ACC Power Rankings: Week of 1/21

This past Saturday in ACC play started with the Tar Heels being shown up on their own floor against Louisville. While the manner in which the loss took place was devastating to UNC faithful, everything else that’s happened in conference play since then has proven that the conference this year is going to be a dog fight. With each Triangle team losing their games, lower-ranked teams showing their fangs, and everything in-between, how do the power rankings shake out this week? Let’s dive in and find out.

1. #2 Duke Blue Devils 16-2 (5-1)

The Blue Devils hosted Virginia last week, and in what was dubbed as the “Game of the Year,” Duke took the 72-70 victory along with the top spot in this week’s power rankings. Duke handled Pitt and have moved into a three-way tie for first in the ACC.

Next game: 1/26/19 vs. Georgia Tech

2. #4 Virginia Cavaliers 17-1 (5-1)

Virginia’s undefeated season came to end last Saturday in Durham, but the Cavaliers fought until the very end. The Cavs were back to form in last night’s domination of Wake Forest.

Next game: 1/26/19 at Notre Dame.

3. #11 North Carolina Tar Heels 15-4 (5-1)

After a tight first half, UNC took the lead with just under four minutes before the half and the Heels never looked back. Carolina shot the lights out on Monday night and took care of business against a talented Virginia Tech squad.

Next game: 1/29/19 at Georgia Tech

4. #10 Virginia Tech Hokies 15-3 (4-2)

After a strong start in the Smith Center, the Carolina defense turned up the heat, and the Hokies could not keep pace. VT has a tricky schedule coming up and must get back form after losses in the last two of three.

Next game: 1/26/19 vs, Syracuse

5. Syracuse Orange 13-5 (4-1)

The Orange followed up their big in Durham with a solid 74-63 win over Pitt to keep pace in the ACC. Syracuse needs to take care of business against Miami Thursday night before a tough three-game road trip.

Next game: 1/24/19 vs. Miami

6. #23 Louisville Cardinals 13-5 (4-1)

Riding a three-game winning streak, the Cardinals have climbed into the Top 25. Thursday night, they will host NC State for an important battle between ranked team.

Next game: 1/24/19 vs. NC State

7. #17 NC State Wolfpack 15-3 (3-2)

The Wolfpack bounced back after a tough loss at Wake Forest with a gutsy win in South Bend. A loss Thursday night may hurt State’s chances at keeping up with the leaders of the league.

Next game: 1/24/19 at Louisville

8. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 11-8 (3-3)

The Yellow Jackets made a jump in the rankings after they snuck out a win versus Notre Dame last week. Things do not get easier for GT with consecutive games versus Duke and North Carolina.

Next game: 1/26/19 at Duke

9. Pittsburgh Panthers 12-7 (2-4)

Pitt could not hang with Duke last night and have dropped another game in the standings. With two road games looming, the Panthers need to grab at least one of those two.

Next game: 1/26/19 at Louisville

10. Florida State Seminoles 14-5 (2-4)

The Seminoles snapped a three-game losing streak last night in Tallahassee against Clemson. With a couple of winnable games ahead, FSU will be seeking to return to .500 in league play.

Next game: 1/27/19 at Miami

11. Clemson Tigers 11-6 (1-4)

After an important win against Georgia Tech, the Tigers fell short against Florida State. With a short turnaround for NC State before their matchup Saturday, the Tigers may have a chance for the upset.

Next game: 1/26/19 at NC State

12. Boston College Eagles 10-7 (1-4)

BC’s big win against then-ranked No. 11 Florida State, the Eagles earned their first conference victory of the year. Boston College will try to keep the momentum going on the road versus the Demon Deacons.

Next game: 1/26/19 at Wake Forest

13. Miami Hurricanes 9-8 (1-4)

Miami hung around and made the game versus the Tar Heels much more interesting than expected, however they were unable to take advantage. After a long break, the Hurricanes are back in action Thursday night at Syracuse.

Next game: 1/26/19 at Syracuse

14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 11-8 (1-5)

With last night’s loss, the Irish are on a three-game losing skid and things are not going to get easier for the team. They host Virginia and Duke in the next two games.

Next game: 1/26/19 vs. Virginia

15. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 8-10 (1-5)

The Deacs had a grueling schedule lately, with the only highlight coming with their upset over NC State. WF has two home games and will need these two to get back to .500 overall.

Next game: 1/26/19 vs. Boston College