Wake and Cal Upset Virginia and Louisville, Creating ACC 4-Way Tie
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) landscape shifted dramatically over the weekend as two ranked teams faced unexpected defeats. On Saturday, November 9, 2025, No. 14 Virginia lost its first conference game to Wake Forest, with a score of 16-9. Simultaneously, No. 15 Louisville fell to California, 29-26, after an overtime battle.
ACC Championship Implications
These losses have led to a four-way tie in the ACC standings, as five teams now possess one conference loss. The teams affected include:
- Virginia
- No. 17 Georgia Tech
- No. 24 Pitt
- SMU
- Duke
Georgia Tech and Pitt had a week off, while SMU triumphed over Boston College, winning 45-13. Duke also faced a setback, losing to UConn in a nonconference game, which does impact the league’s overall perception.
Virginia’s Loss Highlights
Virginia’s loss was a blow, especially considering starting quarterback Chandler Morris’s injury during the match. Morris was sidelined after attempting a slide and was hit hard, leaving the game and handing the quarterback duties to Daniel Kaelin. Morris managed only 19 passing yards before his exit.
Kaelin ended the game with 145 yards but was unable to secure a last-minute victory for his team. Virginia’s chances for the College Football Playoff (CFP) took a hit, dropping from a 20% likelihood of making it to just 12% following the loss.
Louisville’s Defense Struggles
Meanwhile, Louisville’s descent continued as their loss to Cal greatly diminished their CFP aspirations. The Cardinals’ defense, previously ranked as the top unit in the ACC, struggled against Cal, conceding 427 total yards. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, the freshman quarterback for Cal, threw for an impressive 323 yards, leading his team to a surprising victory.
Looking Ahead
With the standings tightening, the road to the ACC Championship becomes crucial for Virginia and Louisville. Virginia faces Duke next week, while Pitt takes on Georgia Tech on November 22. Miami, sitting at 7-2 with both losses in the conference, still has a glimmer of hope for an at-large bid despite their odds being slim.
Wake Forest’s Resurgence
Wake Forest has had a remarkable turnaround under coach Jake Dickert, winning five of their last six games despite earlier setbacks. After struggling with defense last season, they have significantly improved, ranking in the top 35 nationally this year.
The Demon Deacons’ victory against Virginia showcased their resilience, leveraging the Cavaliers’ turnovers effectively and limiting their offensive output.
As the ACC football season progresses, each game will be pivotal in determining who emerges for the championship and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.
