Amber Aniston • February 15, 2025
North Carolina Secures Key Road Victory Over Syracuse, 88-82
Tar Heels Snap Road Losing Streak in Crucial ACC Win
The North Carolina Tar Heels earned a pivotal 88-82 victory over the Syracuse Orange on Saturday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. This win not only snapped a four-game road losing streak for UNC but also bolstered their NCAA Tournament aspirations, improving their record to 15-11 overall and 8-6 in ACC play.
Ian Jackson and Jae’Lyn Withers Lead the Charge
Freshman Ian Jackson delivered a breakout performance, scoring 23 points, including a career-high five three-pointers. Jackson’s offensive explosion marked his best scoring night since a 27-point effort against Notre Dame on January 4. His shooting efficiency and ability to create plays kept the Tar Heels in control for much of the game.
Senior forward Jae’Lyn Withers also stepped up, delivering a season-high 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting while adding six rebounds. Withers played a critical role in the second half, scoring 14 of his 19 points in the final 20 minutes, including three clutch three-pointers that helped extend UNC’s lead during Syracuse’s comeback attempt.
Veteran guard RJ Davis provided stability, finishing with 16 points, six assists, and five rebounds while playing a team-high 37 minutes. His leadership and ability to control the tempo proved vital in UNC’s ability to close out the game under pressure. His decision-making in key moments helped the Tar Heels maintain their composure against Syracuse’s aggressive defense.
A Tight First Half with UNC Holding a Slim Lead
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading runs. UNC took an early 28-19 lead following a 9-0 scoring stretch in just over two minutes, forcing Syracuse to call a timeout. Jackson continued to showcase his shooting ability, hitting three three-pointers in the first half, helping the Tar Heels build a 39-28 lead late in the period.
Syracuse refused to back down, responding with a late push that trimmed UNC’s lead to just five points with a minute remaining in the half. Jackson then drilled another three-pointer just before halftime, sending UNC into the break with a 42-34 advantage. The Tar Heels' ability to capitalize on outside shooting and limit turnovers helped them stay in front despite Syracuse’s defensive pressure.
Syracuse’s Second-Half Surge Falls Short
Syracuse came out firing in the second half, hitting 10 of their first 15 shots to trim UNC’s lead. The Orange tied the game at 60-60 with just over 10 minutes remaining after an 11-point outburst by J.J. Starling. The momentum had shifted, and the home crowd was roaring as Syracuse appeared poised to take the lead.
UNC quickly responded with a 13-4 run, highlighted by eight consecutive points from Withers. Davis knocked down a crucial three-pointer to push UNC’s lead back to 10 points with four minutes remaining. Despite Syracuse's relentless effort, the Tar Heels kept their composure and made smart decisions down the stretch to maintain their advantage.
With just over a minute left, Syracuse had clawed their way back to within two points at 82-80. UNC, showing its resilience, answered with a strong drive from Elliot Cadeau, who converted a difficult layup to re-establish a four-point lead. Davis and Drake Powell then iced the game at the free-throw line, securing the Tar Heels’ much-needed road win.
Key Performances and Stats
Jackson’s sharp shooting and playmaking were instrumental in UNC’s success. Withers’ presence in the paint and perimeter scoring helped balance the Tar Heels’ attack. Davis provided leadership, contributing both offensively and defensively while playing extended minutes. Syracuse’s Eddie Lampkin Jr. delivered a dominant performance with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while J.J. Starling added 22 points and showed remarkable consistency in the second half.
Syracuse dominated in the paint, outscoring UNC 44-34 and holding a 40-36 rebounding edge. However, UNC’s ability to convert from beyond the arc, hitting 13-of-28 three-point attempts, proved to be the difference. The Tar Heels’ bench also played a crucial role, outscoring Syracuse’s reserves 34-15.
Looking Ahead
North Carolina will return home to face in-state rival NC State on Wednesday, February 19, in a crucial ACC matchup. A win against the Wolfpack would further solidify their tournament hopes and improve their conference standing. The Tar Heels will need to maintain their outside shooting efficiency while continuing to tighten up their defense to keep their momentum going.
Meanwhile, Syracuse will look to rebound when they travel to Pittsburgh for a showdown on Tuesday. The Orange have now lost six of their last eight games, and they will need a strong defensive performance to avoid another setback. Their ability to capitalize on inside scoring and limit turnovers will be key in bouncing back from this loss.
Final Thoughts
UNC’s ability to weather Syracuse’s second-half push and execute in key moments showcased their growth and resilience. With standout performances from Jackson and Withers, the Tar Heels demonstrated their depth and ability to win on the road. Their three-point shooting and disciplined offensive execution proved to be crucial factors in securing the victory.
For Syracuse, the loss was another missed opportunity, despite strong performances from Lampkin and Starling. The Orange must find ways to close out tight games, as they have struggled to secure wins in closely contested matchups. Their upcoming games will be critical in determining their postseason fate, and they will need a stronger defensive effort to turn things around.
As both teams continue their ACC schedules, their ability to adjust and perform under pressure will determine their postseason aspirations. North Carolina’s win on the road gives them much-needed confidence, while Syracuse must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings.
Virginia Tech entered its first major test of the James Franklin era looking for evidence that its strong start could translate against tougher competition. Ethan Grunkemeyer provided plenty of it. Grunkemeyer threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns and added another score on the ground as Virginia Tech defeated Maryland 35-26 on Saturday night in College Park. The Hokies improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2017 while handing the Terrapins their first loss of the season. The victory also ended two significant streaks. Virginia Tech snapped a 15-game losing streak against nonconference Power Four opponents, while Maryland's nation-leading 20-game nonconference winning streak came to an end. Grunkemeyer Delivers Another 300-Yard Performance Grunkemeyer continued his impressive start by completing 31 of 39 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns . It was his second consecutive 300-yard passing performance, making him the first Virginia Tech quarterback to accomplish that since Ryan Willis in 2018. The Penn State transfer also made an impact with his legs. Facing third-and-goal from the Maryland 18, Grunkemeyer escaped the pocket and ran for a touchdown. Combined with his three passing scores, the quarterback accounted for four of Virginia Tech's five touchdowns . His first came through the air on the Hokies' opening possession, when he connected with Luke Reynolds for a 14-yard touchdown . Virginia Tech's offense kept applying pressure from there. Hokies Build a 27-14 Halftime Lead Maryland answered with a 2-yard touchdown run from Iverson Howard, but Virginia Tech responded when Jeffrey Overton Jr. turned a reception into a 49-yard touchdown , extending the Hokies' advantage to 20-7. The Terrapins cut into the lead again when Malik Washington found Chris Durr Jr. for a 12-yard touchdown with 2:11 remaining before halftime. Virginia Tech refused to let Maryland carry that momentum into the locker room. The Hokies responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive , capped by Grunkemeyer's 2-yard scoring pass to Ja'Ricous Hairston. Virginia Tech entered halftime ahead 27-14. The efficiency was striking. Virginia Tech converted eight of nine third downs in the first half and accumulated 302 total yards. Luke Reynolds Emerges as Grunkemeyer's Top Target Reynolds was central to the passing attack throughout the night. The sophomore tight end established a career high with 12 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown . It followed an eight-catch, 108-yard performance against Old Dominion, making Reynolds Virginia Tech's first player since Damon Hazelton in 2018 to record consecutive 100-yard receiving games. His contributions went beyond the opening touchdown. With Maryland attempting to complete a fourth-quarter comeback, Virginia Tech faced a critical fourth down with 2:54 remaining. Grunkemeyer rolled to his right and found Reynolds beyond the first-down marker. The conversion allowed the Hokies to maintain possession, and Maryland never got the football back. Virginia Tech Takes a 35-14 Lead The Hokies continued building their advantage after halftime. Overton scored again, this time on a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. That pushed Virginia Tech's lead to 35-14 entering the fourth. Virginia Tech had scored touchdowns on five of its first six possessions , putting Maryland in a three-score hole. The Hokies ultimately finished 10-of-16 on third down and 2-of-2 on fourth down , helping them sustain drives and keep Maryland's offense off the field when it mattered most. Maryland Makes a Fourth-Quarter Push The Terrapins did not disappear quietly. Washington threw fourth-quarter touchdown passes of 2 yards to Dorian Fleming and 13 yards to Durr , giving Maryland 12 unanswered points and putting pressure on Virginia Tech late. Maryland missed a two-point conversion following each touchdown, preventing the Terrapins from pulling within one possession. Washington finished with 359 passing yards and three touchdowns , completing 30 of 43 attempts. Virginia Tech went scoreless in the fourth quarter, but the Hokies were able to protect the lead and close out the game with their offense on the field. Virginia Tech Ends Maryland's 20-Game Streak The result carried significance beyond Virginia Tech's undefeated record. Maryland entered Saturday with the longest active nonconference winning streak in the FBS at 20 consecutive games . Virginia Tech brought that run to an end, with BYU's 16-game streak becoming the longest active mark afterward. For the Hokies, the victory ended their own unwanted streak. Virginia Tech had not defeated a nonconference Power Four opponent since 2017. The program had lost 15 consecutive games in that category before Saturday night's breakthrough. It also provided Franklin with his first major road victory since taking over Virginia Tech. The Hokies opened the season with convincing victories over VMI and Old Dominion, but Maryland presented their first opportunity to show what the new-look team could do against a Power Four opponent. Grunkemeyer responded with his strongest performance yet, Reynolds delivered another 100-yard receiving game, and Virginia Tech produced enough offense early to withstand Maryland's late push. Now 3-0 , Virginia Tech turns its attention toward ACC competition with a road game at Boston College next Saturday. Maryland returns home to host UCLA.
Duke opened Atlantic Coast Conference play with another convincing performance Saturday, riding a dominant rushing attack and a disruptive defense to a 35-7 victory over Stanford at Wallace Wade Stadium. Sophomore running back Nate Sheppard delivered the centerpiece of the Blue Devils' attack, rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score as a receiver. Duke improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the ACC , while Stanford fell to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play. The victory gave Duke its fifth consecutive ACC-opening win , the longest such streak in program history. The Blue Devils have also won seven straight games overall. Nate Sheppard Takes Control for Duke After a scoreless first quarter, Sheppard quickly changed the direction of the game. He broke loose for a 32-yard touchdown run with 10:42 remaining in the second quarter, completing a 90-yard Duke scoring drive. The possession also included completions of 22 yards to Jared Richardson and 19 yards to Jaivon Solomon. Duke's defense then created another opportunity by forcing and recovering a Stanford fumble. The Blue Devils capitalized when Jeremiah Hasley's 19-yard catch helped set up Sheppard's 2-yard touchdown reception , giving the running back his second score of the quarter. Stanford finally reached the end zone with 16 seconds remaining before halftime, cutting Duke's advantage to 14-7. Even with the late Cardinal score, Sheppard had already established control on the ground. He finished the opening half with 114 rushing yards , giving him at least 100 rushing yards in the first half of each of Duke's first three games. Duke Pulls Away After Halftime Any momentum Stanford gained before halftime disappeared quickly in the third quarter. Duke opened the second half with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Solomon made a 32-yard reception along the sideline, and Hasley followed with a 26-yard catch before Sheppard powered into the end zone from one yard out. It completed Sheppard's three-touchdown performance. He finished with 23 carries for 154 rushing yards , along with the 2-yard touchdown reception. Through three games, Sheppard has scored eight touchdowns and surpassed 500 rushing yards after rushing for 1,132 yards last season. Duke wasn't finished. After forcing another Stanford punt, the Blue Devils marched 73 yards in 10 plays. Kavon Simmons scored on a 16-yard run with 2:56 remaining in the third quarter, extending Duke's control of the game. Jayvian Tanelus added the final touchdown on a 5-yard run midway through the fourth quarter, the first touchdown of his career. Duke Rushing Attack Produces 268 Yards Sheppard led a Duke offense that finished with 268 rushing yards . Quarterback Walker Eget completed 14 of 24 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown, although his interception in the end zone ended Duke's opening possession after the Blue Devils recovered a surprise onside kick. Hasley emerged as Eget's leading target with five receptions for a career-high 88 yards . Solomon contributed two receptions for 51 yards, including the 32-yard play that helped set up Sheppard's third touchdown. The Blue Devils complemented those offensive numbers with a defense that kept Stanford from developing sustained momentum. Duke Defense Shuts Down Stanford Stanford managed only 237 yards of total offense and failed to reach double digits for the second time in its first two ACC games. Duke recorded a season-high four sacks . Tyshon Reed Jr. produced two for the first multi-sack game of his career. Kevin O'Connor also recorded the first two sacks of his career and forced a fumble. O'Connor's performance was also reflected in the additional grading information included in the source. He received an 85.3 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus , the highest listed Duke defensive grade, while recording two tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and the forced fumble. Duke was especially effective late, limiting Stanford to only 61 total yards over the final 18 minutes . Stanford quarterback Davis Warren finished 18-of-32 for 151 yards and connected with Caden High for the Cardinal's only touchdown. Micah Ford led Stanford's ground game with 76 yards on 11 carries. Duke Extends Winning Streak to Seven The victory continued an impressive stretch for the Blue Devils. Duke has now won seven consecutive games , matching its longest winning streak since a seven-game run spanning November 2023 through October 2024. More importantly for conference play, Duke has won five straight ACC openers for the first time in program history. The Blue Devils followed their road victory over Illinois with a much different challenge against Stanford and controlled the game after the scoreless opening quarter. Sheppard once again provided the offensive foundation, while Duke's defense prevented Stanford from mounting a second-half response. Duke will remain at home and host William & Mary on Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m. Stanford returns home to face Georgia Tech. At 3-0 and with another ACC-opening victory secured, Duke's unbeaten start continues with Sheppard emerging as one of the central figures behind it.
Texas remains the No. 1 team in college football, but the Week 3 AP Top 25 rankings feature major movement after a weekend of ranked matchups, upsets and statement victories. The Longhorns stayed at No. 1 after improving to 3-0 with a 30-6 victory over UTSA. Georgia and Notre Dame remain second and third, while Ole Miss made the biggest move near the top, jumping four spots from No. 8 to No. 4 after defeating LSU 32-24. Louisville also surged seven positions to No. 16 following its 41-31 win over SMU. Florida and Mississippi State entered the poll, while Oklahoma dropped out. Complete Week 3 AP Top 25 Rankings Here is the full Week 3 poll from No. 1 through No. 25: Texas — 3-0 Georgia — 3-0 Notre Dame — 3-0 Ole Miss — 3-0 Indiana — 3-0 Miami — 3-0 Ohio State — 2-1 Alabama — 3-0 BYU — 3-0 LSU — 2-1 Texas Tech — 3-0 USC — 4-0 Penn State — 3-0 Tennessee — 3-0 Utah — 3-0 Louisville — 2-1 Iowa — 3-0 Michigan — 3-0 Missouri — 3-0 Oregon — 2-1 Florida — 3-0 SMU — 2-1 Texas A&M — 2-1 Mississippi State — 3-0 Houston — 2-1 Texas Holds the No. 1 Ranking Texas remained exactly where it was a week ago. The Longhorns improved to 3-0 with a 30-6 victory over UTSA and retained the No. 1 ranking. Texas is now 3-0 all-time against UTSA. The schedule gets significantly more difficult next. Texas travels to face No. 14 Tennessee , creating one of Week 4's biggest ranked matchups. Georgia remains No. 2 after beating Arkansas 45-17. The Bulldogs have now started 3-0 for 12 consecutive seasons , the longest such streak by an FBS program during the AP poll era. Notre Dame stays at No. 3 after a 27-10 victory over Michigan State. The Fighting Irish have won 13 consecutive games. Ole Miss Surges From No. 8 to No. 4 Ole Miss delivered one of the weekend's defining performances. The Rebels defeated then-No. 7 LSU 32-24 , sending Ole Miss four positions higher from No. 8 to No. 4 . The victory also gave Ole Miss a notable milestone. This is the first season in program history in which the Rebels have defeated two AP Top 10 opponents within their first three games . Indiana slipped one position to No. 5 despite remaining undefeated. The Hoosiers beat Western Kentucky 38-0 and have posted consecutive shutouts for the first time since 1993. Miami and Ohio State Remain Near the Top Miami dropped one spot to No. 6 despite defeating Wake Forest 33-20. Quarterback Darian Mensah completed 35 consecutive passes across his past two games, establishing an ACC record according to the source. Ohio State moved from No. 6 to No. 7 after a 59-3 victory over Kent State. The game included a major individual milestone, with Jeremiah Smith moving into the lead in career receiving yards at Ohio State. Alabama climbed two positions to No. 8 after beating Florida State 50-36. BYU moved from No. 11 to No. 9, while LSU's loss to Ole Miss sent the Tigers from No. 7 to No. 10 . Louisville Makes One of Week 3's Biggest Jumps Louisville's climb is one of the most significant developments in the new poll. The Cardinals jumped seven positions from No. 23 to No. 16 after defeating SMU 41-31. Louisville has now opened the season with three consecutive games scoring at least 38 points for only the third time in program history. SMU moved in the opposite direction. The Mustangs dropped six positions from No. 16 to No. 22 after the loss. Before this season, SMU had been 4-0 all-time against Louisville. Texas A&M Takes a Major Fall Texas A&M experienced an even larger drop. The Aggies fell 14 positions from No. 9 to No. 23 after losing 31-21 to Kentucky. The defeat snapped Texas A&M's 19-game home winning streak against unranked opponents. The Aggies now face No. 10 LSU on the road. Oregon, meanwhile, moved up one position to No. 20 after responding to its previous loss with an 84-0 victory over Portland State . It was Oregon's largest shutout victory since 1916. Florida and Mississippi State Enter the Rankings Two SEC programs are newcomers to the Week 3 Top 25. Florida enters at No. 21 after defeating Auburn 44-39. The Gators are 3-0 for the first time since 2019. Mississippi State enters at No. 24 following a 41-34 victory over South Carolina. The Bulldogs' 41 points tied the program record for most points scored against South Carolina in the history of the series. Houston rounds out the rankings at No. 25 after falling three positions following a 28-26 loss to Texas Tech. Oklahoma, meanwhile, dropped completely out of the rankings after being No. 24 in Week 2. The Sooners fell out despite beating New Mexico, with the source noting Oklahoma scored its fewest points in a victory in decades. Week 4 Brings More Ranked Showdowns The Week 3 rankings set the stage for another important weekend. No. 1 Texas travels to No. 14 Tennessee , while No. 2 Georgia hosts Oklahoma. No. 4 Ole Miss travels to face newly ranked No. 21 Florida. No. 10 LSU hosts No. 23 Texas A&M, and No. 12 USC welcomes No. 20 Oregon. No. 17 Iowa also travels to No. 18 Michigan. Texas remains the team everyone is chasing, but Week 3 showed just how quickly the poll can change. Ole Miss and Louisville made major climbs, Texas A&M and SMU suffered sharp falls, and Florida and Mississippi State pushed their way into the rankings. With multiple ranked matchups ahead, the Week 3 AP Top 25 may look very different again after the next round of games.
The Week 2 AP Top 25 has a new No. 1 after one of the biggest games of the young 2026 college football season reshaped the national rankings. Texas climbed from No. 4 to No. 1 after completing a second-half comeback to defeat Ohio State 24-23. The loss sent the Buckeyes from the top of the poll all the way to No. 6, while Georgia remained No. 2 and Notre Dame held at No. 3. Oregon suffered an even more dramatic fall. The Ducks dropped from No. 6 to No. 21 following a 39-31 loss to unranked Oklahoma State. Michigan, meanwhile, returned to the rankings at No. 19 after beating Oklahoma 17-10. Complete Week 2 AP Top 25 Rankings The Week 2 poll features significant movement throughout the Top 25, including a new No. 1, five teams moving up at least three positions and Michigan entering after being unranked. Texas — 2-0 Georgia — 2-0 Notre Dame — 2-0 Indiana — 2-0 Miami — 2-0 Ohio State — 1-1 LSU — 2-0 Ole Miss — 2-0 Texas A&M — 2-0 Alabama — 2-0 BYU — 2-0 USC — 3-0 Texas Tech — 2-0 Penn State — 2-0 Tennessee — 2-0 SMU — 2-0 Utah — 2-0 Iowa — 2-0 Michigan — 2-0 Missouri — 2-0 Oregon — 1-1 Houston — 2-0 Louisville — 1-1 Oklahoma — 1-1 Virginia — 2-0 Texas Takes Over No. 1 After Beating Ohio State Texas delivered the result that defined Week 2. The Longhorns entered their matchup against Ohio State ranked No. 4 and left with a 24-23 victory over the nation's No. 1 team . The win moved Texas three positions to the top of the poll. The comeback was especially significant because teams trailing an AP No. 1 opponent by at least 20 points in the fourth quarter had been 0-197 since 2004, according to the source. Texas broke that streak and earned the No. 1 ranking in the process. Georgia remains directly behind Texas at No. 2 after overwhelming Western Kentucky 70-20. Notre Dame stayed No. 3 following a 52-0 shutout of Rice and extended its winning streak to 12 games. Indiana and Miami Move Into the Top Five Indiana moved one position to No. 4 after beating Howard 55-0. The Hoosiers are 2-0 and have now scored at least 50 points in 13 games under Curt Cignetti. Miami made an even bigger move. The Hurricanes climbed two spots from No. 7 to No. 5 following a dominant 77-7 victory over Florida A&M. Miami produced 856 total yards , setting a program record. According to the source, the total was also the second-highest in an ACC game, trailing Florida State's 858-yard performance against Maryland in 1992. Ohio State Tumbles From No. 1 to No. 6 Ohio State experienced the largest change near the top of the rankings. The Buckeyes fell five positions from No. 1 to No. 6 following the one-point loss to Texas. Before the defeat, Ohio State had won 115 consecutive games in which it held a lead of at least 20 points at any stage. That streak ended with Texas' comeback. LSU moved up to No. 7, Ole Miss climbed to No. 8 and Texas A&M advanced to No. 9. Alabama rounds out the Week 2 Top 10 after moving from No. 12. BYU, Tennessee and Utah Continue Climbing Several undefeated teams made notable moves in the middle of the poll. BYU jumped from No. 15 to No. 11 following a 28-17 victory over Arizona. USC moved from No. 14 to No. 12, while Texas Tech remained at No. 13. Penn State climbed two positions to No. 14. Tennessee moved from No. 18 to No. 15 after defeating Georgia Tech 45-24. The Volunteers are 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season. SMU follows at No. 16 after a 56-10 victory over UC Davis. Utah also gained three positions, moving from No. 20 to No. 17 after a 43-10 win over Arkansas. Iowa climbed from No. 21 to No. 18 after beating Iowa State 16-13. Michigan Returns at No. 19 Michigan produced another significant change in the rankings. The Wolverines were unranked entering the week but returned at No. 19 after defeating then-No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10. It was Michigan's first home victory over a ranked opponent while the Wolverines were unranked since 2015. The head-to-head result had consequences for Oklahoma as well. The Sooners plunged 13 positions from No. 11 to No. 24 . Oklahoma scored only 10 points in the loss, its second-lowest scoring total as a ranked team against an unranked opponent since 2010. Oregon Plummets to No. 21 No team still ranked in the poll suffered a larger fall than Oregon. The Ducks entered Week 2 at No. 6 but dropped 15 positions to No. 21 after Oklahoma State handed them a 39-31 loss. The defeat also snapped Oregon's 41-game winning streak against unranked opponents. Missouri sits one spot ahead of Oregon at No. 20 after beating Kansas 38-21. Houston remains No. 22 following a 77-6 victory over Southern. Louisville and Virginia Remain in the Top 25 Louisville moved from No. 24 to No. 23 after responding to its season-opening loss with a 59-13 victory over Villanova. The Cardinals have scored at least 50 points in their home opener in each of the past four seasons. Louisville's next challenge comes against No. 16 SMU. Virginia holds the final position at No. 25 after beating Norfolk State 59-3. The Cavaliers improved to 2-0 and own a plus-82 scoring differential through two games, their best mark through the opening two contests since 1930. Week 2 Reshapes the National Picture The biggest story is clear: Texas has replaced Ohio State at No. 1 . But the movement stretches well beyond the top spot. Miami has reached the Top 5, Michigan has returned to the rankings, Oklahoma has fallen to No. 24 and Oregon has plunged from No. 6 to No. 21. The next round of games could create even more movement. No. 7 LSU is scheduled to visit No. 8 Ole Miss, while No. 16 SMU travels to No. 23 Louisville. After two weeks, the 2026 AP Top 25 already looks considerably different at both the top and bottom of the rankings.
Ohio State remains on top of the AP Top 25, but some of the biggest developments in the latest college football rankings are happening farther down the poll. The Buckeyes hold the No. 1 ranking with 1,684 points and 46 first-place votes , while Georgia moves into the No. 2 position. Notre Dame, Texas and Indiana round out the Top 5. The latest poll also features significant movement near the bottom of the rankings. Louisville rises to No. 24 and Virginia enters at No. 25 , with the source showing both programs making 21-position moves. Complete AP Top 25 Rankings Here is the full AP Top 25 included in the latest poll: Ohio State — 2-1 Georgia — 3-0 Notre Dame — 3-0 Texas — 3-0 Indiana — 3-0 Oregon — 2-1 Miami — 3-0 LSU — 3-0 Ole Miss — 3-0 Texas A&M — 3-0 Oklahoma — 3-0 Alabama — 3-0 Texas Tech — 3-0 USC — 4-0 BYU — 3-0 Penn State — 3-0 SMU — 2-1 Tennessee — 3-0 Washington — 3-0 Utah — 3-0 Iowa — 3-0 Houston — 2-1 Missouri — 3-0 Louisville — 2-1 Virginia — 2-1 Ohio State Remains No. 1 Ohio State continues to command the top position despite carrying a 2-1 record. The Buckeyes received 1,684 points and 46 first-place votes , the largest first-place share in the poll. Ohio State is scheduled to host Illinois on Sept. 26. The No. 1 ranking continues a season that began with the Buckeyes in the same position. Ohio State received 40 first-place votes and 1,672 points in the preseason poll. Ohio State has therefore maintained the top spot even as the order behind the Buckeyes has shifted. Georgia Moves Into No. 2 Georgia is now No. 2 with a 3-0 record and 1,532 points. The Bulldogs opened the season at No. 3 in the preseason poll, when they received 1,513 points. Their latest position puts them directly behind Ohio State entering a Sept. 26 matchup against Oklahoma. Notre Dame follows at No. 3 with four first-place votes. Texas sits at No. 4 with two first-place votes, while Indiana is No. 5 and received eight first-place votes. Indiana began the preseason at No. 6 and has moved into the Top 5. Oregon and Miami Follow the Top Five Oregon, which opened the season at No. 2, is now No. 6 with a 2-1 record. The Ducks received 1,422 points and three first-place votes. Immediately behind them is No. 7 Miami , which remains undefeated at 3-0 and received 1,405 points and one first-place vote. LSU sits at No. 8 , Ole Miss is No. 9 and Texas A&M completes the Top 10. Oklahoma and Alabama occupy the next two positions at Nos. 11 and 12. Texas Tech, USC and BYU Lead the Next Group Texas Tech checks in at No. 13 with a 3-0 record and 900 points. USC follows at No. 14 after starting 4-0, while BYU is No. 15 and Penn State sits at No. 16. SMU occupies the No. 17 position with a 2-1 record, followed by undefeated Tennessee at No. 18. SMU and Tennessee began the season at Nos. 19 and 20, respectively, in the preseason poll. Washington, Utah and Iowa Sit Inside Top 21 Three undefeated teams occupy the next three positions. Washington is No. 19 at 3-0 with 489 points. Utah follows at No. 20 with 381 points, and Iowa sits at No. 21 with 369 points. Houston, which is 2-1, comes in at No. 22, while Missouri is No. 23 at 3-0. That brings the rankings to two of the poll's biggest movers. Louisville Makes Major Jump to No. 24 Louisville is back in the Top 25 at No. 24 . The Cardinals have a 2-1 record and received 163 points in the latest poll. The source lists Louisville with a 21-position jump , making the Cardinals one of the biggest movers in the rankings. Louisville opened the year ranked No. 24 but lost its first game to Ole Miss, 41-38 . The Week 1 poll discussion notes that Louisville was the only ranked team to lose during the opening week and subsequently dropped out of the rankings. The Cardinals have now worked their way back into the Top 25 and are scheduled to face Wake Forest on Sept. 26. Virginia Surges Into Top 25 Virginia completes the rankings at No. 25 . Like Louisville, the Cavaliers are shown making a 21-position move . Virginia is 2-1 and received 89 points. Virginia began the preseason outside the Top 25, receiving only one vote in the preseason balloting. The Cavaliers then entered the Week 1 poll at No. 25 following a 34-8 victory over NC State. Virginia rushed for 258 yards in that game, its highest rushing total in an ACC matchup since 2020. Virginia's next matchup is against Delaware on Sept. 26. Pittsburgh Among Teams Receiving Votes Several recognizable programs remain immediately outside the Top 25. Boise State leads the group receiving votes with 86 , followed by Florida with 83 and Michigan with 69. Arizona received 33 votes, Memphis 23 and South Carolina 19. Pittsburgh received 11 votes , while Navy collected 10. UCLA received seven, Virginia Tech and Illinois each received six, and Vanderbilt was among the programs receiving two votes. Ranked Matchups Could Reshape the Poll The Sept. 26 schedule provides several opportunities for the rankings to change again. No. 2 Georgia is scheduled to host No. 11 Oklahoma , while No. 8 LSU hosts No. 10 Texas A&M . No. 4 Texas travels to face No. 18 Tennessee , creating another Top 20 matchup. No. 6 Oregon visits No. 14 USC , while No. 21 Iowa travels to Michigan. Ohio State remains the team at the top, but the latest poll shows plenty of movement throughout the rankings. Georgia has climbed into the No. 2 position, Miami remains inside the Top 10 at No. 7, and Louisville and Virginia have made significant moves into the final two positions. For now, Ohio State remains No. 1 as the 2026 AP Top 25 continues to shift heading into another week of ranked matchups.
No. 23 Louisville found its biggest plays when it needed them most Saturday, using an explosive rushing attack and three SMU turnovers to defeat the No. 16 Mustangs 41-31 at L&N Stadium. In a game that featured eight lead changes , Keyjuan Brown delivered the decisive performance. The Louisville running back rushed for a career-high 163 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries , including scoring runs of 58 and 53 yards in the second half. SMU running back Kendrick Raphael answered with a career-best performance of his own, rushing for 197 yards and three touchdowns , but Louisville scored the final 13 points and forced a crucial late turnover near the goal line to secure the victory. The Cardinals improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the ACC , while SMU fell to 2-1 and 1-1 in conference play. SMU Takes a Narrow Lead Into Halftime The first half established the back-and-forth nature of the matchup. Neither team was able to create lasting separation, with Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings directing offenses that repeatedly exchanged momentum. By halftime, the Mustangs had managed to build a 17-14 advantage . SMU had opportunities to build on that lead, but the Mustangs' inability to protect the football would eventually become one of the defining differences. Louisville entered the game without committing a turnover through its first two contests and extended that streak against SMU. The Cardinals finished their third consecutive game without giving the ball away. SMU would not enjoy the same success. Keyjuan Brown Changes the Game With One Run Louisville needed less than a minute after halftime to erase SMU's lead. Keyjuan Brown broke through the Mustangs defense for a 58-yard touchdown , immediately putting Louisville back in front. The run provided a glimpse of what was coming. Louisville had lacked the explosive rushing plays that had been a major part of its offense in previous seasons. Against SMU, that element returned. The Cardinals finished with 265 rushing yards on 37 carries , producing eight runs of at least 12 yards. Keyjuan Brown was at the center of the turnaround. His 163 yards came on only 10 carries, giving him an average of more than 16 yards per attempt. Kendrick Raphael Keeps SMU in Front Louisville's rushing success did not go unanswered. Raphael delivered the best rushing performance of his SMU career, repeatedly breaking through the Cardinals defense and keeping the Mustangs in position to win. He finished with 197 yards and three touchdowns , establishing a new career high in rushing yards while tying his personal best for touchdowns. His biggest score came in the fourth quarter. With SMU trailing 28-24, Raphael scored on a 12-yard touchdown run with 11:33 remaining , putting the Mustangs back in front 31-28 . After eight lead changes, SMU had regained control with less than 12 minutes remaining. It lasted just 91 seconds. Keyjuan Brown Answers With 53-Yard Touchdown Louisville responded immediately. With 10:02 remaining, Keyjuan Brown broke free again, this time racing 53 yards for his second touchdown . The explosive run put Louisville ahead 35-31 , giving the Cardinals a lead they would not surrender. Brown's two touchdown runs accounted for 111 yards by themselves. His performance also came on his birthday, giving Louisville's running back an especially memorable afternoon. Head coach Jeff Brohm praised Brown's physical running and credited the Cardinals' offensive line for helping the rushing attack break through against a ranked opponent. SMU still had time to respond. Instead, Louisville's defense produced another pivotal stop. Louisville Turns Fourth-Down Stops Into Touchdowns SMU accumulated plenty of offense throughout the afternoon, but several promising possessions ended without points. The Mustangs were stopped twice on fourth down . Both times, Louisville responded by driving for touchdowns. Those sequences became increasingly important in a game decided by 10 points. SMU actually finished with more total offense than Louisville. The Mustangs gained 479 yards compared with Louisville's 442 , ran 20 more plays and possessed the ball for nearly four additional minutes. But Louisville consistently turned its opportunities into points while forcing SMU into costly mistakes. Isaac Brown Gives Louisville Breathing Room After Keyjuan Brown's second long touchdown put Louisville ahead 35-31, the Cardinals needed one more score to create separation. Isaac Brown supplied it. The Louisville running back scored on a 27-yard touchdown with 5:32 remaining , extending the Cardinals' advantage to 41-31 . It proved to be the final score of the afternoon. Louisville's two Browns had delivered three major second-half touchdown runs: Keyjuan from 58 and 53 yards and Isaac from 27. SMU still had enough time to make the finish interesting. Jennings drove the Mustangs toward the Louisville goal line looking to cut the deficit to three. Then came the play that effectively ended the game. Louisville Forces Goal-Line Fumble Jennings scrambled toward the end zone from 19 yards out with less than three minutes remaining. He appeared headed for a touchdown. Louisville's defense knocked the football loose just before Jennings crossed the goal line . The ball rolled through the end zone and out of bounds, resulting in a touchback with 2:43 remaining . Instead of pulling within one possession, SMU had committed its third turnover. Louisville took possession and closed out its first victory over the Mustangs. Turnovers Decide a Game SMU Led Statistically The final statistics illustrated why the outcome was especially frustrating for SMU. The Mustangs had more yards, more plays and more possession time. They also had Raphael's 197 rushing yards. But Louisville won the turnover battle 3-0 . Jennings completed 24 of 35 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown , but he threw two interceptions. Both were made by Louisville defensive back Kaleb Beasley . The late fumble gave Louisville its third takeaway. For the Cardinals, the clean performance with the football continued an impressive early-season trend. Louisville has gone three consecutive games without committing a turnover . Lincoln Kienholz Helps Louisville Produce 442 Yards Louisville did not need a huge passing performance because of the production from its running backs. Kienholz completed 14 of 23 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns . He also added a rushing score as Louisville accumulated 442 yards of total offense. The Cardinals' ability to create explosive plays on the ground became the defining offensive difference. Louisville entered the afternoon searching for more big-play production from its rushing attack. It found it against a ranked ACC opponent. Louisville Overcomes 11 Penalties The Cardinals' performance was far from mistake-free. Louisville committed 11 penalties for 110 yards , its highest penalty yardage since being assessed 121 yards against Miami in 2019. Seven of those penalties were classified as personal fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness. The Cardinals managed to overcome those mistakes because they avoided turnovers and produced explosive plays. Louisville also dealt with difficult conditions. The kickoff temperature was 95 degrees , making it the second-hottest home game in Cardinals history. Only the 98-degree kickoff against Murray State in 2011 was hotter. Louisville Records First Victory Over SMU Saturday's result also carried historical significance. Louisville had never defeated SMU before this matchup . The Cardinals earned that first victory with a second-half rushing performance that repeatedly punished the Mustangs. It also gave Louisville its fifth victory over a ranked opponent in four seasons under Brohm . For SMU, the loss was unusual for another reason. Before Saturday, the Mustangs were 16-1 under Rhett Lashlee when gaining at least 475 yards and outgaining their opponent . Their only previous loss under those circumstances came against California in November 2025. Against Louisville, the Mustangs again won the yardage battle but not the game. Louisville and SMU Turn to Next Week SMU will return home to face Missouri State , while Louisville remains home to play Wake Forest . Both teams leave Saturday with plenty to evaluate. SMU proved it could move the football against a ranked opponent, with Raphael producing 197 yards and three scores. But two failed fourth downs and three turnovers erased much of that production. Louisville found the explosive running game it had been missing. Keyjuan Brown needed only 10 carries to produce a career-high 163 yards, and his two long touchdowns helped Louisville answer whenever SMU appeared ready to take control. When the Cardinals needed one final defensive play, they got that too, forcing Jennings' goal-line fumble to close the door. Behind Keyjuan Brown's career day and a 3-0 advantage in turnovers, No. 23 Louisville defeated No. 16 SMU 41-31 for its first victory over the Mustangs in program history.
No. 5 Miami looked ready to cruise Friday night before Wake Forest turned a comfortable Hurricanes lead into a fourth-quarter test. Darian Mensah completed his first 24 passes and set multiple ACC records as Miami built a 24-point advantage, but it was the Hurricanes' defense that ultimately secured a 33-20 victory at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem. Miami improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in ACC play , while Wake Forest fell to 2-1 and 0-1 in the conference before a sold-out crowd of 32,147. Mensah Starts With Record-Setting Accuracy Mensah was nearly flawless for most of the first three quarters. The Miami quarterback completed his first 24 attempts , breaking the ACC single-game record of 18 consecutive completions to begin a game. His streak reached 35 consecutive completions dating back to Miami's victory over Florida A&M , surpassing the previous ACC multi-game record of 30 set by North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky in 2016. Mensah ultimately finished 30-of-34 for 220 yards and three touchdowns . His first touchdown came on Miami's opening possession, when he found Joshua Moore for a nine-yard score. Wake Forest answered immediately. Gio Lopez directed an 11-play, 75-yard drive and connected with Kamrean Johnson for a 10-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. Miami Builds a 24-7 Halftime Lead The Hurricanes regained control in the second quarter. Mensah found Elija Lofton for a 21-yard touchdown , putting Miami back in front 14-7. Mark Fletcher Jr. later finished another Hurricanes drive with a rushing touchdown, extending the advantage to 21-7. Miami added a field goal before halftime to take a 24-7 lead into the locker room. The Hurricanes had outgained Wake Forest 303-88 during the first half. The lead grew again in the third. Mensah connected with Malachi Toney for a short touchdown , giving Miami a commanding 31-7 advantage with 8:56 remaining in the quarter . At that point, the Hurricanes appeared headed toward another comfortable victory. Wake Forest had other plans. Gio Lopez Leads Wake Forest Comeback Lopez began attacking Miami's secondary and quickly brought the Demon Deacons back into the game. He found Jack Foley for a 23-yard touchdown , reducing Miami's advantage to 31-13. After Wake Forest's defense forced a three-and-out, Lopez struck again. This time, he connected with Carlos Hernandez for a 17-yard touchdown , making it 31-20 with 14:56 remaining. Lopez finished 29-of-46 for 312 yards and three touchdowns , spreading the football among 11 receivers. Foley delivered a career performance with six catches for 118 yards and a touchdown , while Hernandez recorded 10 receptions for 69 yards and a score . Miami's 24-point lead had suddenly been reduced to 11. Hurricanes Offense Stalls Late The same Miami offense that had moved the ball efficiently for most of the night suddenly stopped producing. Over its final six drives, Miami managed only 26 total yards . The Hurricanes failed to record a first down on the first five of those possessions, resulting in four punts and a blocked field goal. Mensah's final numbers remained impressive, but the fourth quarter became a test for Miami's defense rather than its quarterback. Wake Forest repeatedly received opportunities to make the game even closer. The Hurricanes stopped every one of them. Miami Defense Takes Over the Fourth Quarter Wake Forest's first full possession after pulling within 31-20 ended with Miami's pass rush creating points. Pressure on Lopez in his own end zone resulted in a holding penalty and a safety , increasing Miami's advantage to 33-20. The Demon Deacons came back again and drove to the Miami 13-yard line. On fourth down, Hurricanes pressure forced Lopez into an inaccurate pass in the end zone. Another Wake Forest possession reached Miami territory, but freshman JJ Dunnigan pressured Lopez into another off-target fourth-down throw with 5:24 remaining. Wake Forest received one final opportunity. This time, Ethan O'Connor intercepted Lopez with 2:24 left , effectively sealing the victory. Miami's defense ended Wake Forest's final four full possessions with a safety, two turnovers on downs and an interception. Malachi Toney Leads Miami Receivers Toney remained Mensah's primary target, finishing with 12 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown . Through three games, the sophomore had accounted for 444 of Miami's 1,074 receiving yards, along with five of the Hurricanes' 14 receiving touchdowns. Fletcher contributed 85 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries . Miami's ground game was limited later in the contest, but the Hurricanes' early offensive production provided enough separation for the defense to protect. Penalties Hurt Wake Forest's Comeback Wake Forest's rally was also complicated by its own mistakes. The Demon Deacons were penalized 13 times for 137 yards , including two penalties that erased significant fourth-quarter punt returns. Those mistakes cost Wake Forest valuable field position at a time when Miami's offense had stopped moving the football. Still, the Demon Deacons remained within striking distance until the Hurricanes' defense repeatedly stopped them on fourth down. Miami also limited Wake Forest's rushing attack to 22 yards after accounting for sack yardage , forcing Lopez to carry most of the offensive burden through the air. Mensah Adds Another Remarkable Early-Season Mark Mensah's ACC completion records were not his only notable achievement. Through three games, he had completed 71 of 79 passes for 873 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions , an 89.9% completion rate. According to the source, Mensah became the only FBS or NFL quarterback over the previous 30 years to produce three consecutive games with at least three touchdown passes and an 80% completion percentage . Friday's performance was different from Miami's first two wins, however. Instead of relying on its offense to overwhelm an opponent from start to finish, the Hurricanes needed their defense to close the game. Mario Cristobal Earns 100th Career Victory The result also delivered a coaching milestone. Miami's victory was Mario Cristobal's 100th career win as a head coach . He earned 27 victories at FIU and 35 at Oregon before reaching 38 wins with Miami. The Hurricanes remained undefeated through three games, but Wake Forest provided their closest challenge of the season. Miami led 31-7 before its offense stalled. Lopez and the Demon Deacons responded with two touchdowns, cutting the margin to 11 and putting pressure on the Hurricanes deep into the fourth quarter. That was when Miami's defense answered. A safety, two fourth-down stops and O'Connor's late interception prevented Wake Forest from scoring again. Mensah supplied the records, but Miami's defense supplied the finish as the No. 5 Hurricanes held off Wake Forest 33-20 to improve to 3-0.
Pitt leaned on its ground game and capitalized on Syracuse mistakes Thursday night, defeating the Orange 27-13 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Panthers rushed for 245 yards , with freshman Damon Ferguson Jr. leading the way with 102, as Pitt improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in ACC play . La'Vell Wright added 81 rushing yards, while Ferguson, Wright and quarterback Mason Heintschel each scored on the ground. Syracuse fell to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in the ACC . Syracuse entered halftime trailing only 17-10, but Pitt quickly restored a two-touchdown advantage in the third quarter. Two fourth-quarter interceptions thrown by Steve Angeli then helped shut down the Orange's remaining comeback hopes. Pitt Establishes Its Running Game Early The Panthers entered the matchup averaging only 3.6 yards per carry, but their rushing attack looked considerably different against Syracuse. Pitt opened the scoring with a nine-play, 63-yard drive. Justin Cook broke loose for a 23-yard run on third-and-3, helping move the Panthers into Syracuse territory. The Orange defense initially forced three straight incompletions, but a personal foul extended the possession. Heintschel then connected with Wright and Censere Lee before Wright scored from two yards out , putting Pitt ahead 7-0 late in the first quarter. It was an early example of a recurring problem for Syracuse: defensive stops being undone by penalties. Syracuse Penalties Help Pitt Build 14-0 Lead The Orange appeared to have forced a three-and-out on Pitt's next scoring possession. Instead, two penalties changed the drive. A pass interference call gave Pitt a first down at the Syracuse 49. Head coach Fran Brown was then penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after protesting the call, moving the Panthers another 15 yards downfield. Two plays later, Ferguson broke free for a 32-yard touchdown , extending Pitt's lead to 14-0. The source accounts differ slightly on Syracuse's final penalty total, reporting either nine penalties for 90 yards or 10 for 94. But both accounts make the broader impact clear: penalties repeatedly hurt the Orange in important situations. Syracuse Misses Early Scoring Opportunity Syracuse responded with its deepest drive of the game to that point. Angeli found David Clement for 12 yards before a roughing-the-passer penalty moved the Orange across midfield. He then connected with Umari Hatcher for 34 yards , setting Syracuse up at the Pitt 14. The drive stalled. Tripp Woody attempted a 29-yard field goal, but his kick missed left, leaving Syracuse scoreless. Pitt answered with another scoring possession. Heintschel completed a 25-yard pass to Carson Kent, Wright ran for 15 yards and the quarterback added an 18-yard scramble. Syracuse eventually stopped the drive, but Antonio Chadha connected from 42 yards to increase Pitt's advantage to 17-0. Ahmad Miller Gets Syracuse Back Into the Game With the Orange in danger of falling out of the game before halftime, the offense finally found the end zone. Syracuse marched 65 yards on 10 plays . Hatcher opened the possession with a 28-yard run. Miller followed with gains of seven and five yards before Angeli connected with Hatcher for another 24 yards. After a fourth-down pass interference penalty kept the possession alive, Miller scored on a two-yard run , cutting Pitt's lead to 17-7. Miller was Syracuse's most productive runner, finishing with 78 yards and a touchdown while averaging 5.6 yards per carry . The photograph on page 5 of the uploaded source shows Miller being lifted into the air by offensive lineman Trevion Mack as Syracuse celebrated the touchdown. Davien Kerr Helps Syracuse Cut Lead to Seven Syracuse's defense provided another opportunity just before halftime. Davien Kerr intercepted Heintschel with 52 seconds remaining and returned the ball four yards. Angeli quickly moved Syracuse into Pitt territory, finding Darius Johnson for 13 yards and Justus Ross-Simmons for 25. The Orange could not reach the end zone, but Shay Barker made a 42-yard field goal as time expired . After trailing 17-0, Syracuse entered halftime down only 17-10 . The Orange had given themselves a chance. Pitt needed less than two minutes after halftime to take that chance away. Panthers Run Through Syracuse After Halftime After Syracuse went three-and-out to begin the third quarter, Pitt returned to the ground. Ferguson ran for 18 yards , then broke loose for another 33 yards to reach the Syracuse 25. Wright immediately followed with a 16-yard run. Three consecutive rushing plays had moved Pitt from its own 24 to the Syracuse 9. Heintschel finished the drive himself, scoring on a nine-yard quarterback keeper . Pitt covered 76 yards in only four plays and 1:59, restoring a 24-10 advantage . The drive summarized the biggest difference in the game. Syracuse knew Pitt wanted to run, but the Panthers continued creating explosive gains anyway. Damon Ferguson Jr. Reaches 100 Yards Ferguson finished with 102 rushing yards , providing Pitt with its first 100-yard rushing performance of the season. Wright added 81 yards as part of a Panthers offense that accumulated 245 rushing yards overall . Heintschel struggled more as a passer, completing 10 of 23 attempts for 123 yards with an interception. But his mobility mattered. Along with his third-quarter touchdown, Heintschel later converted a third-and-9 with a 10-yard run during Pitt's final possession, helping the Panthers drain the remaining time. Syracuse Drives Stall in Second Half The Orange had opportunities to answer Pitt's third-quarter touchdown. Syracuse put together an 11-play possession that reached the Pitt 28. Miller contributed 32 rushing yards on the drive, including a 20-yard gain on third-and-2 . But an eight-yard sack and a delay-of-game penalty pushed Syracuse backward, eventually forcing a punt. The Orange defense answered by forcing another Pitt punt. That gave Syracuse another chance entering the fourth quarter. This time, turnovers ended the threat. Steve Angeli Throws Back-to-Back Interceptions Syracuse reached the Pitt 40 after an 11-yard Miller run. On the next snap, Raion Strader intercepted Angeli at the Pitt 30. The Orange defense forced another punt, quickly giving the offense another opportunity. Three plays later, Pitt took the ball away again. Braylan Lovelace intercepted Angeli's deep pass intended for Daunte Bacheyie, giving the Panthers possession at the Syracuse 41. The two interceptions came on consecutive Syracuse possessions and effectively ended the Orange's comeback attempt. Angeli was then replaced by Amari Odom . Syracuse's official recap credited Angeli with 161 passing yards on 13-of-25 passing , while Odom completed all eight of his attempts. Pitt Turns Second Interception Into Points Pitt converted the second takeaway into the points that effectively secured the victory. Wright picked up a first down on third-and-3 and followed with a 12-yard run. Syracuse's defense eventually stopped the Panthers at the 15, but Chadha connected on a 34-yard field goal to make it 27-10 with 8:16 remaining. Odom then gave Syracuse one final productive drive. The backup quarterback directed the Orange 71 yards on 11 plays , including a 22-yard completion to Darius Johnson. Syracuse reached the Pitt 12 before settling for Barker's 30-yard field goal, producing the final 27-13 score. Pitt Stays Perfect at 3-0 Pitt finished with 368 total yards , with nearly two-thirds of that production coming on the ground. Syracuse actually finished close behind with 347 total yards , including 142 rushing, but the Orange could not consistently turn that production into points. The Panthers instead made better use of their opportunities. They scored three rushing touchdowns, converted Syracuse penalties into extended possessions and took the football away twice in the fourth quarter. The win also came in Pat Narduzzi's school-record 144th game as Pitt's head coach , moving him past Jock Sutherland for the most games coached in program history. Syracuse Enters Bye Week at 1-2 Syracuse now has time to regroup. The Orange enter a bye week before returning on Oct. 3 at UConn , with kickoff scheduled for noon. Pitt remains home and will face Bucknell on Sept. 26 for homecoming. Thursday night's outcome ultimately came down to Pitt's ability to control the ground game and Syracuse's inability to capitalize when the game remained within reach. The Orange recovered from a 17-point deficit to enter halftime down seven, but Pitt immediately answered with a 76-yard touchdown drive. When Syracuse tried to rally again in the fourth, consecutive interceptions ended the threat. Behind Ferguson's 102 rushing yards and a 245-yard team rushing performance, Pitt defeated Syracuse 27-13 to remain undefeated at 3-0 .