ACC Power Rankings: Technical Difficulties

#1 Clemson (6-0, 5-0) LW: #1 Next Game: 10/31 vs BC 12:00 PM ABC.

This is one of those weekends where you get reminded how incredibly spoiled we’ve become as Clemson fans. We played badly, let the game get uncomfortable, and yet still finished the day with a 26 point win. Not to sound like I’m pumping sunshine, but a little adversity isn’t the worst thing for this team. But please - let’s not make a habit of letting these teams hang around. We do need to get some things straightened out because BC’s passing game could give us some fits if we aren’t careful. Also, someone make sure Travis Etienne eats a good breakfast.

This is extremely funny to me because if you’ve noticed, Frosted Flakes is now a sponsor of Clemson and has their logo on the wall in Death Valley. You know someone in the Kellogg’s ad department is cringing right now. Fortunately, Travis is okay now, and let’s make sure our man gets some sausage and eggs before kickoff.

#2 Notre Dame (5-0, 4-0) LW: #2 Next Game: 10/31 @ Ga Tech 3:30 PM ABC.

Notre Dame was able to open up the offense and have a big 45-3 win over Pitt. This was definitely the best the Irish have looked this season. With a trip to Atlanta to face a beaten down Georgia Tech team up next, Notre Dame should be rolling into the Clemson game undefeated.

#3 North Carolina (4-1, 4-1) LW: #4 Next Game: 10/31 @ UVA 8:00 PM ACCN.

UNC got back up on the horse with a nice 48-21 win over rival NC State. UNC now heads to Charlottesville for a Halloween night tussle with the Wahoos.

#4 Miami (5-1, 4-1) LW: #3 Next Game: 11/6 @ NC State 7:30 PM ESPN.

The Canes survived against UVA, coming away with a 19-14 win. Not the best showing for the U, but they got the win. Miami will have a week off before taking on NC State.

#5 Boston College (4-2, 3-2) LW:#7 Next Game: 10/31 @ Clemson 12:00 PM ABC.

BC pretty easily dismantled Georgia Tech. That win was a nice shot in the arm for the Eagles as they head to Clemson as thirty-two-point underdogs.

#6 Wake Forest (3-2, 2-2) LW: #8 Next Game: 10/31 @ Syracuse 12:00 PM ACCN.

Wake was the big shocker of the weekend as they pulled of a 23-16 upset over #19 Virginia Tech. The Deacs can establish momentum in their game against a Syracuse team that may have a Clemson hangover.

#7 Virginia Tech (3-2, 3-2) LW:#9 Next Game: 10/31 @ Louisville 4:00 PM ACCN.

Pretty brutal for Virginia Tech to stub their toes against Wake Forest. The Hokies will try to regroup on the road against a Louisville team that had a nice weekend.

#8 NC State (4-2, 4-2) LW: #6 Next Game: 11/6 vs Miami 7:30 PM ESPN.

NC State is finally hitting the meat of their schedule, and yeah, it showed. The Pack lost 48-21 to rival UNC. We’re about to learn a good bit about how legit the Pack are, as after an upcoming open date they have a big Friday test against Miami.

#9 Louisville (2-4, 1-4) LW: #13 Next Game 10/31 vs Va Tech 4:00 PM ACCN.

Louisville finally beat an ACC team, and did it in impressive fashion, stomping FSU 48-16. No, this isn’t Lamar Jackson dropping 70 on a Top-10 Noles squad, but as tough as this season has been and with FSU’s big upset over UNC, this was a solid win for Scott Satterfield. With Virginia Tech reeling off their loss to Wake Forest, Louisville could really have a nice little mid-season resurgence here.

#10 Pitt (3-4, 2-4) LW: #9 Next Game: 11/7 @ FSU.

It felt like a classic Pitt Super Weapon game, with a scrappy Pitt team going against a Top-5 ND team that looked vulnerable against Louisville. However, ND came to play, and stomped Pitt 45-3. The Panthers are off this weekend, and will be prepping for a matchup with FSU.

#11 Georgia Tech (2-4, 2-3) LW: #10 Next Game: 10/31 vs Notre Dame 3:30 PM ABC.

Clemson may have broken Georgia Tech. The Jackets still looked shell-shocked in their 48-27 loss to BC. The Jackets showed some life, making a slight comeback after BC jumped out to a 24-0 lead, but the game was never in doubt. GT’s first drive was also, ummmm, interesting.

I can understand going for it on 4th down on the road on the opponents 29, but this is just an ill advised play. A regular punt from the 29-yard line would be incredibly dumb, so it looks pretty obviously like the Jackets had something up their sleeve. Also, I don’t think taking the ball out of Jeff Sims’s hands there is the move. A fine throw from Pressley Harvin, but he’s a punter. That’s a fine play in a different scenario, but just ugly there. It could get worse for Tech as a revitalized Notre Dame comes to Atlanta.

#12 Florida State (2-4, 1-4) LW: #12 Next Game: 11/7 vs Pitt.

It looks as if FSU’s win over UNC was more a fluke than a sign of Mike Norvell’s squad coming together. FSU fell 48-16 to a Louisville squad that has had offensive struggles. The Noles will now have an off week prior to facing Pitt.

#13 Virginia (1-4, 1-4) LW: #11 Next Game: 10/31 vs UNC 8:00 PM ACCN.

UVA fought hard, but came up short against Miami. The Cavs now will host UNC.

#14 Syracuse (1-5, 1-4) LW: #15 Next Game: 10/31 vs Wake Forest 12:00 PM ACCN.

You have to hand it to Dino Babers and Syracuse. They always know how to make us sweat. Syracuse’s big plays really came as the result of Clemson mistakes, but they certainly made sure to capitalize on our errors. I feel like though we won’t see Syracuse quite play up to this level again this year, and hopefully won’t see Clemson play down to that level. This ‘Cuse team is still very bad.

#15 Duke (1-5, 1-5) LW: #14 Next Game: 10/31 vs Charlotte 7:00 PM ESPN3.

Duke was off over the weekend. Saturday night they have a big opportunity for a win against Charlotte. It’s always weird to me when games like this get a night kickoff. Saturday’s night slate isn’t the sexiest (Arkansas-A&M will probably be fun, and Ohio State-Penn State may be interesting if the Buckeyes don’t run away with it) but there are probably some more appealing options for your Halloween viewing than Duke-Charlotte, unless you’re a fan of either program.