It was an abbreviated docket for the ACC in week 8, as only eight of fourteen teams played last weekend.
However, there was just enough action to warrant a few changes in this week’s standings. Here’s the latest installment of the ACC Power Rankings:
14. Boston College
Although the Eagles kept it close against Syracuse, they didn’t do enough to climb out of the cellar. They’ll need to earn a victory in conference play to do that.
13. Duke
As the only other winless team in ACC play, the Devils remain in the 13 spot. However, with an extra week to prepare for Georgia Tech, they’ve got to feel good about their chances against the Jackets. After all, Duke has won two straight in this series. Both of those victories came against a ranked Tech team.
12. Virginia
The ‘Hoos beat Duke, which is the only reason why they’re currently at No. 12. After North Carolina demolished Virginia last weekend, it doesn’t look like the team has a chance to upset Louisville.
11. Georgia Tech
The Jackets are still a tough team to figure out. They’re not as bad as their conference record suggests, but their only win in ACC play was against last-place Boston College. This weekend’s matchup with Duke will tell us whether Tech will return to a bowl or if it will have a tough decision to make at the end of the season.
10. Miami
The ‘Canes dropped their third straight contest on Thursday, losing to Virginia Tech by three touchdowns. Although I still think it is better than some of the other teams ranked ahead of it the standings, the fact remains that Miami has three losses in conference play. That’s just enough to list them at No. 10…. for now.
9. Syracuse
After winning their second straight conference game, the Orange are on the verge of returning to the postseason for the first time since 2013. While the victory over Boston College wasn’t perfect, it did even Syracuse’s record in ACC play, which gives it the nod over Miami for the 9th spot.
8. Wake Forest
With a 5-2 record that includes an impressive non-conference win over Indiana, Wake Forest is one win away from a bowl game. Yet, they remain in the eight spot for the time being, because they haven’t beaten a conference opponent that has a winning record in league play. Unless the Deacons upset Louisville or Clemson, that won’t change this season.
7. Pittsburgh
Like Wake Forest, the Panthers did well in their non-conference slate, picking up a huge win over Penn State. However, it’s tough to list them higher than seventh because their two league wins were against Virginia and Georgia Tech. Pittsburgh can change my mind on Thursday night if it’s able to upset Virginia Tech.
6. North Carolina State
Thanks to a blowout loss against Louisville, the Wolfpack dropped three spots to No. 6 this week. But, with games against Florida State and North Carolina remaining, NC State still has a chance to finish the season in the top five.
5. Florida State
The ‘Noles might be the third-best team in the conference, but I’ve got them behind North Carolina right now since the Tar Heels won the head-to-head meeting earlier in the year. Yet, if Florida State were to beat Clemson this week — something its done three times in the last four years — it would probably move to second in the rankings behind Louisville.
4. North Carolina
The Tar Heels destroyed Virginia 35-14, but remain at No. 4 this week. That’s not a knock on UNC, which has an offense that’s explosive enough to trade scores with Clemson and Louisville. However, since Virginia Tech controls its own destiny in the Coastal, it gets the nod over the ‘Heels.
3. Virginia Tech
It’s hard not to be impressed with the Hokies so far. Sure, Virginia Tech lost at Syracuse, but it was the only team to beat Miami convincingly this season. I still think the Hokies are the team to beat in the Coastal Division right now, so I’m placing them at No. 3.
2. Louisville
The Cardinals turned in yet another impressive victory this weekend, demolishing NC State 54-13. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, Louisville has the most explosive offense in the country, averaging 7.97 yards per play. Even if they aren’t able to overtake Clemson in the Atlantic Division standings, there’s still a good chance that the Cardinals will wind up in the College Football Playoff.
1. Clemson
The Tigers will remain in the top spot until someone beats them. Yes, Clemson has had a few close calls along the way, but the bottom line is that the team keeps on winning. With the nation’s fourth-stingiest defense — which allows just 4.17 yards per play — there’s no reason to think that the Tigers won’t repeat as ACC champions.
