North Carolina beats Duke 24-20 to bring the Victory Bell back to Chapel Hill, and we break down Jaylen McGill’s 24-yard go-ahead TD with 1:53 left, Billy Edwards Jr.’s calm 78-yard winning drive, and how the Heels got outgained 373-326 yet still came out on top. Plus the fumbles and special teams miscues that nearly cost them, and a listener question on how many wins this team can reach and whether it can keep winning with those mistakes.

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North Carolina travels to Durham for the Battle for the Victory Bell, riding the Pitt win and looking to snap a two-game skid against Duke. We break down Nate Sheppard’s ankle and his impact if he plays, how Xavier Lewis and the pass rush can pressure Walker Eget, and where UNC’s run game has to show up. Plus my prediction and a listener question on whether the Pitt win changes what to expect from the rest of the season.

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North Carolina knocks off No. 25 Pitt 21-17 for Bill Belichick’s first win over a ranked opponent at UNC, and we break down how the Heels got outgained 369-269 yet still won, Shamar Easter’s 75-yard game-winning TD, and a defense that held Pitt 0-for-4 on fourth down. Plus a listener question on whether Billy Edwards Jr. should remain the starter, and a look ahead to Duke.

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North Carolina heads to No. 25 Pitt looking for its first ranked win of the Belichick era, and we break down a Pitt run defense that’s second in the nation, why Holden Geriner’s first career start changes the game, and how Billy Edwards Jr. handles pressure. Plus Jaden Jefferson’s ACC honor, my 27-17 prediction, and a listener question on how much patience fans should have with the program.

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North Carolina falls 37-26 to #3 Notre Dame in the rain, and we break down a run defense that got worn down, two Billy Edwards Jr. picks that swung the turnover margin, and Jaden Jefferson's 98-yard kickoff return. Plus a listener question on why UNC couldn't adjust against CJ Carr, and a look ahead to Pitt.

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Carolina’s Own is back for the first full breakdown of the 2026 ACC football season, and after months of projections, roster talk, and preseason expectations, there is finally real football to evaluate. The crew opens with Florida State’s loss to SMU and the growing questions surrounding Mike Norvell, from the Seminoles’ quarterback situation and personnel decisions to transfer portal spending and whether the program has gotten enough return on its investment.

From there, the conversation turns to Clemson after a 51-10 loss to LSU raised even bigger questions about the direction of the program. The group debates whether Dabo Swinney’s approach to roster building has fallen too far behind the changing landscape of college football and whether Clemson can continue competing nationally without fully embracing the transfer portal, NIL, and a more modern personnel structure.

The opening week also produced reasons for optimism around the conference. Miami’s offense looks capable of becoming one of the most explosive units in college football, Louisville went toe-to-toe with Ole Miss, and Virginia Tech offered an encouraging first look at the James Franklin era. The crew discusses what each performance revealed and which teams may be positioned to emerge as legitimate ACC contenders.

The guys also revisit former North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez after a big debut at Wake Forest, reopening last season’s debate over how much of his struggle at UNC was about the quarterback and how much was about the system around him. Georgia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse, Pitt, Cal, and the rest of the opening ACC slate round out the first conference-wide evaluation of the season.

The episode closes by looking ahead to the next round of games and the matchups that should begin separating early impressions from legitimate trends. The offseason predictions are over. ACC football is back, and now the results get to decide which expectations were right.

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This week on Bleav in ACC, the guys continue their 2026 ACC preview series by taking an in-depth look at the Virginia Cavaliers. After entering last season with Tony Elliott firmly on the hot seat, Virginia shocked the conference with an 11-3 campaign and an appearance in the ACC Championship Game. The crew discusses how Elliott transformed the program, whether his contract extension was warranted, and what role veteran consultant Scott Pioli may have played behind the scenes.

The conversation dives into one of the ACC's best defenses from a season ago, highlighting Virginia's ability to force turnovers, dominate on third down, and consistently win close football games. The hosts also discuss defensive coordinator John Rudzinski's impact, how Virginia rebuilt its roster through the transfer portal, and the challenges of integrating experienced transfers with returning players.

Offensively, the discussion centers on Tony Elliott's system, the departure of key playmakers, the quarterback competition, and whether Virginia has done enough to replace its production through the portal. The guys also debate the growing trend of veteran quarterbacks seeking additional years of eligibility and how NIL continues to shape roster construction across college football.

To close the show, Ronnie, D-Block, and JD predict every remaining game on Virginia's 2026 schedule, debate whether the Cavaliers can surpass the 7.5-win projection, and explain why Tony Elliott enters the season under far different circumstances than he did just one year ago.

Be sure to subscribe to Bleav in ACC on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow along each week as we preview every ACC team leading into the 2026 football season.

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