The Week 11 slate in the ACC will go a long way toward determining which teams will be bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, in a few weeks to play in the conference title game. Unfortunately, one would be forgiven for thinking the conference’s arrangement with its television partners has been less than optimal of late, as the two most compelling games of the weekend were both slotted in the noon ET window on Saturday.
Be that as it may, here’s where the league stands following the Week 10 schedule, which had a nominal impact on the power rankings.
1. Miami (Fla.) (8-1, 6-0)
Last week: 1.
This week: Duke.
What to know: The Notre Dame loss doesn’t affect the Hurricanes’ place in the conference, but it does mean Miami would be advised to claim the league title and not rely on a favorable
ruling from the committee for an at-large playoff invitation. Duke is dangerous and will be motivated, so former Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah and his receiving corps, still minus Malachi Toney, must find their rhythm more quickly this time.
2. Wake Forest (8-1, 5-1)
Last week: 2.
This week: At SMU.
What to know: A win here will keep the Demon Deacons in prime position for a rematch with Miami, but while a loss wouldn’t be an outright eliminator, it would bring a slew of tiebreakers into play that Wake would prefer to avoid. Gio Lopez sat out the tuneup against Merrimack as expected, though the offense would seem to be in good hands should backup Steele Pizzella be needed.
3. Duke (7-2, 4-2)
Last week: 3.
This week: At Miami.
What to know: Whether the Blue Devils find Miami in a despondent or angry mood, they must approach this contest as a major opportunity. Running back Nate Sheppard is making a strong case for ACC player of the year and All-America honors, but he’s going to need air cover from Walker Eget.
4. SMU (7-2, 5-2)
Last week: 5.
This week: Wake Forest.
What to know: The Mustangs turned in their most complete performance of the season in dismantling Virginia Tech. A similarly sharp outing from Kevin Jennings and Co. will be needed against the Demon Deacons, who shut down the Pony Express in Winston-Salem a year ago.
5. Louisville (6-3, 5-2)
Last week: 6.
This week: At North Carolina.
What to know: The Cardinals will need some help to get to Charlotte, but they’ll have to start by helping themselves. Their last trip to the Triangle didn’t go so well, a three-point loss to NC State a month ago, but Lincoln Kienholz has the offense working at a high level.
6. Clemson (6-3, 4-2)
Last week: 7.
This week: Georgia Tech.
What to know: As fortunate as the Tigers were to get out of Syracuse with the win, they somehow remain mathematically alive for a spot in the ACC title game. An encounter with the Georgia Tech defense should help the offense feel better for a while.
7. Virginia Tech (6-3, 3-3)
Last week: 4.
This week: Stanford
What to know: The Hokies ran into a buzzsaw in Dallas but could still find their way to one of the league’s more attractive bowl destinations. Ethan Grunkemeyer is still hitting on over 70% of his pass attempts.
8. Pittsburgh (6-3, 3-3)
Last week: 8.
This week: Florida State.
What to know: The Panthers had a few extra days to prepare for this Friday night home contest. The leaky FSU defense could mean more big rushing numbers for Damon Ferguson Jr.
9. North Carolina (5-4, 2-3)
Last week: 10.
This week: Louisville.
What to know: The Tar Heels have made strides on offense over the last month but will still be at a significant statistical disadvantage against the Cardinals. Winning the turnover battle will be key.
10. Virginia (4-5, 2-4)
Last week: 11.
This week: California.
What to know: The Cavaliers hope to be somewhat healthier after a much needed open date. A win here would give them a chance to reach bowl eligibility at home next week against North Carolina.
11. Syracuse (4-5, 2-5)
Last week: 9.
This week: At North Carolina State.
What to know: Another spate of ill-timed mistakes were the undoing of the Orange once again as Clemson snapped their modest two-game winning streak. A bowl is still possible with wins here and next week at Boston College.
12. Florida State (4-5, 2-4)
Last week: 13.
This week: At Pittsburgh.
What to know: Give the Seminoles credit for competing amid program upheaval and snapping their long conference losing streak on the road. They still have an outside shot at bowl eligibility, though it’s unclear how many of the players would participate.
13. Stanford (4-5, 2-4)
Last week: 12.
This week: At Virginia Tech.
What to know: The Cardinal at least got a week off between trips across the continent. But they’ll be greeted by an angry bunch of Hokies who figure to take advantage of their battered defense.
14. Boston College (4-5, 2-4)
Last week: 14.
This week: At Notre Dame.
What to know: The FSU game was unfortunately the one the Eagles had to have. Now it will take a major upset of either the Fighting Irish this week or Miami to get to six wins.
15. North Carolina State (4-5, 2-4)
Last week: 15.
This week: Syracuse.
What to know: Week two of the coaching transition period didn’t go nearly as well for the Wolfpack in a blowout loss to Duke. This game against the Orange is needed by both sides hoping to keep bowl eligibility possible.
16. California (3-6, 2-4)
Last week: 16.
This week: At Virginia.
What to know: The shortcomings on the defensive side have been too much for the Golden Bears. They could have a fighting chance this week against the offensively-challenged Cavaliers.
17. Georgia Tech (2-7, 1-5)
Last week: 17.
This week: At Clemson.
What to know: With a losing campaign assured, there will be a lot of searching for answers in the offseason for a program that has been consistently solid under Brent Key. The defense that has fallen to 16th in the league figures to be the starting point.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SMU, Virginia Tech going opposite ways in ACC college football power rankings after Week 10
