We Speak College Football

Miami and Wake Forest Headline Week 11 as ACC Race to Charlotte Tightens

Published

5 days ago

November 11, 2026

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates with teammates during an ACC football game against Virginia Tech. Photo via ACC.

The race to Charlotte comes into focus this Saturday. All four of the ACC’s one- and two-loss teams face key tests in Week 11, led by No. 7 Miami hosting Duke and No. 13 Wake Forest traveling to SMU in a noon window that will play a major role in deciding the two teams in the 2026 ACC Football Championship Game.

Week 11 of Atlantic Coast Conference Football features a defining Saturday in the race to Charlotte, with all four of the conference’s one- and two-loss teams facing key tests. No. 7 Miami (8-1, 6-0 ACC) hosts Duke (7-2, 4-2) on ABC, while No. 13 Wake Forest (8-1, 5-1) travels to SMU (7-2, 5-2) on ESPN. The two matchups in the noon ET window bring together four teams with top-25-caliber resumes and will play a major role in determining the two teams in the 2026 ACC Football Championship Game.

The weekend also includes ACC matchups with Florida State at Pitt on Friday, while Syracuse at NC State, Georgia Tech at Clemson, California at Virginia, Louisville at North Carolina and Stanford at Virginia Tech will all kick off on Saturday, with every result further shaping the conference standings ahead of the final two weeks of the regular season.

Week 11 – ACC Football Schedule (All times Eastern)
Friday, November 13
Florida State at Pitt | 7 p.m. | ESPN

ACC Football Notes

The Race to Charlotte: Miami Can Clinch this Weekend
– Miami (8-1, 6-0 ACC) can clinch a berth in the 2026 ACC Football Championship Game this weekend with: 1. A win over Duke; PLUS 2. A Louisville loss to North Carolina; AND 3. Either a Clemson loss to Georgia Tech OR an SMU loss to Wake Forest

2026 ACC Football Championship Game
– The 2026 ACC Football Championship Game will kick off Saturday, December 5, at noon ET on ABC from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, matching the ACC’s top two teams in the only Power Four conference championship game in the noon window.
– The game will mark the final annual ACC Football Championship Game, closing a tradition that began in 2005 and has showcased many of college football’s most memorable teams, players and programs.
– The championship game will air on ABC for the 14th consecutive year and the 18th time overall. ACC championship games have appeared on either ABC or ESPN every year since the event’s inaugural season.
– Charlotte has served as the championship game’s longtime home, hosting 15 of the past 16 ACC Football Championship Games.

ACC in the CFP Rankings
– The ACC placed two teams in the CFP Selection Committee’s top 13, with Miami at No. 7 and Wake Forest at No. 13 — both carrying 8-1 records into Week 11.
– Miami remains firmly in the national playoff conversation at No. 7, owning one of the country’s strongest overall resumes, including eight wins and multiple high-quality Power Four victories.
– Wake Forest continued its rise, moving up three spots from No. 16 in the initial rankings to No. 13 following its sixth straight win. The Demon Deacons are 8-1 with six Power Four victories and four true-road P4 wins.

ACC Teams with Top-25 Resumes
– Miami (8-1, 6-0 ACC): The Hurricanes lead the FBS in scoring offense and rushing defense. Their only loss was a one-score road decision at then-No. 11 Notre Dame without Heisman candidate Malachi Toney, and they own six Power Four wins.
– Wake Forest (8-1, 5-1 ACC): The Deacs have won six straight and are one of only seven FBS teams with six Power Four wins. Wake Forest owns four Power Four road victories, a top-20 win at Louisville and an FBS-best +247 scoring differential.
– Louisville (6-3, 5-2 ACC): The Cardinals have won four straight, own five Power Four wins and beat then-No. 16 SMU. All three losses came by exactly three points, including against No. 10 Ole Miss and No. 16 Wake Forest, while Louisville leads the FBS in yards per play and big-play percentage.
– SMU (7-2, 5-2 ACC): The Mustangs own five Power Four victories, with both losses coming on the road by a combined 13 points. SMU is one of only seven teams ranked in the top 30 nationally in both total offense and total defense.
– Duke (7-2, 4-2 ACC): Duke has five Power Four wins, three Power Four true road victories and two losses by a combined seven points. The Blue Devils are one of only six teams ranked in the national top 15 in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense.
– Clemson (6-3, 4-2 ACC): Clemson owns four Power Four wins, including three true road victories, and ranks No. 29 in both ESPN and Sports Source Analytics Strength of Record. The Tigers allow an FBS-low 3.46 yards per play on third down.
– Pitt (6-3, 3-3 ACC): Pitt owns four Power Four wins, including a road victory at Virginia Tech, and features one of the nation’s best defenses. The Panthers rank No. 2 nationally in rushing defense and are one of only five FBS teams not to allow 150 rushing yards in a game this season.
– Virginia Tech (6-3, 3-3 ACC): Virginia Tech owns four Power Four wins and is one of only 12 FBS teams with three Power Four true road victories. The Hokies lead the nation in tackles for loss and rank in the top 10 nationally in kickoff-return defense, while QB Ethan Grunkemeyer ranks among the nation’s leaders in completion percentage, passing yards and total offense.

National Metrics Show ACC Depth
– The ACC has 10 teams in ESPN’s top 50 Football Power Index rankings, one of only three conferences with double-digit representation. Miami (No. 4), Wake Forest (No. 13), Louisville (No. 15), Duke (No. 29) and SMU (No. 32) headline the group.
– Eight ACC teams rank in ESPN’s top 50 Strength of Record, led by Miami at No. 3 and Wake Forest at No. 10.
– The ACC enters Week 11 with four teams holding two losses or fewer: Miami (8-1), Wake Forest (8-1), Duke (7-2) and SMU (7-2).

ACC Schedule Strength
– ACC teams are scheduled to play 25 non-conference games against Power Four opponents and Notre Dame, the most of any conference in 2026.
– Every ACC program will play at least 10 games against Power Four opponents and Notre Dame. The ACC leads all conferences with 17 teams meeting that threshold.
– Boston College, Georgia Tech and Louisville are three of only five FBS teams scheduled to play 11 games against Power Four opponents and Notre Dame.
– Through Week 10, the ACC has played 18 non-conference games against Power Four opponents and Notre Dame—more than any other conference. Eleven were played away from ACC home stadiums, including eight true road games.
– ACC teams have posted six wins against Power Four opponents and Notre Dame in non-conference play, tied for the second-most such wins among Power Four conferences.
– The ACC is 4-1 against the Big Ten this season and has won four straight in the series, with three of those victories coming on the road.

Power Four Success and Road Wins
– Eight ACC teams have at least four Power Four victories: Miami and Wake Forest (six each); Duke, Louisville and SMU (five each); and Clemson, Pitt and Virginia Tech (four each).
– Miami and Wake Forest are two of only seven FBS teams with six or more Power Four wins this season.
– Miami and Wake Forest lead the FBS with four Power Four true road wins apiece.
– The ACC is the only conference with five teams that own at least three Power Four true road victories: Miami, Wake Forest, Clemson, Duke and Virginia Tech.

The Conference of Quarterbacks
– ACC quarterbacks lead the FBS with 35 300-yard passing games, three more than the next conference, and have produced eight 400-yard performances—six more than all other Power Four conferences combined.
– The ACC has six quarterbacks ranked in the nation’s top 25 in passing yards per game and nine ranked in the top 35 in total passing yards—both the most of any conference.
– Seven ACC quarterbacks rank among the nation’s top 30 in completion percentage, including three of the top five: Miami’s Darian Mensah (No. 1, 76.8%), SMU’s Kevin Jennings (No. 2, 73.9%) and Virginia Tech’s Ethan Grunkemeyer (No. 5, 71.7%).
– Mensah leads the FBS in passing efficiency (190.8) and Total QBR (89.1), while Jennings ranks No. 3 nationally in passing efficiency and No. 5 in passing yards per game.
– Eight ACC quarterbacks rank in ESPN’s top 45 Total QBR, tied for the second-most of any conference.

ACC Offenses Setting the Pace
– Eight ACC teams are averaging at least 30.0 points per game, led by Miami (No. 1, 45.0), Wake Forest (No. 4, 43.3) and Louisville (No. 6, 40.8).
– Four different ACC teams have scored at least 70 points in a game this season, tied for the most of any conference, while 10 ACC programs have scored 56 or more points in a game.
– Miami, Wake Forest and Louisville all rank in the national top 10 in total offense, while Miami, SMU and Wake Forest each rank in the top 10 in passing offense.
– Miami leads the FBS in completion percentage and team passing efficiency; Wake Forest ranks No. 2 in team passing efficiency; and SMU ranks No. 3.

ACC Defenses and Special Teams Among the Nation’s Best
– Eight ACC teams rank in the FBS top 50 in total defense, led by Duke (No. 11), Wake Forest (No. 24), SMU (No. 27), Pitt (No. 29) and Miami (No. 33).
– Miami (No. 1, 64.3 ypg), Pitt (No. 2, 68.3 ypg) and Wake Forest (No. 8, 85.0 ypg) rank among the nation’s top eight in rushing defense.
– Duke ranks No. 5 nationally in scoring defense and No. 3 in third-down defense, while Pitt ranks No. 2 in fourth-down defense.
– Virginia Tech leads the FBS in tackles-for-loss and tackles-for-loss per game.
– Wake Forest ranks No. 5 in net punting and Virginia Tech ranks No. 2 in kickoff-return defense.

ACC Standouts Leading the FBS
– Duke’s Nate Sheppard leads the FBS in total touchdowns (21), total points (126) and scoring (14.0 points per game). He ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing yards (1,189) and rushing yards per game (132.1).
– Miami’s Malachi Toney leads the FBS in receptions per game (9.13) and ranks No. 3 nationally in receiving yards (1,027), receiving yards per game (128.4) and receiving touchdowns (13).
– Clemson’s Nolan Hauser leads the nation with 27 field goals and 3.00 field goals per game.
– Virginia punter Daniel Sparks leads the FBS in punting average at 50.8 yards per punt.
– Clemson’s Ashton Hampton ranks No. 2 nationally with 14 passes defended, while California’s Kingston Lopa, Clemson’s Elliot Washington II and Louisville’s Kaleb Beasley are tied for second nationally with five interceptions.

Enhanced Replay Access Expands
– The ACC continues to expand Enhanced Replay Access in 2026, giving audiences greater access to real-time replay discussions during broadcasts.
– Enhanced Replay Access is scheduled for eight Week 11 games: Florida State at Pitt, Wake Forest at SMU, Duke at Miami, Syracuse at NC State, Georgia Tech at Clemson, California at Virginia, Louisville at North Carolina and Stanford at Virginia Tech.
– Enhanced Replay Access provides live audio and video among the referee, stadium replay official and ACC Collaborative Instant Replay Official in Charlotte.
– ACC Enhanced Replay Access broadcasts are limited to games officiated by ACC crews and carried on ACC-controlled linear television platforms.

ACC Football Fridays
– The ACC is scheduled to play a record 15 Friday games in 2026.
– The Week 11 slate features another conference matchup between Florida State at Pitt at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
– Friday night football continues in each of Weeks 12 and 13, concluding with Florida at Florida State on Black Friday.

Benedict Rallies From 24 Points Down to Beat Kentucky State 52-45 in Overtime and Win the SIAC Championship

Published

41 minutes ago

November 15, 2026

KJ Butler

A Benedict receiver in a purple jersey leaps high above a Kentucky State defender to catch the football during the SIAC Championship game.

A Benedict receiver climbs above a Kentucky State defender to pull down a catch during the Tigers' 52-45 overtime win over Kentucky State in the SIAC Championship. Photo by KJ Butler.

Benedict College is a champion again. The Tigers came back from 24 points down on Saturday in Columbia, beating Kentucky State 52-45 in overtime to win the SIAC Championship, the third conference title in program history, and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs came with it.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — November 14, 2026

What started as a competitive conference championship matchup turned into an unforgettable day at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, as Benedict College delivered a remarkable comeback to defeat Kentucky State 52-45 in overtime, capturing its third conference football championship in program history.

With the SIAC Championship on the line, both teams came out ready to compete. The opening quarter featured an evenly matched battle, with both offenses finding opportunities while the defenses worked to establish control. Benedict struck first, taking a 14-7 lead into the second quarter.

Kentucky State Takes Over

However, the momentum quickly shifted in favor of Kentucky State.

The Thorobreds delivered a dominant second quarter, outscoring Benedict 17-0 before continuing their offensive surge in the third. Kentucky State eventually built a 24-point lead after putting together 31 unanswered points, leaving the Tigers with a mountain to climb.

The Comeback

But Benedict wasn’t ready to surrender its championship hopes.

Benedict's quarterback in a purple No. 3 jersey leaps over a diving Kentucky State defender while carrying the football. — *Benedict’s quarterback hurdles a diving Kentucky State tackler as the Tigers rally in the SIAC Championship. Photo by KJ Butler.*

The Tigers found another gear in the fourth quarter, putting together a furious comeback and scoring 24 points in the final period to pull even at 45-45. After trailing by as many as 24 points, Benedict had turned what appeared to be a comfortable Kentucky State victory into a championship thriller.

A Wild Final Minute

The final minute of regulation brought even more drama.

With approximately one minute remaining, Kentucky State punted the ball to Benedict, but the Tigers muffed the return, giving the Thorobreds another opportunity to steal the game. Kentucky State moved into position to score, but Benedict’s defense came up with a crucial stop, keeping the Thorobreds out of the end zone.

Benedict's No. 13 in a purple jersey leaps to catch the football with two Kentucky State defenders closing in and fans behind the sideline wall. — *Benedict’s No. 13 pulls down a catch between two Kentucky State defenders during the championship game. Photo by KJ Butler.*

With Kentucky State out of timeouts, clock management became critical. A delay-of-game penalty with nine seconds remaining resulted in a 10-second runoff, sending the game into overtime. The sequence proved costly for the Thorobreds, as a late-game miscommunication and clock-management mishap ended their opportunity to attempt a field goal before regulation expired.

Overtime Decides It

One more possession would determine the championship.

In overtime, Benedict wasted little time making its opportunity count. Quarterback Glenn Foreman connected with Demetris McKelvey on a touchdown pass, giving the Tigers the advantage and putting the pressure squarely on Kentucky State.

Two Benedict defenders collide with a Kentucky State ball carrier in the end zone, knocking the carrier's helmet into the air, with the Benedict band in the background. — *Benedict’s defense delivers a hit that knocks a Kentucky State helmet loose in the end zone during the SIAC Championship. Photo by KJ Butler.*

The Thorobreds were unable to match the score, and Benedict’s sideline erupted in celebration.

After overcoming a 24-point deficit, surviving a dramatic final minute, and finishing the job in overtime, the Tigers walked away with a 52-45 victory and their third conference football championship in program history.

At Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, fans witnessed a comeback that will forever be remembered.

What Is Next

Benedict’s season rolls on into the NCAA Division II playoffs. The SIAC championship carries the conference’s automatic bid, and the Tigers entered the weekend as the No. 1 team in Super Region Two. Benedict learns its first-round opponent at the NCAA Division II selection show on Sunday, November 15 at 6 p.m. ET, with first-round games set for Saturday, November 21.

Kentucky State’s season is not finished either. The Thorobreds close at 8-3 after their first SIAC title game appearance since 2016, and they are expected to land an at-large playoff berth when the bracket is revealed on Sunday night. If their name is called, their first-round game is also Saturday, November 21.