ACC athletes lead FBS receiving, passing, and rushing totals after Week 1

ACC standouts Malachi Toney, Mason Heintschel, and Nate Sheppard recorded the top individual statistical performances in the Football Bowl Subdivision during the opening week of the season. Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney set a school record with 234 receiving yards against Stanford, while Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel established a new conference record with seven touchdown passes in a win over Miami (Ohio). Duke running back Nate Sheppard carried the ball 35 times for a national-best 227 rushing yards in a victory against Tulane. These efforts provide a notable bright spot for the ACC, which struggled in initial non-conference matchups against the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC. Analysts suggest that the increased player movement across the sport has created more competitive balance, leading to closer contests across the league.

• 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — Miami's Toney, Pitt's Heintschel, Duke's Sheppard give ACC national leaders in FBS headlining stats