The Atlantic Coast Conference unveiled its weekly honorees on Tuesday, recognizing the most impactful performances from the opening weekend of college football. The selections span offensive fireworks, defensive dominance, and special‑teams precision, offering a snapshot of early-season storylines.
Quarterback and Running Back Highlights
Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula dazzled in the Cavaliers’ 34‑8 victory over North Carolina State, amassing 265 yards of total offense — 155 through the air and 110 on the ground — and punching in two touchdowns. His dual-threat ability set the tone for a commanding win.
Stanford’s running back Micah Ford powered the Cardinal to a 38‑14 win over Hawai’i, shouldering the ball 25 times for 99 yards and capping the game with three rushing touchdowns. His relentless drive underscored Stanford’s offensive rhythm.
Florida State’s rookie receiver Samuel Singleton Jr. made his mark with a career‑high four receptions for 54 yards and his first collegiate touchdown, while Stanford’s freshman Atticus Joseph contributed four catches for 52 yards and a score in his debut.
Virginia’s offensive line, anchored by Monroe Mills, paved the way for a ground attack that produced 258 rushing yards — the most for the Cavaliers in an ACC contest since 2020.
Defensive Masterclass
On the defensive side of the ball, North Carolina’s Xavier Lewis led all tacklers with seven stops, 4.5 for loss, and two sacks, while linebacker Derek McDonald added a game‑high 11 tackles to help the Tar Heels preserve a 15‑10 lead over TCU.
Virginia’s defensive back Brandyn Hillman forced two turnovers, an interception and a fumble, underscoring a unit that limited TCU to a single score after the first quarter.
Special teams also shone, as kicker Will Bettridge nailed a 47‑yard field goal — matching his career long — to become the longest ACC kicker field goal in Week 0 and to put points on the board first.
The selections reflect a blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity that defined the ACC’s opening weekend, setting the tone for a season that promises plenty of excitement.