Top ACC Games to Watch During Tar Heels Bye Week

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Grant Chachere | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 2:00 PM ET

With North Carolina having a bye week, you may be wondering, "Which game should I watch?"

Well, there are a lot of games around the country going on with marquee matchups like Oregon-Penn State and LSU-Ole Miss. However, there are some great matchups around the ACC as well.

Main Event: No. 8 Florida State (3-0) @ Virginia (3-1), 7 p.m., ESPN (Friday)

After finishing 2-10 last season, Florida State’s dramatic roster overhaul and the additions of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator and Tony White as defensive coordinator have paid off. The Seminoles opened the year with a 31-17 upset over then-No. 8 Alabama. Led by quarterback Thomas Castellanos, Florida State leads the nation in scoring at 58.1 points per game and in total offense at 628.7 yards per game, and ranks second in rushing with 363 yards per game.

Virginia has rebounded from back-to-back losing seasons and is on pace for bowl eligibility. The Cavaliers are fifth nationally in total offense, averaging 564.5 yards per game. Quarterback Chandler Morris has thrown for 1,050 yards with eight touchdowns and just one interception. Their only loss came after leading NC State at halftime before falling 35-31.

Another Interesting Matchup: Louisville (3-0) @ Pitt (2-1)

Louisville enters the matchup as one of just four unbeaten teams remaining in the ACC. The Cardinals feature one of the league’s top running backs in Isaac Brown, who has rushed for 248 yards on only 19 carries—an impressive 13.1 yards per attempt. Their defense also stands out, ranking in the top five nationally in pass defense and 16th in total yards allowed.

Pitt is coming off a tough 31-24 loss to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. However, the Panthers have one of the best quarterbacks in the league with Eli Holstein, who has thrown for 822 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

Hate Watch

Duke @ Syracuse, Noon, ACC Network

Virginia Tech @ NC State, 7 p.m., The CW

Duke is coming off a 45-33 win over previously unbeaten NC State. Darian Mensah has emerged as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, ranking fourth in passing yards with 1,317. He has also thrown 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

Duke has a chance to notch a significant win at the Loud House against Syracuse. The Orange are riding high after defeating Clemson by double digits at Death Valley last week. However, the 'Cuse will be without star quarterback Steve Angeli, who is out for the season. Backup Rickie Collins will make his first career start. Also, Syracuse has the worst defense in the ACC, allowing 455.0 yards per game.

NC State faces struggling Virginia Tech this week. The Wolfpack should have little trouble moving the ball against the Hokies’ defense, thanks to what many consider the ACC’s top quarterback-running back duo in CJ Bailey and Hollywood Smothers.