Last week was an especially chaotic one around college football. Top ranked Georgia, #2 Notre Dame, #5 Indiana, #6 Alabama, and #7 Texas all lost, most of which came in dramatic, down to the final whistle fashion.
However, said chaos didn’t really make it to the ACC, just barely. Current conference top dogs Miami narrowly survived, and there weren’t any gigantic shockers elsewhere. Before we move on to getting ready for next week, let’s see how the conference is shaping up with our weekly power rankings.
1. Miami (6-0, 4-0 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Florida State 43-35
They got pushed to double overtime, but the Hurricanes remained unbeaten amid last week’s college football chaos, and retain the top spot in the power rankings.
This Week: Saturday vs. Pitt
2. Wake Forest (6-1, 4-1 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Cal 41-7
While they were definite favorite last week, the Demon Deacons faced a bit of a tough test in having to fly across the country to take on Cal. They passed that test with flying colors.
This Week: Bye
3. SMU (5-1, 3-1 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Virginia 23-13
Other than their game against FCS team UC Davis, the Mustangs still haven’t put the hammer down against anyone, including team they maybe should, however, they do keep putting up wins.
This Week: Saturday vs. Cal
4. Clemson (4-2, 2-1 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Charleston Southern 37-0
I still don’t think they’re great, but after the hubbub over their season opening loss to LSU, the Tigers could very well end up sneaking into a 10-win season. There’s truly no obvious losses left on their schedule.
This Week: Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
5. North Carolina (4-2, 2-1 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Duke 24-20
RING THAT BELL!
This Week: Saturday vs. Syracuse
6. Louisville (4-3, 3-2 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Syracuse 34-26
The Cardinals have won their last two games, but both were maybe not as good as they should’ve been considering the opponents.
This Week: Bye
7. Virginia Tech (5-2, 2-2)
Last Week: Beat Georgia Tech 34-24
The Hokies are back in the win column after a couple dumb losses.
This Week: Saturday at Clemson
8. Duke (4-2, 1-2 ACC)
This Week: Lost to North Carolina 24-20
Once again, RING THAT BELL!
This Week: Friday at Virginia
9. NC State (3-3, 1-2 ACC)
Last Week: Bye
It’s been an odd season for the Wolfpack, but they have a winnable stretch coming up, if they can take advantage.
This Week: Friday at Stanford
10. Pitt (5-2, 2-2 ACC)
Last Week: Lost to Boston College 27-21
Pitt have already gone to freshman Corey Dailey after Holden Geriner struggled against UNC. It didn’t work last week, though.
This Week: Saturday at Miami
11. Florida State (3-4, 1-3 ACC)
Last Week: Lost to Miami 43-35
They’re still below .500, so there’s only so many teams with better records I can move them above, but FSU get some respect for almost knocking off Miami.
This Week: Bye
12. Virginia (4-3, 2-2 ACC)
Last Week: Lost to SMU 23-13
Other than maybe a Halloween game at Wake Forest, there’s no game left on their schedule that UVA can’t win, but it’s shaping up to be a tough season for them, especially after making the ACC Championship Game last year.
This Week: Friday vs. Duke
13. Cal (3-4, 2-2 ACC)
Last Week: Lost to Wake Forest 41-7
Cal is now averaging 23.8 points per game and 19.7 if you take on the 49 they dropped on an FCS team.
This Week: at SMU
14. Boston College (3-3, 1-2 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Pitt 27-21
It’s still unlikely, but it’s now not impossible for BC to eke out six wins this season.
This Week: Saturday at Georgia Tech
15. Georgia Tech (2-4, 1-2 ACC)
Last Week: Lost to Virginia Tech 34-24
The Yellow Jackets will be kicking themselves for the Colorado and Stanford losses considering a tough stretch they now have to end the season.
This Week: Saturday vs. Boston College
16. Syracuse (2-4, 0-4 ACC)
Last Week: Lost to Louisville 34-26
They’re still winless in conference play, but the last two have come by a total of just 11 points.
This Week: Saturday at North Carolina
17. Stanford (3-4, 1-3 ACC)
Last Week: Beat Elon 34-7
Stanford did about the least they could do in beating their FCS opposition.
This Week: Friday vs. NC State
