clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

ACC Football Power Rankings: Week 10

There are some new faces at the top.

Clemson v Florida State Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Let’s be honest. The ACC this year is a complete mess. Three of the top four teams from last week’s power rankings lost. After Clemson, there’s really six or seven teams that could make a case for the second best team in the conference, but not one of those teams is even in the same neighborhood as the Tigers.

The good news for the conference is three new teams joined the AP Top 25 this week, those being Syracuse (#22), Virginia (#23), and Boston College (#24). Each team secured solid victories over the weekend.

Without further ado, here are the week 10 ACC football power rankings:

1. Clemson 8-0 (5-0)

Last week: Won 59-10 at Florida State

What has recently been considered “the” marquee matchup in the ACC was an absolute beatdown when the Tigers took on the Seminoles. Clemson figures to waltz to another undefeated regular season, but a road tilt with BC in a couple weeks is something to keep an eye on.

This week: vs. Louisville

2. Boston College 6-2 (3-1)

Last week: Won 27-14 vs. Miami

After years as an ACC bottom-dweller, the Eagles now find themselves in the conference’s upper echelon. A.J. Dillon continues to run the ball extremely well and the offense as a whole is clicking. As mentioned above, BC may be the only real threat to ruin Clemson’s undefeated season.

This week: at Virginia Tech

3. Virginia 6-2 (4-1)

Last week: Won 31-21 vs. North Carolina

Virginia is another team who typically resides towards the basement of the conference, but they all of a sudden hold first place in the Coastal. The Cavaliers’ win over North Carolina was its first such in Charlottesville since 2008.

This week: vs. Pittsburgh

4. Syracuse 6-2 (3-2)

Last week: Won 51-41 vs. NC State

Cuse won in a shootout with NC State as its offense continues to hum. They currently sit at third in the Atlantic, but being two games behind Clemson means their hopes of winning the division are all but lost.

This week: at Wake Forest

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

Last week: Lost 41-51 at Syracuse

After playing first two road games against power conference teams in the past two weeks, it’s becoming apparent that the Wolfpack’s easy schedule was a big factor in its early success. They have a chance to get back on track this week as they welcome in the struggling Seminoles.

This week: vs. Florida State

6. Virginia Tech 4-3 (3-1)

Last week: Lost 28-49 vs. Georgia Tech

Another disappointing performance has Hokies fans restless, but they still control their own destiny in the Coastal. A huge opportunity awaits for VT to re-establish itself as a top team in the ACC when BC travels to Blacksburg this weekend.

This week: vs. Boston College

7. Miami 5-3 (2-2)

Last week: Lost 14-27 at Boston College

Miami was considered the preseason favorite to win the Coastal, but after two straight losses, that is looking less and less likely. They may need some help, but the Hurricanes have a chance to jump back in the thick of things in the coming weeks.

This week: vs. Duke

8. Pittsburgh 4-4 (3-1)

Last week: Won 54-45 vs. Duke

A tough OOC schedule has hurt its overall record, but Pitt quietly finds itself right in the mix in the Coastal. Its matchup with Virginia on Saturday will have a major impact on the division standings.

This week: at Virginia

9. Georgia Tech 4-4 (2-3)

Last week: Won 49-28 at Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech’s triple option offense has been up and down this season, but the Hokies could not find a way to stop it, giving up 465 rushing yards. The Yellow Jackets will look to continue taking care of the ball and keep the momentum rolling when they head to Chapel Hill.

This week: at North Carolina

10. Florida State 4-4 (2-4)

Last week: Lost 10-59 vs. Clemson

FSU suffered its worst home loss in program history at the hands of Clemson on Saturday. With three of its four remaining games coming against ranked opponents, the Seminoles’ record 36-season bowl streak is in serious jeopardy.

This week: at NC State

11. Duke 5-3 (1-3)

Last week: Lost 45-54 at Pittsburgh

After two straight losses, the Blue Devils are essentially a non-factor in the Coastal division race. They are just one win away from bowl eligibility, though, which they will try to achieve when they travel to Miami.

This week: at Miami

12. Wake Forest 4-4 (1-3)

Last week: Won 56-35 at Louisville

In the battle of the ACC’s winless, Wake finally secured its first conference win at Louisville as Matt Colburn exploded for 243 yards on just 20 carries. In 2015, Colburn’s offer from Louisville was pulled just before signing day, so his performance was a nice form of revenge.

This week: vs. Syracuse

13. North Carolina 1-6 (1-4)

Last week: Lost 21-31 at Virginia

The Tar Heels still just can’t seem to get over the hump. They have lost four straight, and will now have to face a Georgia Tech team that just put up 49 on Virginia Tech. Carolina will likely need to force some turnovers to slow down the triple option.

This week: vs. Georgia Tech

14. Louisville 2-6 (0-5)

Last week: Lost 35-56 vs. Wake Forest

The Cardinals are the only ACC team remaining without a conference victory. With trips to Clemson and Syracuse and a home tilt with NC State as its only conference games left, Louisville’s chances of entering the win column are looking slim. Yikes.

This week: at Clemson