CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The spotlight is squarely on ACC Football this Friday night, October 17, as the conference owns the national stage with a primetime ESPN doubleheader. The action kicks off at 7 p.m. ET when Louisville travels to No. 2 Miami, followed by North Carolina taking on California at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Fans won’t just be watching two marquee matchups — they’ll be part of a game-changing experience. Both games will feature ACC Enhanced Instant Replay Access, giving viewers unprecedented insight into real-time officiating deliberations. Pioneered by the ACC, this first-of-its-kind collaboration brings fans closer to the game than ever before, setting a new standard of transparency in college football.
Louisville at #2 Miami | 7 p.m. ET
Series: Miami leads series, 12-4-1
Last meeting: Miami, 52-45 (2024)
TV: ESPN
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
Louisville and Miami will face off Friday night for The Schnellenberger Trophy, honoring legendary coach Howard Schnellenberger, who led both programs to national prominence. The trophy features a bronzed pair of the coach’s iconic western boots.
This matchup features two of the ACC’s top defenses, with Louisville allowing just 262.0 yards per game and Miami 276.4, both ranking in the top 16 nationally. Both teams have also forced nine turnovers, tied for third in the league, while averaging 400+ yards of offense per game.
The quarterback battle is one to watch. Miami’s Carson Beck leads the ACC in completion rate (73.0%) and passing efficiency (168.5), while Louisville’s Miller Moss tops the conference in completions per game (24.0) and ranks third in passing yards per game (271.6).
North Carolina at California | 10:30 p.m. ET
Series: California leads series, 2-0-0
Last meeting: California, 24-17 (2018)
TV: ESPN
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 84 / SiriusXM 371
California leads the all-time series 2-0, winning both matchups in 2017 and 2018. North Carolina enters at 0-1 in ACC play after a home loss to Clemson on October 4, while California looks to bounce back after a Week 6 setback to Duke.
The Tar Heels have been one of the cleanest teams in the nation, drawing just 25 penalties — the fewest in the ACC and the ninth fewest nationally. Defensively, UNC has been elite in the red zone, allowing opponents to score on just 65.0% of trips, ranking fourth nationally.
Cal opened the season 4-1, including a road win at Boston College to open ACC play, and has been strong against the pass, holding opponents to 206.8 passing yards per game, fourth-best in the league. Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has impressed early, completing 130 passes for 1,487 yards and nine touchdowns — one of just three freshmen nationally to hit those marks.
Adding to the intrigue, the matchup features two former NFL head coaches on opposite sidelines: Bill Belichick (North Carolina) and Ron Rivera (Cal).