ACC Football Power Rankings: Week 7

For the nth week in a row, Clemson sits in the pole position in the ACC Power Rankings. After the first three teams, it gets quite a bit jumbled in the middle.

The basement, however, is also pretty clear.

1. Clemson 6-0 (3-0)

• Last week: Win 63-3 at Wake Forest
• This week: Bye

The Tigers easily handled Wake Forest last week and they will have plenty of time to prepare for their biggest game of their conference schedule versus NC State.

2. Miami 5-1 (2-0)

• Last week: Win 28-27 vs. Florida State
• This week: at Virginia

The Hurricanes rallied from a 20-point third quarter deficit, their largest ever against FSU, to remain undefeated in conference play and atop the Coastal Division. Can Miami stay on track with four of their last six on the road?

3. NC State 5-0 (2-0)

• Last week: Win 28-23 vs. Boston College
• This week: Bye

After NC State ran up a 28-3 lead, a fourth quarter rally by BC put them within striking distance. However, the Wolfpack hung on and remain undefeated. They have an extra week to prepare for their biggest game since... ever?

4. Virginia Tech 3-2 (2-0)

• Last week: Loss 45-23 vs. Notre Dame
• This week: at North Carolina

The Hokies hung around the first half, but their first three scores being field goals hurt them in the end as VT did not generate much offense in the second half. They will be under the lights in Kenan this week and I hope the Tar Heels remain undefeated at home.

5. Duke 4-1 (0-1)

• Last week: Bye
• This week: at Georgia Tech

A week off before the dreaded triple option opponent might be a good thing for the Blue Devils who are looking for their first conference win.

6. Boston College 4-2 (1-1)

• Last week: Loss 28-23 at NC State
• This week: vs. Louisville

The Eagles rallied in the second half at Carter-Finley, but it was not enough to overcome the large deficit. With just one loss, BC will have a good chance to keep pace in the Atlantic this week versus Louisville.

7. Pitt 3-3 (2-1)

• Last week: Win 44-37 vs. Syracuse
• This week: at Notre Dame

Against Syracuse, it was a shootout from start to finish. Down three with eight ticks on the clock, Pitt hit a 45 yard field goal to force overtime. Pitt had a touchdown to start overtime and an interception to end it. The Panthers take on Notre Dame this week in South Bend. Sitting third in the Coastal, it is a good thing for Pitt that the Irish are not football members of the ACC yet.

8. Syracuse 4-2 (1-2)

• Last week: Loss 44-37 at Pitt
• This week: Bye

After their win versus Florida State and four point loss against Clemson in Death Valley, Syracuse was on an upwards trajectory. Their loss against Pitt set them back, however the Orange will have plenty of time to get ready for the Tar Heels on October 20.

9. Virginia 3-2 (1-1)

• Last week: Bye
• This week: vs. Miami

The Cavaliers had plenty of time to recover from their loss at NC State. Can UVA make a splash at home against Miami and really shake up the Coastal race?

10. Georgia Tech 3-3 (1-2)

• Last week: Win 66-31 at Louisville
• This week: vs. Duke

GT was favored by four to five and a half points against the Cardinals, and blew that out of the water. The Yellow Jackets opened the game versus Louisville with three straight touchdowns and kept their foot on the gas for a 35-point victory.

11. Florida State 3-3 (1-3)

• Last week: Loss 28-27 at Miami
• This week: Bye

The Seminoles were well on their way to finally securing a win in a lopsided season. However, the wheels fell off the second half and now it is back to the drawing board for FSU.

12. Wake Forest 3-3 (0-2)

• Last week: Loss 63-3 vs. Clemson
• This week: Bye

The Deacs were just dominated by Clemson. This week, BB&T Field will be put to good use when it hosts Billy Joel’s first stadium concert in North Carolina.

13. North Carolina 1-3 (1-1)

• Last week: Bye
• This week: vs. Virginia Tech

The North Carolina Tar Heels did not lose last week. Unfortunately, I have a feeling UNC will probably wear those navy uniforms for the night game Saturday.

14. Louisville 2-4 (0-3)

• Last week: Loss 66-31 vs. Georgia Tech
• This week: at Boston College

Boston College running back A.J. Dillon is still hurt. If he is out again this week, do the Cardinals have a shot?