NC State Upsets Georgia Tech: ACC Playoff Picture Shifts

NC State Upset Derails ACC Playoff Hopes,virginia Takes Command

Virginia is poised to become the atlantic Coast Conference’s highest-ranked team when the initial College Football Playoff rankings are released Tuesday,following a weekend of significant upsets that reshaped the conference’s postseason outlook. A stunning 48-36 victory by NC State over previously undefeated No. 8 Georgia Tech,coupled with Miami’s loss to SMU,has dramatically altered the ACC’s path to multiple College Football Playoff bids.

The Wolfpack’s triumph at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday night sent shockwaves through the conference. According to projections from The Athletic, Georgia Tech’s chances of reaching the CFP plummeted from 54% to 31% with the loss, though they remain the favorites to win the ACC championship.

Did you know?– NC State’s win over Georgia Tech was their first against a top-10 ranked team as 2017,when they defeated No. 12 florida State.

Cavaliers Seize Control of the ACC

Virginia (8-1, 5-0) now holds sole possession of first place in the ACC with four weeks remaining in the regular season. Their only blemish on an otherwise perfect record came in September against NC State, a game officially designated as a nonconference matchup despite the longstanding rivalry between the two programs.

The landscape behind Virginia is increasingly crowded. Georgia Tech (8-1, 5-1), Louisville (7-1, 4-1), Pittsburgh (7-2, 5-1), SMU (6-3, 4-1), and Duke (5-3, 4-1) all have one conference loss, creating a complex scenario for each team vying for a spot in the ACC championship game in Charlotte.

Pro tip:– When evaluating CFP contenders, strength of schedule is a key factor. Virginia’s remaining schedule includes games against Louisville and Virginia Tech.

Wolfpack Overcome Adversity in Key Victory

NC State (5-4, 2-3) seized control of the game after Cody Hardy’s second touchdown of the first half put the wolfpack ahead. They never looked back,amassing an impressive 579 yards of total offense despite being without several key starters,including ACC leading rusher Hollywood Smothers and tight end Justin Joly. Starting quarterback CJ Bailey also played through an apparent lower-body injury.

Bailey delivered a stellar performance, completing 24 of 32 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, adding 34 rushing yards and a score. Duke Scott stepped up admirably in Smothers’ absence, carrying the ball 24 times for 196 yards and a touchdown.

“The kids played so good tonight – so proud of them,” a senior official stated during a postgame interview. “That’s all wolf blood right ther. That’s the biggest heart right there. I’m so lucky to coach them. When your quarterback is as tough as CJ Bailey. I love that kid.”

reader question:– Do you think NC State can build on this momentum and make a run at the ACC Championship game? Share your thoughts!

Georgia Tech Falls Short Despite Record-Breaking Performance

Despite the loss, Georgia Tech quarterback haynes King had a career night, throwing for a remarkable 408 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 103 yards and two scores. However, even King’s exceptional performance wasn’t enough to secure a 9-0 start for the Yellow Jackets – a feat they haven’t achieved since 1966 under coach Bobby Dodd.

NC State’s victory marks the second time in recent years they’ve defeated a top-10 opponent