Notre Dame Edges Syracuse 69-64 in ACC Opener

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Troy completed a remarkable second-half comeback Thursday night, October 29, defeating James Madison 24-21 in overtime at Bridgeforth Stadium behind a record-tying defensive performance from safety Justin Powe and a game-winning field goal from Hayden Wolfe. Powe intercepted three passes, tying Troy's single-game school record, including a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown that sparked the Trojans' comeback from a 21-7 halftime deficit. Wolfe completed the turnaround with a 27-yard field goal in overtime, securing Troy's first road victory of the season. The Trojans improved to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in Sun Belt Conference play, while James Madison dropped to 7-2. The victory also ended the Dukes' 11-game home winning streak and gave Troy its first win in Harrisonburg. Justin Powe's Three Interceptions Spark Troy's Comeback Powe delivered one of the most memorable defensive performances in Troy football history. The safety recorded three interceptions, matching the program's single-game record established by Ronnie Shelley in 1968. He became the first Troy player to record three interceptions in a game since Montres Kitchens accomplished the feat against Idaho in 2014. His most important play came on the second snap of the third quarter. With James Madison leading 21-7, Powe intercepted backup quarterback JC Evans and returned the ball 37 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score immediately reduced Troy's deficit to 21-14 and shifted momentum toward the Trojans. Powe also broke up two critical passes during James Madison's final possession of regulation, preventing the Dukes from securing a potential winning touchdown. His combination of interceptions, defensive awareness and late-game execution helped Troy complete its comeback. James Madison Builds Commanding 21-7 Halftime Lead James Madison controlled the opening half, scoring touchdowns on its first three possessions. Quarterback Camden Coleman opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown pass to Corey Scott on fourth-and-goal. Coleman later connected with Braeden Wisloski for a 31-yard touchdown, extending the Dukes' advantage to 14-0. Troy responded early in the second quarter when Gavin Griffin scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown. The scoring drive covered 75 yards and benefited from three James Madison penalties that extended the possession. However, the Dukes regained control before halftime. Running back Seth Cromwell scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, giving James Madison a 21-7 lead entering the break. The Dukes appeared positioned for another home victory after dominating the opening two quarters. Troy Defense Forces Five Turnovers and Shuts Out James Madison Troy's defense completely transformed the game after halftime. The Trojans forced five turnovers, including Powe's three interceptions, and prevented James Madison from scoring during the final two quarters and overtime. After scoring touchdowns on its first three possessions, James Madison struggled to sustain drives. The Dukes followed those scoring possessions with four three-and-outs and five turnovers across their next nine drives. Linebacker Keno Jones led Troy with 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. Defensive lineman Donnie Smith recorded his seventh sack of the season, continuing his productive campaign. Troy's defense held James Madison scoreless over the final 38 minutes and 41 seconds, creating the opportunities necessary for the comeback. Jaheim Merriweather Ties Game With 28-Yard Touchdown Troy capitalized on another James Madison turnover midway through the third quarter. Jordan Perry forced a fumble from Jeremiah Harrison, and Miquon Merriweather recovered the football. Three plays later, Jaheim Merriweather broke free for a 28-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 21-21. Merriweather finished with 84 rushing yards on 13 carries, providing the Trojans with their most productive rushing performance. Quarterback Tucker Kilcrease also contributed to Troy's offensive effort. Making his first start of the season in place of injured quarterback Goose Crowder, Kilcrease passed for 179 yards and rushed for 40. The Trojans finished with 170 rushing yards and 349 total offensive yards. Although Troy struggled on third and fourth downs, its defense consistently provided opportunities to remain competitive. Keno Jones Makes Critical Fourth-Down Stop in Overtime Neither team scored during the fourth quarter, sending the contest into overtime tied at 21. Wolfe had an opportunity to give Troy the lead late in regulation but missed a 49-yard field goal attempt. James Madison also threatened during its final possession. Coleman attempted a deep pass to Michael Scott, but Powe broke up the completion. On the final play of regulation, Powe prevented another potential touchdown by knocking the ball away from tight end Cole Keller. Troy won the overtime coin toss and elected to play defense first. James Madison moved inside the Trojans' 10-yard line but faced fourth-and-one at the five. Jones delivered the decisive defensive stop, bringing down Cromwell short of the first-down marker. The play ended James Madison's overtime possession without points. Hayden Wolfe Delivers Game-Winning Field Goal After Jones' fourth-down stop, Troy needed only a field goal to complete the comeback. The Trojans relied on their rushing attack, moving the football closer to the goalposts. Griffin converted an important third-and-six situation with an eight-yard run, extending the possession. Wolfe then stepped onto the field for a 27-yard attempt. The junior-college transfer had missed his previous two field-goal attempts for Troy, including the 49-yard try during regulation. This time, Wolfe delivered. His kick sailed through the uprights, securing the 24-21 overtime victory and completing Troy's dramatic comeback. It marked the program's first game-winning field goal in the final minute or overtime since October 2020. Troy Ends James Madison's 11-Game Home Winning Streak Thursday's victory represented an important response for Troy following a difficult loss to Louisiana-Monroe the previous week. The Trojans had surrendered a late lead in that matchup, falling 21-14 despite leading 14-3 with fewer than three minutes remaining. Against James Madison, Troy reversed that outcome by overcoming a two-touchdown deficit. The victory also avenged the Trojans' 31-14 defeat to the Dukes in the 2025 Sun Belt Championship Game. Troy earned its first victory over James Madison since 1999, when both programs competed at the Division I-AA level. For James Madison, the defeat ended an 11-game home winning streak despite the Dukes outgaining Troy 408-349. Cromwell finished with 135 rushing yards, while Coleman passed for 175 yards and two touchdowns. However, five turnovers ultimately prevented James Madison from protecting its early advantage. What's Next for Troy and James Madison? Troy returns home Saturday, November 7, to host Louisiana Tech at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+. James Madison travels to face Southern Mississippi on Thursday, November 5. For Troy, Powe's three interceptions, Merriweather's game-tying touchdown and Wolfe's overtime field goal combined to deliver one of the Trojans' most memorable victories of the season. The 24-21 comeback demonstrated Troy's defensive resilience and ability to respond after a difficult opening half.

Investigator Josh Handy.BERKELEY, Calif. — California delivered a historic performance Wednesday night, October 28, defeating No. 18 Stanford 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 27-25) at Haas Pavilion to secure its first straight-set sweep of the Cardinal in program history. Freshman outside hitter Abby Zimmerman led the Golden Bears with 12 kills on .345 hitting, while Grace Agolli contributed 11 kills and freshman setter Anna Flores recorded 37 assists and 22 digs. The victory ended California's 11-match losing streak against its Bay Area rival and marked the program's first win over Stanford since February 12, 2021. California improved to 16-6 overall and 6-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Stanford fell to 13-8 and 6-5 in the ACC. Abby Zimmerman Leads California's Historic Victory Zimmerman delivered an efficient offensive performance, recording a team-high 12 kills, five digs and one service ace. Her contributions were especially important during the opening set, when California faced a three-point deficit late in the frame. Agolli provided another reliable attacking option, finishing with 11 kills while hitting .360. Cari Bohm also contributed to California's offensive efficiency, hitting .368 and delivering the kill that secured the second set. Senior Ashley Li supplied several crucial points, including a late kill that helped California close out the match. The Golden Bears finished with a .296 team hitting percentage, outperforming Stanford's offense and recording 50 kills compared with the Cardinal's 38. California Erases Stanford's Late Lead in First Set Stanford appeared positioned to take the opening set after establishing an early advantage. The teams were tied at 8-8 before the Cardinal produced a five-point scoring run, eventually building a 15-10 lead. California responded behind kills from Sawyer Thomsen and a service ace from Li, reducing the deficit to 15-13. Stanford regained control and moved ahead 19-15. However, the Golden Bears capitalized on three consecutive Stanford errors to narrow the score to 20-19. The Cardinal later extended its advantage to 23-20, moving within two points of winning the set. California responded with five consecutive points. Zimmerman delivered three straight kills during the decisive stretch, while Li contributed another kill and Flores added a service ace. The Golden Bears completed the comeback with a 25-23 victory, taking an important 1-0 advantage. Golden Bears Control Second Set 25-20 Stanford attempted to regain momentum early in the second set. The Cardinal established a 9-5 lead behind strong serving from libero Spencer Etzler, who recorded two service aces during a four-point run. California answered with improved offensive execution. Bohm and Flores contributed kills during a three-point scoring run that reduced Stanford's advantage to 9-8. The Golden Bears eventually moved ahead 12-10 following another scoring stretch highlighted by Zimmerman. Agolli then delivered consecutive kills, extending California's advantage to 16-12. Stanford remained competitive, narrowing the deficit to 21-19 behind contributions from Lilly Wagner and Jordyn Harvey. However, California maintained control during the closing exchanges. The Golden Bears won four of the final five points, with Bohm delivering the decisive kill to secure a 25-20 second-set victory. California hit .375 during the frame, demonstrating its offensive efficiency against the nationally ranked Cardinal. Ashley Li Helps California Finish Dramatic Third Set The third set featured another competitive battle between the Bay Area rivals. California opened with a 4-1 advantage before Stanford responded to take an 11-9 lead. The Cardinal later extended its advantage to 14-12 behind Wagner's attacking. California answered with five consecutive points, reclaiming the lead at 17-14. Agolli and Zimmerman contributed important kills during the comeback. The Golden Bears eventually moved ahead 22-18, appearing positioned to finish the match comfortably. Stanford refused to surrender. The Cardinal produced a three-point scoring run and eventually tied the score at 23-23. Both teams continued exchanging points until the frame reached 25-25. Li then delivered a crucial kill, giving California match point at 26-25. A Stanford attack error ended the contest, securing a 27-25 third-set victory and completing the historic sweep. Anna Flores Records Outstanding Double-Double Flores delivered one of the most impressive all-around performances of the match. The freshman setter recorded 37 assists and 22 digs, adding five kills and one service ace. According to California Athletics, Flores became the first Division I volleyball setter this season to record at least 30 assists and 20 digs in a single match. Her performance helped California maintain offensive balance while providing defensive stability against Stanford's attackers. Flores consistently created scoring opportunities for Zimmerman, Agolli and Bohm. The Golden Bears also finished with 59 digs compared with Stanford's 57, reflecting the competitive defensive exchanges throughout the match. Stanford Struggles Without Starting Setter Logan Parks Stanford entered the rivalry matchup without starting setter Logan Parks, who was not in uniform Wednesday. Junior Lilly Wagner stepped into the setting role, recording 27 assists, eight digs, four kills and two blocks. Julia Blyashov and Jordyn Harvey led Stanford with nine kills apiece. Blyashov added 11 digs and two service aces, while Harvey contributed 12 digs, one ace and one block. Middle blocker Lizzy Andrew finished with eight kills on .412 hitting and five blocks, including three solo blocks. Etzler led Stanford defensively with 14 digs, including 10 during the opening set. Despite those individual performances, Stanford struggled to finish close sets. The Cardinal held significant advantages during the first and third frames but could not prevent California's late scoring runs. California Ends 11-Match Rivalry Losing Streak Wednesday's victory represented a major milestone for California volleyball. The Golden Bears snapped an 11-match losing streak against Stanford, ending a drought that had lasted more than five years. It also marked California's first straight-set sweep of the Cardinal in program history. The victory was particularly meaningful after California entered the matchup following consecutive defeats against North Carolina and Duke. Instead of allowing those setbacks to continue, the Golden Bears responded with one of their strongest performances of the season. California also surpassed 15 wins for the first time since 2023. The result marked the program's first victory over a nationally ranked opponent since defeating No. 14 Miami on October 16, 2025. For Stanford, the loss represented a disappointing result against a longtime rival after entering the match ranked No. 18 nationally. What's Next for California and Stanford? The two programs will meet again on Friday, October 30, at 7 p.m. PT, at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, California. The rematch will be available on ACCNX. California will look to complete a season sweep of Stanford, while the Cardinal will attempt to respond on its home court. For the Golden Bears, Zimmerman's offensive leadership, Flores' exceptional double-double and Li's clutch attacking combined to deliver a memorable victory. The 3-0 result not only strengthened California's ACC record but also established a new chapter in one of college volleyball's longstanding rivalries.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State returned to winning form Sunday afternoon, October 25, defeating Notre Dame 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-16) at Tully Gymnasium behind an efficient offensive performance from senior outside hitter Kyleene Filimaua and a commanding defensive effort. Filimaua led the Seminoles with 11 kills on a .370 hitting percentage, adding six digs and two blocks. Setter Emma Lilo contributed 26 assists, 11 digs and three service aces, recording her fifth double-double of the season. The victory improved Florida State to 11-9 overall and 5-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Notre Dame fell to 4-15 and 1-9 in conference competition. The Seminoles held the Fighting Irish to a .092 hitting percentage, outblocked Notre Dame 9-3 and recorded a 5-0 advantage in service aces. Kyleene Filimaua Leads Florida State's Offensive Attack Filimaua provided the offensive consistency Florida State needed to secure its fifth ACC victory. The senior finished with 11 kills while hitting .370, giving the Seminoles a reliable attacking option throughout the match. Her six digs and two blocks also contributed to Florida State's defensive success. Sophomore outside hitter Payton Whalen delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, recording a season-high eight kills and a career-high seven digs. Whalen also contributed two blocks, strengthening Florida State's presence at the net. Middle blocker Nenu Kpea added six kills and four blocks, while opposite hitter Bailey Higgins finished with four kills and a match-high five blocks. The balanced production helped Florida State maintain offensive pressure while disrupting Notre Dame's attacking rhythm. Florida State Holds Off Notre Dame in First Set The opening set featured several competitive exchanges as Notre Dame attempted to challenge the Seminoles on their home court. Filimaua helped Florida State establish an early advantage with a kill that put the Seminoles ahead 5-4. Florida State gradually extended its lead to 10-6, forcing Notre Dame to call a timeout. The Fighting Irish responded with improved attacking and defensive execution, eventually tying the score at 12-12. However, Florida State regained control. The Seminoles established a 15-13 advantage heading into the media timeout before continuing to build momentum. Whalen contributed an important kill during the closing stages as Florida State maintained its lead. The Seminoles finished the opening set with 14 kills, three blocks and two service aces. Florida State secured a 25-20 victory, taking a 1-0 advantage in the match. Seminoles Survive Notre Dame's Second-Set Comeback Florida State continued applying pressure early in the second set. A block from Filimaua helped establish the Seminoles' defensive presence before Notre Dame responded to tie the score. Whalen delivered another kill to restore Florida State's advantage. After several exchanges, the Seminoles moved ahead 7-5 and gradually extended their lead. Filimaua recorded her fifth kill of the afternoon to push Florida State ahead 10-6. Higgins and Delaney Ewing later combined for an important block, helping the Seminoles establish a 15-8 advantage at the media timeout. Notre Dame responded with a scoring run that reduced the deficit to 20-16. The Fighting Irish continued competing during the closing stages, forcing Florida State to execute under pressure. Lilo contributed another service ace, while Whalen delivered her eighth kill of the match. The Seminoles eventually secured a 25-22 victory, taking a commanding 2-0 lead. Through two sets, Florida State had recorded 27 kills, five blocks and four service aces. Florida State Dominates Third Set to Complete Sweep Florida State entered the third set determined to finish the match without allowing Notre Dame an opportunity to extend the contest. The Seminoles established an early 12-7 advantage through consistent attacking and defensive pressure. Notre Dame struggled to maintain offensive rhythm as Florida State continued challenging its hitters at the net. The Seminoles extended their lead to 15-8 at the media timeout. Filimaua later recorded her 10th kill of the match, helping Florida State build a 20-12 advantage. The Fighting Irish could not generate a sustained comeback. Florida State maintained control during the final exchanges, closing the set 25-16 to complete the straight-set victory. The convincing third-set performance demonstrated the Seminoles' ability to finish strongly after surviving more competitive opening frames. Emma Lilo Records Fifth Double-Double of the Season Lilo delivered another productive all-around performance for Florida State. The junior setter finished with 26 assists and 11 digs, recording her fifth double-double of the season. She also led all players with three service aces, contributing to Florida State's decisive advantage from the service line. Her ability to distribute the ball helped Filimaua, Whalen and Kpea generate consistent offensive opportunities. Lilo's defensive contributions also supported a Florida State backcourt that limited Notre Dame's attacking effectiveness. The Seminoles' combination of organized setting, aggressive serving and strong blocking created challenges for the Fighting Irish throughout the match. Florida State Defense Limits Notre Dame to .092 Hitting Florida State's defense played a central role in Sunday's victory. The Seminoles recorded nine team blocks compared with Notre Dame's three. Higgins led all players with five blocks, while Kpea added four. Their presence at the net repeatedly challenged Notre Dame's attackers and disrupted the Fighting Irish offense. Florida State also finished with five service aces, while Notre Dame did not record any. The Seminoles held Notre Dame to a .092 team hitting percentage, demonstrating their effectiveness in limiting offensive opportunities. The defensive performance was especially important after Florida State entered the match following difficult results against nationally ranked ACC opponents. Mae Kordas Leads Notre Dame Despite Defeat Notre Dame received a productive performance from Mae Kordas, who led all players with 12 kills while adding seven digs. Sydney Helmers, Chichi Nnaji and Anna Bjork each contributed eight kills, providing balanced offensive production. Setter Maya Baker finished with 28 assists and 10 digs, recording her first double-double of the season. The performance marked just the second time in Baker's collegiate career that she reached double-digit digs. Sophomore Maya Evens also delivered a strong defensive effort, recording 13 digs and a career-high nine assists. Despite those individual contributions, Notre Dame struggled to overcome Florida State's blocking and serving advantages. The Fighting Irish remained competitive during portions of the first two sets but could not establish consistent momentum. Florida State Earns Fifth ACC Victory Sunday's result represented an important response for Florida State following its recent challenges against nationally ranked conference opponents. The Seminoles entered the matchup after suffering a defeat against No. 3 Louisville. Against Notre Dame, Florida State demonstrated improved defensive organization and offensive consistency. The victory marked the program's fourth sweep in its last six home matches, reinforcing its ability to perform effectively at Tully Gymnasium. At 5-4 in conference play, Florida State moved above .500 in the ACC standings. For Notre Dame, the defeat continued a difficult conference campaign as the Fighting Irish searched for greater consistency. What's Next for Florida State and Notre Dame? Florida State returns to the road Friday, October 30, when it visits Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ACCNX. The Seminoles then travel to Charlottesville to face Virginia on Sunday, November 1, at 1 p.m. ET. Notre Dame returns home to host Georgia Tech on Friday, October 30, at 6:30 p.m., followed by Clemson on Sunday, November 1, at 1 p.m. For Florida State, Filimaua's offensive leadership, Lilo's double-double and an effective defensive performance combined to deliver a convincing 3-0 victory. The Seminoles will look to build on their fifth conference win as the ACC regular season continues.

ATLANTA, Ga. — No. 7 SMU continued its impressive road form Sunday, October 25, defeating Georgia Tech 3-0 (26-24, 26-24, 25-21) at McCamish Pavilion behind a dominant performance from outside hitter Suli Davis. Davis recorded 17 kills and 12 digs for her seventh double-double of the season, helping the Mustangs survive two closely contested sets before completing their ninth sweep of the year. SMU improved to 16-4 overall and 8-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, extending its undefeated conference road record to 5-0. Georgia Tech fell to 13-7 and 5-4 in the ACC. Gabi Placide contributed 11 kills while hitting .667, and setter Hannah Beauford delivered 44 assists as the Mustangs secured another important conference victory. Suli Davis Leads SMU With 17 Kills and 12 Digs Davis established herself as SMU's most productive attacker, finishing with a match-high 17 kills. Her 12 digs completed her seventh double-double of the season and helped the Mustangs maintain defensive stability during extended rallies. The performance marked Davis' 16th match with double-digit kills this season and the 46th of her collegiate career. SMU improved to 6-1 this season when Davis records a double-double, reflecting her importance to the team's success. Placide provided another outstanding offensive contribution, recording 11 kills on a .667 hitting percentage. Her attacking efficiency ranked as the third-highest by an SMU player with at least 10 attempts this season. Together, Davis and Placide gave the Mustangs reliable offensive options against Georgia Tech's blocking defense. SMU Survives First-Set Battle 26-24 Georgia Tech challenged SMU throughout the opening set. The Mustangs established an early 6-3 advantage before the Yellow Jackets responded behind Alida Bennour and Laura Bieleski. The teams exchanged points during a competitive stretch, remaining tied through several rallies. SMU eventually built a 19-15 advantage, but Georgia Tech responded with improved blocking and timely attacking. The Yellow Jackets reduced the deficit to 21-20, forcing another SMU timeout. Georgia Tech later tied the score at 22-22 before both teams continued exchanging points. Davis delivered an important late kill to put SMU ahead 24-23. Bieleski answered for Georgia Tech, tying the frame at 24. However, SMU responded with two consecutive points, including the decisive kill from Jadyn Livings, to secure a 26-24 opening-set victory. The Mustangs finished the frame with 18 kills while hitting .225. Georgia Tech Pushes SMU Again in Second Set The second set followed a similar pattern as Georgia Tech challenged the nationally ranked Mustangs. The Yellow Jackets opened with a 4-1 advantage and later extended their lead to 7-4. SMU responded with four consecutive points to move ahead 8-7. Georgia Tech regained momentum when Simone Heard delivered consecutive service aces, helping the Yellow Jackets build a 13-10 advantage. The aces were the first two of Heard's collegiate career. Davis helped SMU recover, recording a kill that tied the set at 14. Bennour then contributed important offensive production as Georgia Tech maintained a narrow advantage. SMU eventually tied the score at 19 before moving ahead 22-20. Georgia Tech responded again, tying the frame at 23 and later 24. Despite the resistance, the Mustangs executed during the final exchanges to claim another 26-24 victory. The narrow result gave SMU a 2-0 advantage despite Georgia Tech's competitive performance. Mustangs Complete Sweep With 25-21 Third Set SMU entered the third set determined to finish the match without allowing Georgia Tech another opportunity. The Mustangs established an early 5-1 lead, forcing the Yellow Jackets into a timeout. SMU continued attacking effectively, extending its advantage to 9-3. However, Georgia Tech refused to surrender. Middle blocker Zoë Humphrey contributed three blocks during a five-point stretch, helping the Yellow Jackets reduce the deficit to 12-11. SMU responded with three consecutive points, including a service ace from Elle Vandeweghe, to rebuild its advantage at 15-11. Georgia Tech continued competing and eventually narrowed the score to 17-16. The Mustangs maintained their composure, relying on timely kills to prevent the Yellow Jackets from completing the comeback. Favor Anyanwu delivered SMU's final two kills, securing a 25-21 third-set victory and completing the sweep. Hannah Beauford Delivers Outstanding All-Around Performance Beauford played an important role in directing SMU's offense. The redshirt freshman finished with 44 assists, her highest total in a three-set match this season. She also contributed nine digs, five blocks and one service ace. Her ability to distribute the ball helped SMU maintain offensive efficiency against Georgia Tech's defense. The Mustangs finished with a .264 hitting percentage, compared with Georgia Tech's .155. SMU also recorded 10 team blocks, with Beauford and Anyanwu contributing five apiece. Libero Victoria Harris and defensive specialist Sarah Frazee each finished with 13 digs. Frazee's performance established a new career high, while Harris reached double-digit digs for the 16th time this season. The defensive contributions helped SMU withstand Georgia Tech's repeated comeback attempts. Alida Bennour Leads Georgia Tech Despite Defeat Georgia Tech received another productive performance from freshman Alida Bennour. Bennour finished with a team-high 15 kills, extending her streak of matches with double-digit kills to eight. The performance marked her 16th double-digit kill match of the season. Humphrey provided a strong defensive presence, recording a match-high seven blocks. Heard contributed three kills, two service aces, five digs and two block assists. Setter Mana Kaneko added a season-high seven assists and nine digs. Despite those individual contributions, Georgia Tech struggled to maintain consistent attacking efficiency. The Yellow Jackets finished with 33 kills, compared with SMU's 53. Their .155 hitting percentage limited their ability to convert scoring opportunities against the Mustangs. SMU Extends Perfect ACC Road Record Sunday's victory continued SMU's impressive performance away from home. The Mustangs improved to 7-1 in road matches and 5-0 in ACC road competition. SMU also earned its sixth conference sweep of the season. The victory improved the Mustangs' all-time record against Georgia Tech to 5-2, including a 3-0 mark under head coach Sam Erger. Since joining the ACC in 2024, SMU has compiled a 41-9 conference record under Erger. The Mustangs' ability to close competitive sets has become an important part of their success against conference opponents. For Georgia Tech, the defeat represented another difficult result against nationally ranked competition. What's Next for SMU and Georgia Tech? SMU continues its road schedule Friday, October 30, when it visits NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, with coverage available on ACCNX. Georgia Tech travels to face Notre Dame and No. 3 Louisville in its next conference matchups. For SMU, Davis' double-double, Placide's efficient attacking and Beauford's all-around leadership combined to deliver another important ACC victory. The Mustangs remain unbeaten in conference road matches after overcoming Georgia Tech's resistance in a competitive three-set contest.

ATLANTA, Ga. — Boston College delivered a dominant rushing performance Saturday, October 24, defeating Georgia Tech 49-27 at Bobby Dodd Stadium behind five combined rushing touchdowns from quarterback Mason McKenzie and running back Bo MacCormack III. McKenzie rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns, while MacCormack added 155 yards and three scores on 20 carries. Together, they accounted for 325 of Boston College's 399 rushing yards. The Eagles improved to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, earning their second consecutive conference victory and first road win of the season. Georgia Tech dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the ACC after surrendering 37 second-half points. Mason McKenzie and Bo MacCormack Dominate Georgia Tech Boston College relied on a powerful ground attack to overcome an early deficit. McKenzie repeatedly exploited openings in Georgia Tech's defense, finishing with 170 rushing yards while completing 9 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. MacCormack delivered the most productive rushing performance of his Boston College career, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 7.8 yards per carry. The sophomore stepped into a larger role following a season-ending knee injury to starting running back Evan Dickens. Boston College finished with 500 total offensive yards, including 399 on the ground. The Eagles' offensive line also provided strong protection, allowing just one sack throughout the afternoon. Georgia Tech Builds Early 10-0 Lead Georgia Tech opened the game with an impressive eight-play, 79-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza connected with tight end Kevin Roche Jr. for a four-yard touchdown, giving the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 advantage. Georgia Tech extended its lead to 10-0 with a field goal on its second possession. Boston College struggled initially, missing a 47-yard field goal attempt before finding its offensive rhythm in the second quarter. McKenzie connected with Nedrick Boldin Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown pass, cutting Georgia Tech's lead to 10-6 after a missed extra point. The reception marked Boldin's first collegiate touchdown. MacCormack then scored on a seven-yard rushing touchdown, giving Boston College a 12-10 advantage. However, another missed extra point prevented the Eagles from extending their lead. Georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr converted a 20-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining, sending the Yellow Jackets into halftime ahead 13-12. Boston College Takes Control in Third Quarter The Eagles completely changed the game's momentum after halftime. McKenzie opened the third quarter with a spectacular 40-yard run, setting up MacCormack's two-yard touchdown. The score gave Boston College an 18-13 advantage. Georgia Tech's next possession ended with a costly turnover. Defensive back Charlie Comella intercepted Mendoza and returned the football 23 yards, giving Boston College favorable field position. McKenzie capitalized with a six-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Eagles' lead to 25-13. Kicker Luca Lombardo later converted a 23-yard field goal, pushing Boston College ahead 28-13. Georgia Tech briefly responded when Justice Haynes scored on a 15-yard rushing touchdown, reducing the deficit to 28-20. However, Boston College's rushing attack continued overwhelming the Yellow Jackets. McKenzie scored his second rushing touchdown on a 15-yard run, restoring a 35-20 advantage. Charlie Comella Records Two Interceptions and Defensive Touchdown Boston College's defense delivered another decisive moment when Comella intercepted Mendoza for the second time. The defensive back returned the interception 47 yards for a touchdown, extending Boston College's lead to 42-20. Comella finished with five tackles and two interceptions, producing one of the Eagles' strongest individual defensive performances of the season. His first interception helped create a short scoring opportunity, while his second directly resulted in seven points. Linebacker Anthony Palano led Boston College with nine tackles and one sack. London Upton contributed six tackles, while KP Price and Caleb Davis recorded five each. The Eagles also limited Georgia Tech to just 101 rushing yards, preventing the Yellow Jackets from establishing a consistent ground attack. Comella's performance earned him ACC Defensive Back of the Week recognition. Bo MacCormack Completes Three-Touchdown Performance Georgia Tech continued competing after falling behind by 22 points. Backup quarterback Grady Adamson connected with Dalen Penson for a 30-yard touchdown pass, reducing Boston College's advantage to 42-27. However, the Eagles responded with another rushing touchdown. MacCormack scored from 19 yards, completing his three-touchdown performance and establishing the final 49-27 margin. His 155 rushing yards exceeded his combined production across his previous 13 games with Boston College. The performance demonstrated the Eagles' offensive depth following Dickens' injury. MacCormack was subsequently named ACC Running Back of the Week. Offensive lineman Veguer Jean-Jumeau also received ACC weekly recognition after helping Boston College produce its dominant rushing performance. Georgia Tech Struggles Despite Alberto Mendoza's Effort Mendoza completed 17 of 24 passes for 186 yards before being replaced late in the game. Adamson provided a late offensive spark, completing seven of nine passes for 73 yards and one touchdown. However, Georgia Tech struggled to protect the football and contain Boston College's rushing attack. The Yellow Jackets entered halftime leading by one point but could not maintain their defensive effectiveness. Head coach Brent Key acknowledged the team's broader struggles following another disappointing result. Georgia Tech has now lost nine of its previous 12 games after beginning the 2025 season with eight consecutive victories. Boston College Builds Momentum in ACC Competition Saturday's victory represented another important step forward for Boston College. The Eagles have already doubled their two-win total from the 2025 season. They also secured their second consecutive ACC victory after defeating Pittsburgh 27-21 the previous week. Both wins required Boston College to overcome early double-digit deficits. At 4-3, the Eagles need two additional victories to reach the six-win benchmark typically required for bowl eligibility. Their improving rushing attack and timely defensive turnovers could prove important during the final stretch of conference play. What's Next for Boston College and Georgia Tech? Boston College travels to face Duke on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET on The CW. Georgia Tech visits Pittsburgh on October 31, looking to end its recent struggles. For Boston College, McKenzie's 170 rushing yards, MacCormack's three touchdowns and Comella's two interceptions combined to produce a convincing ACC road victory. The Eagles' 399 rushing yards and explosive second-half performance demonstrated their growing offensive confidence as the 2026 season continues.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 1 Miami continued its undefeated 2026 college football season Saturday, October 24, defeating Pittsburgh 52-23 at Hard Rock Stadium behind a record-breaking performance from wide receiver Malachi Toney and four touchdown passes from quarterback Darian Mensah. Toney set a Miami single-game record with 16 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns, while Mensah completed 31 of 37 passes for 387 yards. The Hurricanes improved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, strengthening their position atop the national rankings. Pittsburgh dropped to 5-3 and 2-3 in the ACC after suffering its third consecutive defeat. Miami's victory carried additional significance as the Hurricanes played their first game ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll since the 2002 season. Malachi Toney Breaks Miami's Single-Game Reception Record Toney delivered one of the most productive receiving performances in Hurricanes history. The sophomore caught 16 passes, surpassing the previous school record of 13 receptions, which he had matched against Pittsburgh during the 2025 season. His 194 receiving yards included three touchdown catches, making him the centerpiece of Miami's explosive passing attack. Toney accumulated 159 receiving yards before halftime, matching Pittsburgh's entire first-half offensive yardage. The performance also pushed him beyond 2,000 career receiving yards. His connection with Mensah repeatedly created mismatches against Pittsburgh's secondary, allowing Miami to move the football efficiently. Toney's production helped the Hurricanes establish an early advantage that Pittsburgh could never overcome. Darian Mensah Throws Four Touchdowns Against Pittsburgh Mensah continued his impressive season with another accurate passing performance. The Miami quarterback completed 31 of 37 attempts, finishing with 387 passing yards and four touchdowns. His ability to distribute the football and convert critical downs helped the Hurricanes maintain offensive momentum. Miami converted 10 of its first 12 third-down opportunities, preventing Pittsburgh from consistently forcing punts. The Hurricanes also scored on seven of their first eight possessions, recording six touchdowns and one field goal. Mensah's performance demonstrated why Miami entered the matchup with one of the nation's most productive offenses. His partnership with Toney remained particularly effective, accounting for three touchdowns against the Panthers. Miami Builds Commanding 31-7 Halftime Lead Miami wasted little time establishing control. After forcing Pittsburgh into an opening three-and-out, the Hurricanes scored first on Jake Weinberg's 40-yard field goal. Mensah later connected with Toney for a 19-yard touchdown, extending Miami's advantage to 10-0. Freshman running back Javian Mallory added a 16-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter, pushing the lead to 17-0. Pittsburgh responded when Damon Ferguson Jr. scored on a five-yard touchdown run, reducing the deficit to 17-7. However, Miami quickly regained momentum. Toney turned a short reception into a 53-yard touchdown, demonstrating his ability to create explosive plays after the catch. Mensah then connected with freshman Gavin Mueller for another touchdown, giving Miami a commanding 31-7 advantage. The Hurricanes' offensive efficiency left Pittsburgh struggling to keep pace throughout the opening half. Javian Mallory and Mark Fletcher Jr. Strengthen Miami's Rushing Attack Miami's rushing attack complemented its explosive passing performance. Mallory scored two rushing touchdowns, including his 16-yard run during the second quarter. Mark Fletcher Jr. also reached an important career milestone. Fletcher scored on a two-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, recording his 33rd career rushing touchdown. The score moved him into second place on Miami's all-time rushing touchdown list. Fletcher finished with 41 rushing yards and moved within three touchdowns of surpassing Stephen McGuire's program record. Miami's ability to produce touchdowns through both the running and passing games created significant challenges for Pittsburgh's defense. Miami Defense Limits Pittsburgh to 69 Rushing Yards While Miami's offense dominated the scoreboard, its defense also delivered an effective performance. The Hurricanes held Pittsburgh to just 69 rushing yards, forcing the Panthers to rely heavily on their passing attack. Freshman defender JJ Dunnigan recorded five tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Defensive lineman Justin Scott recovered Dunnigan's forced fumble, creating another scoring opportunity for Miami. Linebacker Mohamed Toure added five tackles, while safety Bryce Fitzgerald contributed four tackles and a sack. Miami's defensive pressure disrupted Pittsburgh's offensive rhythm and helped the Hurricanes maintain control. The Panthers struggled to establish consistent rushing production, limiting their ability to sustain balanced offensive drives. Blue Hicks Leads Pittsburgh Despite Defeat Pittsburgh received a productive performance from Miami native Blue Hicks. The receiver finished with five catches for 149 yards and one touchdown, providing the Panthers with their most explosive offensive plays. Quarterback Holden Geriner completed 18 of 32 passes for 268 yards and one touchdown. One of Pittsburgh's most notable opportunities came immediately before halftime. Geriner connected with Hicks for a 53-yard completion on a desperation pass. However, Hicks was tackled at Miami's one-yard line as time expired, preventing Pittsburgh from adding points before the break. The Panthers continued competing in the second half but could not overcome Miami's substantial advantage. Miami Honors 2001 National Championship Team Saturday's victory also served as a celebration of Miami's football history. The Hurricanes honored the 25th anniversary of their 2001 national championship season, wearing throwback uniforms inspired by that championship team. Former Miami stars, including Ed Reed, Clinton Portis, Jeremy Shockey and Andre Johnson, attended the celebration. The occasion connected one of the program's most successful eras with its current undefeated team. Miami improved to 43-6 all-time when ranked No. 1, while Pittsburgh fell to 0-14-1 against top-ranked opponents. For head coach Mario Cristobal, the victory represented another important step in Miami's pursuit of an ACC championship and national title contention. What's Next for Miami and Pittsburgh? Miami travels to face North Carolina on Saturday, October 31, looking to extend its undefeated start and maintain its position atop the national rankings. Pittsburgh returns home to host Georgia Tech on October 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage scheduled on ESPN2. The Hurricanes' combination of Toney's record-setting receiving performance, Mensah's four touchdown passes and an effective defensive effort delivered another convincing victory. With a 7-0 record and five conference wins, Miami continues building momentum as the 2026 college football season approaches its decisive final stretch.

DALLAS, Texas — No. 23 SMU delivered an explosive second-half performance Saturday, October 24, defeating California 59-20 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium behind quarterback Kevin Jennings' record-breaking three touchdown passes and a dominant rushing attack. Jennings completed 16 of 23 passes for 223 yards, becoming SMU's all-time leader in career touchdown passes with 74. The junior quarterback surpassed Tanner Mordecai's previous program record of 72 during the Mustangs' commanding Atlantic Coast Conference victory. Running back Kendrick Raphael rushed for 104 yards and accounted for three touchdowns against his former team, while freshman Christian Rhodes added two rushing scores. SMU improved to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play, while California dropped to 3-5 and 2-3. The Mustangs overcame a 20-17 halftime deficit by scoring 42 unanswered points, producing one of their most impressive offensive performances of the season. Kevin Jennings Breaks SMU's Career Touchdown Passing Record Jennings entered Saturday's matchup needing two touchdown passes to become SMU's career leader. He tied Mordecai's record with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Raphael on fourth down during the first quarter. The historic moment arrived in the third quarter when Jennings connected with Derek McFall for a 21-yard touchdown, recording his 73rd career touchdown pass. Jennings later added a 17-yard scoring pass to Jalen Hale in the fourth quarter, increasing his career total to 74. The quarterback already held SMU's career records for passing yards and completions, extending those totals to 9,766 yards and 781 completions. Jennings also improved his record as SMU's starting quarterback to 25-8. His performance helped the Mustangs maintain their position among the leading teams in the ACC standings. California Takes 20-17 Halftime Lead California opened the game aggressively behind quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a concussion. The Golden Bears scored on their opening possession when Sagapolutele connected with Chase Hendricks for a 10-yard touchdown. SMU responded with a field goal before Jennings found Raphael for a 22-yard touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 10-7 advantage. California regained the lead during the second quarter. Tight end Mason Mini scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown following a successful fake field goal that extended the Golden Bears' drive. Kicker Towns McGough later converted a career-long 41-yard field goal, extending California's lead to 17-10. Raphael answered with a one-yard touchdown run on fourth down, tying the game at 17-17 with 1:57 remaining before halftime. However, California produced another scoring drive before the break. Sagapolutele completed a crucial 16-yard pass to Ian Strong, setting up McGough's 37-yard field goal as time expired. The successful kick gave California a 20-17 halftime advantage. SMU Scores 42 Unanswered Points in Second Half SMU completely transformed the game after halftime. The Mustangs scored touchdowns on their first six possessions of the second half, overwhelming California with an explosive offensive performance. Rhodes opened the third-quarter scoring with a five-yard touchdown run, putting SMU ahead 24-20. Jennings then connected with McFall for his record-breaking touchdown pass, extending the advantage to 31-20. Rhodes added another rushing touchdown from three yards, pushing SMU's lead to 38-20 entering the fourth quarter. The Mustangs continued their offensive surge in the final period. Raphael scored another rushing touchdown before Jennings connected with Hale for a 17-yard score. Running back E.J. Kelly completed the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run. SMU's 42 consecutive second-half points turned a three-point halftime deficit into a 39-point victory. The Mustangs finished with 492 total yards, including 306 after halftime. Kendrick Raphael Shines Against Former Team Raphael delivered an outstanding performance against the program he represented during the 2025 season. The running back finished with 104 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, including two rushing scores and one receiving touchdown. His first touchdown came on Jennings' 22-yard fourth-down pass during the opening quarter. Raphael later scored on a one-yard fourth-down run to tie the game before halftime. His second rushing touchdown arrived during SMU's dominant fourth-quarter performance. The matchup carried additional significance because Raphael scored California's game-winning touchdown against SMU during the teams' 2025 meeting. That late score helped the Golden Bears defeat the Mustangs 38-35, preventing SMU from reaching the ACC Championship Game. This time, Raphael played a leading role in delivering victory for the Mustangs. SMU Defense Shuts Out California After Halftime While SMU's offense dominated the second half, its defense played an equally important role. California opened the third quarter with three consecutive three-and-out possessions, allowing the Mustangs to establish complete control. After surrendering 20 first-half points, SMU prevented the Golden Bears from scoring during the final two quarters. The defensive turnaround gave Jennings and the offense repeated opportunities to extend their advantage. California struggled to establish its rushing attack, finishing with just 40 yards on the ground. Sagapolutele completed 27 of 37 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown in his return as the starting quarterback. Hendricks led California with seven receptions for 83 yards, while Strong added five catches for 71 yards. Despite their productive passing performances, the Golden Bears could not overcome SMU's defensive adjustments. SMU Extends Impressive ACC and Home Winning Records Saturday's victory strengthened SMU's position in ACC competition. The Mustangs improved to 18-3 in conference games since joining the ACC in 2024. They also extended their home winning streak to 11 games and improved to 24-2 across their previous 26 home contests. SMU has averaged 44 points per game during that 26-game home stretch. The victory represented an important offensive breakthrough after the Mustangs scored a combined 48 points during their previous two games. For California, the defeat marked its fourth loss in five games. The Golden Bears will need greater consistency across both halves as they continue their conference schedule. What's Next for SMU and California? SMU travels to face Syracuse on Saturday, October 31, looking to maintain its momentum in the ACC championship race. California continues its road schedule against NC State on October 31. For SMU, Jennings' record-breaking passing performance, Raphael's three touchdowns and a dominant second-half defensive effort combined to produce a convincing victory. The Mustangs' ability to score 42 unanswered points demonstrated their offensive potential as they continue pursuing a strong finish to the 2026 season.