ACC Power Rankings: Week 10

#1 Clemson (9-0, 6-0) (LW:#1)

A picture perfect Purple Out weekend for the Tigers. Clemson easily disposed of Wofford, Travis Etienne breaks James Davis’s record for all time rushing touchdowns, and the military appreciation services went off almost without a hitch. There was the one scary moment where one of the skydivers’ parachute didn’t open, but fortunately he was able to use his backup parachute and land safely. Very glad for that. The game also ended with Dabo being Dabo.

#2 Wake Forest (7-1, 3-1) (LW:#2)

The Deacs romped over NC State 44-10. Wake will now head to Virginia Tech. If the Deacs survive the trip to Blacksburg and Clemson defeats NC State, that will set up an ACC Atlantic Division Championship game in Death Valley for the following week.

#3 Notre Dame (6-2, 3-0 vs ACC) (LW:#3)

The Fighting Irish came soooo close to dropping one at home against Virginia Tech, but were able to hold on for a 21-20 lead. Notre Dame now heads to Durham to take on Duke. Given Notre Dame’s large national fanbase plus the favt that the Dukies are probably in basketball mode, there’s a good chance Wallace Wade Stadium could feel a lot like home for the Fighting Irish.

Tied #4 Virginia (6-3, 4-2) (LW:#4)

In one of the better games from Saturday, Virginia edged North Carolina 38-31 to remain on top of the Coastal Division, by virtue of a tiebreaker with Pitt. The Cavs will host Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Tied #4 Louisville (5-3, 3-2) (LW:#7)

I had some folks in the comments point out that Louisville was probably underrated considering they have the same record as Virginia and won head to head. Given the rest of the shake ups in the ACC, I’m bumping them up despite them having a bye. It’s amazing that one season after being possibly the worst P5 program, Louisville has a legit argument for being in the top five of the ACC. The Cardinals will try to keep the good times rolling as they head to Miami Saturday.

#6 Virginia Tech (5-3, 2-2) (LW:T#5)

The Hokies came really close to upsetting Notre Dame in South Bend. This team really bounced back in a big way after being embarrassed by Duke at home back in September. Virginia Tech will now host #22 Wake Forest.

#7 Pitt (6-3, 3-2) (LW:#8)

Pitt survived in Atlanta against Georgia Tech, knocking off the Jackets 20-10, and keeping themselves in the ACC Coastal race. Pitt will have a bye this weekend.

#8 North Carolina (4-5, 3-3) (LW:T#5)

North Carolina came up short against Virginia 38-31. The Tar Heels will have a bye week, before trying to win two of their last three in hopes of making a bowl.

#9 Miami (5-4, 3-3) (LW:#10)

THE U IS BACK!! Okay, not really, but Miami defeated Florida State 27-10. It’s crazy. Miami-Florida State used to be must see TV, and now it’s barely watchable. Rece Davis probably said it best this weekend.

Anyway, good for Miami, who now moves closer to going bowling. Canes host Louisville on Saturday.

#10 Duke (4-4, 2-3) (LW:#9)

Duke had a bye to recover from losing to rival North Carolina. Also gave fans a chance to prepare themselves for their big hoops matchup with Kansas on Tuesday. The basketball Devils will also host Colorado State on Friday, before the football team hosts Notre Dame Saturday. This is one of those few times I’d say it’d be a fun week to be a Duke student.

#11 Boston College (5-5, 3-3) (LW:#12)

A week after looking completely inept against Clemson, Boston College rattled off 691 total yards in a 58-27 win at Syracuse. Honestly, it’s pretty astounding that Clemson’s defense smothered this BC run game so well, because it’s capable of doing some crazy stuff.

That’s just absurd and it’s not even the first time the Eagles have had a rushing performance like this. Boston College hosts Florida State this weekend.

#12 Florida State (4-5, 3-4) (LW:#11)

After a 27-10 loss to Miami, the Noles have fired head coach Willie Taggart, meaning his tenure as the head coach in Tallahassee lasted less than two seasons. This is probably the right call, as Taggart seemed out of his league as FSU’s head coach, but he will now collect $17.7 million in his coaching buyout. Odell Haggins takes the reigns as the interim, and will lead the Noles to Chesnut Hill to face Boston College.

#13 NC State (4-4, 1-3) (LW:#13)

The Wolfpack was blasted 44-10 by Wake Forest, as this bad season continues. Going to NC State gives me similar vibes as going to Georgia Tech has in recent years. If Clemson goes in and does their job, this will be another easy blowout, but we’ve had enough close calls in Raleigh that I probably won’t relax until we get up by a few toucdowns.

#14 Syracuse (4-5, 1-4) (LW:#14)

Sheesh, where to begin with Syracuse. Boston College put on a rushing clinic in the Carrier Dome. The Orangemen have a bye week before heading to Duke.

#15 Georgia Tech (2-6, 1-4) (LW:#15)

Ohhh Georgia Tech. Ohhh poor Georgia Tech. Trailing by seven, the Jackets were knocking on the door and had a huge chance to tie up the game at the end of the third, and then, well, they didn’t.

Brutal. Pitt converted this to a field goal, went on to win 20-10. The Jackets will now head to Charlottesville to face Virginia.