Brett Davis-Imagn Images Football November 22, 2025 Week 13 Saturday Preview: ACC Chaos Continues on an Action-Packed Saturday CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The ACC enters Week 13 of the 2025 season with the conference race tighter than ever and six teams still battling for a spot in the ACC Football Championship Game on December 6 in Charlotte. With eight games on the schedule this Saturday, November 22 — six critical conference contests — the stage is set for a weekend that could dramatically reshape both the regular-season race and the postseason landscape. Heading into Saturday, the contenders still alive for Charlotte are: No. 16 Georgia Tech (6–1), No. 19 Virginia (6–1), SMU (5–1), Pitt (5–1), No. 13 Miami (4–2) and Duke (4–2). With so many teams clustered at the top, every snap this weekend carries weight. The schedule delivers several high-leverage conference battles: Miami travels to Virginia Tech, Louisville heads to SMU, Duke renews its rivalry at North Carolina, Pitt visits Georgia Tech and California meets Stanford in a West Coast showdown. Each matchup holds the potential to either clarify the ACC title picture or throw the race into complete chaos. Tickets for the 2025 ACC Football Championship Game are on sale now at Ticketmaster and theACC.com, with prices starting at just $65. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, Saturday, December 6, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. #13 Miami at Virginia Tech | Noon ET Series: Miami leads series, 26-15-0 Last meeting: Miami, 38-34 (2024) TV: ESPN SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 145 / SiriusXM 194 / SiriusXM 210 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 145 / SiriusXM 956 Miami heads to Blacksburg having won four straight games over Virginia Tech and holding a 26-15 series edge. Four of the last five meetings have been decided by fewer than seven points, meaning this rivalry often comes down to the final quarter. The Hurricanes enter riding a two-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 79-17. Miami’s offensive line has started the same five players every game — one of just 12 FBS teams to do so — helping the team rank No. 6 in FBS (No. 1 in ACC) in tackles-for-loss allowed (3.33 per game) and No. 7 in FBS (No. 2 in ACC) in sacks allowed (0.90 per game). Miami’s defense has also improved dramatically, ranking No. 7 in FBS and No. 1 in the ACC in points allowed (14.2 per game) and ninth in total defense (270.9 ypg), including third in rushing defense (81.8 ypg). A win in Blacksburg would keep Miami in the ACC Championship hunt and strengthen its postseason positioning. Virginia Tech, preparing for its final home game of 2025, recently announced James Franklin as the program’s next head coach. RB Marcellous Hawkins has been the team’s workhorse, rushing 110 times for 677 yards (6.2 ypc) and scoring once, including a 101-yard effort at Florida State last week. On defense, LB Kaleb Spencer has led the Hokies with 54 tackles (25 solo), 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and a half sack. Virginia Tech also continues its remarkable scoring streak, having put points on the board in 393 consecutive games — fourth on both active and all-time lists. Louisville at SMU | Noon ET Series: SMU leads series, 3-0-0 Last meeting: SMU, 34-27 (2024) TV: ESPN2 SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 81 / SiriusXM 161 / SiriusXM 193 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 81 / SiriusXM 955 Louisville and SMU will meet this Saturday for just the fourth time, with SMU holding a 3-0 lead in the all-time series. The Cardinals head to Dallas looking to not only snap a three-game losing streak to the Mustangs, but also a current two-game losing streak. The Cardinals have dropped three games this season by a total of seven points — losing by three points to Virginia and California in overtime and a one-point loss to Clemson. Dating back to last year, Louisville’s last seven losses have all been one-possession games. Louisville has dominated in the fourth quarter, outscoring its opponents 78-46 this season. Louisville out-scored James Madison and Pitt 14-0 in the final quarter, and 10-0 against Virginia. The Cardinals have enjoyed four come-from-behind wins this season, and a total of nine under Jeff Brohm the last three years. With RB Isaac Brown having missed each of the last two games, and injuries continuing to mount up for the Cardinals’ especially on the offensive side of the ball, the Louisville offense has been led by WR Chris Bell, who ranks in the top 15 in FBS in receptions per game (6.70), 12th in receiving yards (871) and 14th in receiving yards per game (87.1 ypg). SMU is coming off an open week and will host Louisville for its final home game of the season. The Mustangs have been explosive this year, recording 12 offensive scoring drives in 2025 that have resulted in touchdowns in under two minutes. QB Kevin Jennings continues to be an impact player, ranking in the top 15 in the country in passing yards (10th, 2,810), passing yards per game (10th, 281.0), completions per game (13th, 22.60) and passing touchdowns (15th, 21). He is coming off back-to-back 300-yard passing games for the first time in his career. The SMU defense has been opportunistic to start 2025, ranking first in FBS for turnovers gained (26), second in red zone defense (0.658), fourth in passes intercepted (16), fourth in fumbles recovered (10), six in team sacks (3.20), eighth in defensive touchdowns (3), 15th in rushing defense (102.1) and 19th in team tackles for loss (6.7). The defensive line of the Mustangs has been a force this season with Isaiah Smith (2nd, 7.5), Terry Webb (T-6th, 5.5) and Jeffrey M’ba (T-9th, 5.0) ranking in the top nine in total sacks in the conference. Delaware at Wake Forest | Noon ET Series: Wake Forest leads series, 2-0-0 Last meeting: Wake Forest, 38-21 (2006) TV: ACC Network SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 381 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 971 Wake Forest will host Delaware in the Demon Deacons’ home finale. The Demon Deacons are 2-0 all-time versus the Blue Hens. WF is looking for its eighth win of the season, entering the contest at 7-3 overall and already bowl eligible. The Demon Deacons’ defense has been the catalyst for the great season under first-year head coach Jake Dickert. The Deacs rank seventh in the FBS in fumbles recovered, 11th in fourth-down conversion percentage, 14th in tackles-for-loss, 22nd in scoring defense and 24th in total defense. WF has held six different opponents to 14 points or less on the season. The Fightin’ Blue Hens are 5-5 in their first official season in the FBS. Delaware is also 3-4 in their first season in Conference USA. The Fightin’ Blue Hens have recorded 4,190 yards this season, including 3,082 yards through the air. Junior quarterback Nick Minicucci ranks second in the country in FCS with 3,056 passing yards as he has completed 258-of-415 pass attempts and 18 touchdowns. Syracuse at #9 Notre Dame | 3:30 p.m. ET Series: Notre Dame leads series, 8-3-0 Last meeting: Notre Dame, 41-24 (2022) TV: NBC SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 85 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 85 Syracuse heads out of conference play to face Notre Dame on Saturday, where the Fighting Irish hold an 8-3 series advantage. The Orange are coming off a bye following a 38-10 road loss at No. 15 Miami and are aiming to snap a six-game losing streak in their final road game of the season. The 2025 Orange roster has seen significant rotation, with 21 players making their first career starts — third in the nation and first among ACC schools. Overall, 43 players have started at least one game, and 95 have seen game action. One standout is DB Demetres Samuel Jr., who has quickly emerged as a defensive force. Samuel ranks second among FBS true freshmen and tied for 32nd overall in passes defended (nine), leads all true freshmen with eight pass breakups, and is tied for third in the ACC in passes defended per game (0.90). Notre Dame enters its final home game riding an eight-game winning streak, including a 37-15 victory over No. 23 Pitt last week. RB Jeremiyah Love continues to shine, recording his fifth 100+ yard rushing game of the season with 147 yards on 23 carries, including a 56-yard touchdown. Love’s 38 career touchdowns and 31 career rushing TDs rank in the top six in Notre Dame history. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish are 9-0 against ACC opponents at Notre Dame Stadium. Duke at North Carolina | 3:30 p.m. ET Series: North Carolina leads series, 65-42-4 Last meeting: Duke, 21-20 (2024) TV: ACC Network SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 161 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 391 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 955 / SiriusXM 981 The Battle for the Victory Bell kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Both teams are coming off a home conference loss last week. Duke won last year’s contest to snap a five-game losing streak to the Tar Heels and reclaim the Victory Bell. The Blue Devils are aiming for consecutive wins against the Tar Heels for the first time since 2016-2017-2018 and just the third time since 1990 (2012-13). Duke is looking for its sixth consecutive ACC road victory. The Blue Devils have not won six consecutive ACC road games since September 23, 1961 - September 28, 1963, at South Carolina, NC State, Clemson, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Virginia. Duke QB Darian Mensah has thrown for 3,007 yards this season, good for the seventh most in a year by a Blue Devil. Mensah is the first Duke quarterback to log at least 3,000 passing yards in a season since Sean Renfree's 3,113 yards in 2012. North Carolina has won each of the last three home meetings over Duke and will be looking to win its fourth straight over the Blue Devils in Chapel Hill, the longest home winning streak over Duke since the 1990s. The Tar Heels’ defense ranks fifth in the ACC in conference games, allowing 100.0 yards per game. In North Carolina’s first three ACC games, the Tar Heel defense held opponents under 100 yards in three consecutive conference games for the first time since 2009. Opponents have averaged just 3.0 yards per rush in ACC games. Furman at Clemson | 4:30 p.m. ET Series: Clemson leads series, 44-10-4 Last meeting: Clemson, 35-12 (2022) TV: The CW SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 385 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 975 Clemson will host Furman in the Tigers’ final home game of the season. A win on Saturday would be Clemson's sixth of the season and would clinch bowl eligibility for the Tigers for the 27th consecutive season, including the 2004 campaign in which Clemson declined bowl participation. Clemson has played a bowl game in 20 consecutive seasons, which ranks as the nation's fourth-longest active streak and tied for the 11th-longest streak in FBS history. The Tigers have a 32-game winning streak over the Furman Paladins, their longest winning streak — both active and all-time — against any opponent. Clemson is also trying to win its 23rd consecutive home game against Furman and add to its longest single opponent home winning streak in school history, which dates to 1938 and predates the opening of Memorial Stadium in 1942. Furman will wrap up its 2025 season with the road contest at Clemson. The Paladins are 6-5 overall and went 4-4 in Southern Conference play on the year. The 2025 campaign marks the 120th season of football at Furman, which has played 1,204 games (654-512-38) in its history (began in 1889). Furman’s 654 victories are the most among all current Southern Conference schools. Pitt at #16 Georgia Tech | 7 p.m. ET Series: Pitt leads series, 11-6-0 Last meeting: Georgia Tech, 26-21 (2022) TV: ESPN SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 121 / SiriusXM 161 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 194 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 82 / SiriusXM 955 / SiriusXM 956 Pitt heads to Atlanta for a conference showdown with Georgia Tech on Saturday night. Pitt holds the edge at 11-6 overall, yet the Yellow Jackets snapped a four-game skid to the Panthers with a 26-21 win over the Panthers in 2022. The Panthers will look to bounce back from a 37-15 loss to No. 9 Notre Dame last Saturday in Pittsburgh. A win will keep the Panthers in the mix for a spot in the ACC Football Championship Game and put them back into the top 25 of the College Football Playoff rankings. LB Rasheem Biles made an immediate impact last week, as he recorded nine tackles, two tackles-for-loss, one pass breakup, 0.5 sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown in his first game back after missing the three previous games. Since taking over as a starter in Week 6, freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel ranks ninth nationally in passing yards (1,540), 12th in completions (131) and 11th in passing touchdowns (12). Georgia Tech is looking to clinch a spot in the 2025 ACC Football Championship Game with a win at home over Pitt on Saturday night. The Yellow Jackets have won five games at home this season and 10 straight games in Bobby Dodd Stadium dating back to last year. Georgia Tech has surged to a 9-1 record behind the nation’s top offense, averaging 496.7 yards and 7.47 yards per play per game. The Jackets have been even more explosive recently, posting 576.7 yards per game over their last three contests. Leading the charge is Heisman Trophy candidate QB Haynes King, who tops the nation with 340.7 yards of total offense per game. On defense, Georgia Tech aims to reassert itself at home, where it’s holding opponents to just 18.6 points and 356.6 yards per game, a stark contrast to the 29.8 points and 461.8 yards allowed on the road. California at Stanford | 7:30 p.m. ET Series: Stanford leads series, 60-48-10 Last meeting: California, 24-21 (2024) TV: ACC Network SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 145 / SiriusXM 371 SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 145 / SiriusXM 371 California and Stanford will once again meet in The Big Game, marking the ACC’s second edition of the rivalry. The Cardinal lead the Golden Bears 60-48-10 in the all-time series, with Cal having won each of the last four matchups. The Big Game dates back to 1892 and is the sixth-longest active running series between two FBS programs and the second-longest in the West. The Golden Bears are 6-4 overall and coming off an open week after beating then-No. 14 Louisville 26-26 in overtime two weeks ago, marking the first time the Bears have defeated a top-15 team since a 2019 win at No. 14 Washington in 2019. Cal has won the last three contests played on The Farm at Stanford, most recently earning a 27-15 decision at Stanford in 2023 to win three or more Big Game contests on the road for the first time since beating the Cardinal in six straight between 1937 and 1951. Head Coach Justin Wilcox is one of only two Cal head coaches to ever win three straight Big Games on The Farm (Pappy Waldorf 1847-51) and is looking to become the first ever to win four in a row on the road. Stanford closes its 2025 season with two home games. The Cardinal has been a significantly better team at Stanford Stadium this year. All three of Stanford's wins have come at home, with the offense averaging twice as many points per game (25) as it has on the road (12.5). The Cardinal’s offense has been led by TE Sam Roush. He leads all tight ends in the conference in receiving yards (458) and is just two receptions shy of having the most among ACC tight ends (43). Nationally, he ranks in the top 10 in both categories.