, ranking among the top 10 nationally in scoring defense (14.1 ppg), rushing defense (87.3 ypg) and yards per play allowed (4.37).
 
Offensively for Miami, freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney has been a breakout star, leading all true freshmen nationally with 43 receptions for 562 yards and 80.3 yards per game.
 
SMU has been equally impressive on the defensive side of the ball, leading the country in turnovers gained (20) while sitting in the top five in both interceptions (12) and fumbles recovered (8). The Mustangs will look to bounce back after seeing their streak of 20 consecutive regular-season conference victories end last week in a narrow 13-12 loss at Wake Forest on a last-second field goal.
 
Offensively, SMU is led by junior quarterback Kevin Jennings, who tops the ACC with 17 passing touchdowns and ranks second in both passing yards (2,119) and passing yards per game (264.9).
 

 
Duke at Clemson | Noon ET
Series: Clemson leads series, 37-17-1
Last meeting: Duke, 28-7 (2023)
TV: 
ACC Network
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 119 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 955
 
Clemson and Duke renew their long-standing rivalry this weekend, with the Tigers holding a 37-17-1 advantage in the all-time series. Clemson had won nine of the previous 10 meetings since 2000 before Duke snapped the Tigers’ five-game winning streak in 2023.
 
The Blue Devils enter this matchup having won three of their last four contests, powered by one of the nation’s most prolific passing attacks. Duke ranks fourth nationally in passing offense (319.0 yards per game), led by quarterback Darian Mensah, who paces the country with 315.0 passing yards per game. The Blue Devils have been both explosive and efficient through the air, leading the ACC with a 164.04 team passing efficiency and tying for the fewest interceptions in the league with just two.
 
Defensively, Vincent Anthony Jr. has been a force up front, leading the ACC in both sacks (0.93) and tackles-for-loss (1.50) per game — marks that also rank among the top 10 nationally.
 
Clemson counters with a balanced offensive attack that ranks 22nd nationally in passing at 284.3 yards per game. Freshman receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. has emerged as a key playmaker, leading the ACC with six touchdown receptions while ranking in the league’s top 10 in receiving yards (537), yards per game (76.7), and punt return average (7.8).
 
On defense, cornerback Aveion Terrell has been a standout, leading the conference with three forced fumbles and earning a spot this week as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
 


#16 Louisville at Virginia Tech | 3 p.m. ET
Series: Virginia Tech leads series, 6-3-0
Last meeting: Louisville, 34-3 (2023)
TV: 
The CW
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 81 / SiriusXM 389
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 81 / SiriusXM 979
 
Louisville makes its first trip to Blacksburg as an ACC opponent on Saturday, renewing a series that dates back to 1991 — the last time the Cardinals visited Lane Stadium. Virginia Tech holds a 6-3 advantage in the all-time series, though Louisville claimed the most recent meeting in 2023.
 
The Cardinals have scored 24 or more points in 21 consecutive games and have won three straight on the road, including a statement victory over then–No. 2 Miami on October 17. Running back Isaac Brown has been a key catalyst for Louisville’s attack, rushing for a career-high 205 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over Boston College. Brown leads the nation in yards per carry (8.69), providing explosive balance to a potent offense.
 
Virginia Tech comes in riding high after a thrilling 42-34 double-overtime victory over California last Friday night, extending the Hokies’ streak of 391 consecutive games with points — the fourth-longest in FBS history. The Hokies leaned heavily on their ground game in that win, as quarterback Kyron Drones racked up 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Marcellous Hawkins added 167 yards to spearhead a dominant rushing performance.
 


#12 Notre Dame at Boston College | 3:30 p.m. ET
Series: Notre Dame leads series, 18-9-0
Last meeting: Notre Dame, 44-0 (2022)
TV: 
ESPN
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 391
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 981
 
Boston College steps out of ACC play on Saturday to host long-time rival Notre Dame in the latest edition of the “Holy War” for the Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl. The Fighting Irish hold an 18-9 lead in the all-time series and have claimed each of the past five meetings between the programs. The trophy honors Hall of Fame coach Frank Leahy, who guided Boston College from 1939–40 before leading Notre Dame to multiple national championships during his two stints in South Bend (1941–43, 1946–53).
 
The Eagles will look to rebound from last week’s loss to Louisville, a game that saw quarterback Grayson James make his first start and respond with 244 passing yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Lewis Bond continues to anchor the BC offense, ranking first in the ACC and sixth nationally with 7.0 receptions per game, a model of consistency for the Eagles’ passing attack.
 
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has found its rhythm after a 0-2 start, entering Saturday on a five-game winning streak. The Irish are 1-1 this season against ACC opponents and feature one of the nation’s most balanced offenses, boasting four players with over 1,500 career all-purpose yards — Jeremiyah Love (2,821), Jadarian Price (2,330), Malachi Fields (2,191) and Will Pauling (1,638).
 
Notre Dame will wrap up its regular-season slate against three ACC opponents to close the regular season – at Pitt (Nov. 15), versus Syracuse (Nov. 22) and at Stanford (Nov. 29).
 

 
Pitt at Stanford | 3:30 p.m. ET
Series: Series tied, 2-2-0
Last meeting: Stanford, 14-13 (2018)
TV: 
ACC Network
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 119 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 955
 
For the first time in more than a century, Stanford will host Pitt, as the two programs meet in Palo Alto for the first time since 1922. The all-time series is tied at 2-2, with the teams alternating victories in each of their previous four matchups.
 
Pitt has surged behind the steady play of quarterback Mason Heintschel, who has led the Panthers to four straight wins since taking over as the starter. During that stretch, Pitt is averaging 41.3 points per game and has topped 30 points in every outing.
 
The Panthers’ defense has been just as impressive, forcing opponents into three-and-outs on 30.9 percent of drives — the best mark in the ACC and 11th nationally. Three of Pitt’s conference victories have come by at least 17 points, including a dominant 53-34 win over NC State in their most recent outing.
 
Stanford has been unbeatable at home, posting a 3-0 record this season and extending its home winning streak to four games dating back to 2024. The Cardinal offense has been markedly more productive in Palo Alto, averaging 138 more yards per game at home than on the road and scoring 80 total points in three home contests compared to 60 in five away games.
 
Defensively, Stanford has been stout in the red zone, ranking 14th nationally by allowing touchdowns on just 46.3 percent of opponents’ red-zone trips.

 
  
#15 Virginia at California | 3:45 p.m. ET
Series: First Meeting
TV: 
ESPN2
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 106 / SiriusXM 194 / SiriusXM 381
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 956 / SiriusXM 971
 
For the first time ever, Virginia and California will meet on the gridiron when the two programs square off Saturday afternoon in Berkeley.
 
Virginia enters as one of college football’s most battle-tested squads, having already notched three overtime victories this season — becoming just the 10th FBS team since 1996 to do so. The Cavaliers are also the only FBS team this year to win three consecutive games by three points or fewer.
 
The Cavaliers take a six-game winning streak across the country and will look to move to 5-0 in ACC play for the first time in program history.
 
California will look to regroup at home after its double-overtime loss last week to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The Golden Bears were led defensively by linebacker Cade Uluave, who posted a career-high 19 tackles, including 3.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks in the loss to the Hokies.
 
Offensively, running back Kendrick Raphael has emerged as a red-zone force, rushing for eight touchdowns this season — three of which came in last week’s contest. True freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has been a bright spot for the Bears, throwing for over 200 yards in each of his first eight career games, becoming the first true freshman in FBS history to achieve that feat.

 
 
#8 Georgia Tech at NC State | 7:30 p.m. ET
Series: Georgia Tech leads series, 21-11-0
Last meeting: Georgia Tech, 30-29 (2024)
TV: 
ESPN2
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 81 / SiriusXM 106 / SiriusXM 194
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 981 / SiriusXM 956
 
No. 8 Georgia Tech looks to continue its unbeaten run when it travels to NC State on Saturday in a key ACC matchup. The Yellow Jackets lead the all-time series 21-11 and have dominated recent history, winning 14 of the last 18 meetings.
 
Georgia Tech enters the contest riding an eight-game winning streak — its longest since 2009 — and sits at a perfect 5-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. The Jackets have also won seven straight ACC games dating back to last season.
 
Georgia Tech’s offense is coming off one of its best performances of the year, racking up 543 total yards in last week’s win over Syracuse — a season-high against FBS competition. Quarterback Haynes King was electric, setting season highs with 304 passing yards, three touchdown passes and 395 total yards of offense, leading one of the ACC’s most balanced and explosive attacks.
 
NC State returns home to Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack have won 30 of 38 games since 2000. The Pack will look to rebound from a double-digit loss at Pitt last week behind the steady play of its offensive leaders.
 
Tight end Justin Joly has been the team’s top receiving option this season, posting 36 receptions for 365 yards and recording his first career 100-yard game at Pitt, highlighted by a 59-yard touchdown. On the ground, running back Hollywood Smothers has been a workhorse, eclipsing the 100-yard mark in four games this season while leading the ACC in both total rushing yards (825) and rushing yards per game (103.1).
 


Wake Forest at Florida State | 7:30 p.m. ET
Series: Florida State leads series, 31-9-1
Last meeting: Florida State, 41-16 (2023)
TV: 
ACC Network
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 119 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App
SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 955
 
Wake Forest and Florida State are set to meet for the 42nd time on Saturday, with the Seminoles holding a commanding 31-9-1 lead in the all-time series. The Demon Deacons, however, have had recent success in Tallahassee, winning their last visit to Doak Campbell Stadium with a 31-21 victory.
 
Wake Forest enters this year’s matchup on a roll, having won three straight games and both of its road contests so far this season. The Deacons are coming off a dramatic 13-12 win over SMU, secured by a 50-yard walk-off field goal from Connor Calvert. Their defense was the difference in that game, limiting SMU to just 246 total yards, eight first downs and forcing three turnovers.
 
Florida State comes off an open week, aiming to halt a four-game losing streak. Despite recent setbacks, the Seminoles have remained potent offensively, surpassing 400 total yards in each of their last six outings. FSU’s offense has been among the nation’s most explosive, leading the ACC and ranking second nationally in total offense (523.3 yards per game). The Seminoles also rank among the top 10 nationally in several key categories — third in yards per completion (15.82), fourth in yards per pass (9.70), sixth in rushing offense (254.3), and 10th in third-down conversion rate (.520).