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The ACC’s Week 3 in in the books.
It was another eventful weekend for the ACC, featuring big losses (Florida State), blowout wins (Miami), rivalry victories (Pitt) and close calls (Boston College).
Here’s a game ball for every ACC team who played this weekend (with apologies to Cal, who got started late on the west coast):
Boston College: Thomas Castellanos, QB
Thomas Castellanos didn’t have an A-plus game against Mizzou. He threw a couple of picks and didn’t have a strong day on the ground. But he also threw for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns while giving Boston College a legitimate chance to win in a game on the road despite being at a severe talent disadvantage.
Duke: Sean Brown, WR
How about Duke’s wide receiver room? Jordan Moore is a stud and Sean Brown appears to be a big-time player as well. He had 11 catches for 87 yards today, plus what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown midway through the 4th quarter.
Georgia Tech: Haynes King, QB
Haynes King threw for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns in Georgia Tech’s win over VMI. That’s what an experienced QB like King should do against an FCS school, but he still gets the credit for executing so well.
Florida State: Joshua Farmer, DL
It’s hard to pick a game ball for the Noles this week after they dropped to 0-3 with a loss to Memphis. But if anyone deserves it, it’s Joshua Farmer. He was credited with 5 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 quarterback hurry in the loss.
Miami: Cam Ward, QB
Cam Ward threw for 346 yards and 5 touchdowns today. Not much more needs to be said than that — he’s an elite college quarterback who has quickly transformed Miami into a legitimate Playoff contender.
NC State: Caden Fordham, LB
NC State needed a big 4th quarter to beat Louisiana Tech on Saturday. That’s not exactly a great place to be, but linebacker Caden Fordham deserves some credit for getting the Wolfpack over the line. Fordham led the team with 11 tackles, including 7 solo, and recorded 1 of NC State’s 2 tackles for loss on the day.
North Carolina: Omarion Hampton, RB
North Carolina’s QB situation continues to be an adventure, but it’s been no problem for Omarion Hampton. He thrashed NC Central to the tune of 210 yards and 3 touchdowns on 25 carries this week.
Pitt: Eli Holstein, QB
Eli Holstein is becoming one of the nation’s most underrated quarterbacks before our very eyes. He led a huge comeback win over rival West Virginia on Saturday night as the Panthers scored twice in the final 3:06 to secure a 38-34 win. He finished with 301 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Virginia Tech: Kyron Drones, QB
Kyron Drones delivered Virginia Tech its first-ever road win over Old Dominion on Saturday. The Hokies were 0-2 in their previous trips to Norfolk. Drones had a nice 100/100 day with 176 passing yards, 117 rushing yards and 2 total touchdowns.
Virginia: Antonio Clary, S
Tough day for Virginia as Anthony Colandrea threw a pair of interceptions in a loss. The Cavaliers also lost a pair of fumbles, which was pretty much the difference in the game. The game ball goes to Antonio Clary, who led the team with 14 tackles on Saturday. He also recorded 1 tackle for loss and 2 pass breakups.
Wake Forest: Nick Andersen, DB
Nick Andersen was one of the lone bright spots on Saturday in a 40-6 loss for Wake Forest. He totaled 13 tackles, 1 quarterback hurry and 1 forced fumble.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
