ACC Power Rankings: The Off Weekend

#1 Notre Dame (8-0, 7-0) LW: #1 Next Game: 11/27 @ UNC 3:30 PM ABC.

Boston College showed fight early, but Notre Dame comfortably kept the Eagles at arms reach for a 45-31 win in Chestnut Hill. The Irish will enjoy an off weekend before that traditional Thanksgiving weekend rivalry of Notre Dame-UNC happens on Black Friday.

#2 Clemson (7-1, 6-1) LW: #2 Next Game: 11/21 @ FSU 12:00 PM ABC.

That was an much needed open date for Clemson. Early signs are looking as though we will see Tyler Davis and Mike Jones, Jr. back this weekend, as well as Trevor Lawrence. With the news that DJ Uiagelelei was still banged up at Notre Dame (dude played out of his mind in his first road start), I could see this being like the GT game where if it gets to be a blowout (and it really should) then we may just let Taisun Phommachahn, Hunter Helms, and maybe Will Spiers work in the second half. I’d love for DJ to get some work, but if he’s not needed Dabo might as well put him on ice and get him healthy for that final stretch of the season.

#3 Miami (7-1, 6-1) LW: #3 Next Game: TBD (COVID-19).

Miami survived a tough fight from Virginia Tech, escaping with a 25-24 win. I had a feeling VT would come in guns a blazing after their bad loss against Liberty. Good on the Canes for not falling in that trap. The U’s games with GT and Louisville have now been postponed due to COVID-19 issues with Miami’s program.

#4 North Carolina (6-2, 6-2) LW: #4 Next Game: 11/27 vs Notre Dame 3:30 PM NBC.

UNC knocked off Wake Forest in a 59-53 shootout. Heels will get to enjoy an off week before facing Notre Dame on Black Friday.

#5 Wake Forest (4-3, 3-3) LW: #5 Next Game: 11/21 @ Duke 12:00 PM ACCN.

Wake had another nice offensive explosion, but fell short in their loss to UNC. Wake can get back on track Saturday at Duke.

#6 Boston College (5-4, 4-4) LW: #6 Next Game: 11/27 vs Louisville 12:00 PM ACCN.

BC started out nicely, but didn’t have the firepower to overcome Notre Dame. The Eagles will have the weekend off and then have a Black Friday matchup with Louisville.

#7 NC State (4-3, 4-3) LW: #8 Next Game: 11/21 vs Liberty 7:30 PM ACCN.

NC State knocked off FSU 38-16, and will now have probably one of the better games of Saturday’s night slate. The Pack will host the undefeated Liberty Flames under the lights in Raleigh. Liberty, coached by potential future South Carolina Head Coach Hugh Freeze (chuckles), is looking for its third win against an ACC program and, unfortunately, if they win this game I’m obligated to start ranking them in this poll - and no one wants that.

#8 Pitt (4-4, 3-4) LW: #7 Next Game: 11/21 vs Va Tech 4:00 PM ACCN.

Unfortunately, Pitt’s game against Ga Tech had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Hopefully, Pitt will get a chance to play Virginia Tech on Saturday.

#9 Virginia (3-4, 3-4) LW: #9 Next Game: 11/21 vs Abilene Christian 4:00 PM RSN.

UVA knocked off Louisville 31-17 for their second straight win after four straight losses. Now they’ll play their one non-conference game for the season against ACU, who has been able to piecemeal together a schedule of Army, Mercer, UTEP, DII Angelo State, Stephen F Austin, and, until a COVID-19 cancellation, NAIA Arizona Christian University.

#10 Virginia Tech (4-4, 4-3) LW: #10 Next Game: 11/21 @ Pitt 4:00 PM ACCN.

The Hokies took Miami to the wire, but fell just short 25-24. The Hokies now head to Pitt.

#11 Georgia Tech (2-5, 2-4) LW: #12 Next Game: 11/28 vs Duke.

The Jackets’ game against Pitt was postponed, and now their upcoming game against Miami has been postponed too. Hopefully the Jackets can play Duke on Thanksgiving weekend.

#12 Louisville (2-6, 1-6) LW: #11 Next Game: 11/20 vs Syracuse 7:00 PM ESPN.

The Cards fell to UVA 31-17. Louisville now hosts Syracuse in a Friday night showdown.

#13 Duke (2-6, 1-6) LW: #14 Next Game: 11/21 vs Wake Forest 12:00 PM ACCN.

Duke had the weekend off. They will have to try to wrangle in a feisty Wake offense this Saturday.

#14 Florida State (2-6, 1-6) LW: #13 Next Game: 11/21 vs Clemson 12:00 PM ABC.

Ooooh, what a week for the Noles. First, FSU announced multiple players would be done for the season, including wide receiver Tammarion Terry leaving the program after multiple run-ins with coaches. Terry was easily FSU’s best player and will be a massive hole on the Noles’ offense. FSU went on to lose 38-22 to NC State. Now, the Noles get an angry, healthier Clemson team coming off their open date. FSU fans may need a few books.

#15 Syracuse (1-7, 1-6) LW: #15 Next Game: 11/20 @ Louisville 7:00 PM ESPN.

‘Cuse also enjoyed an off weekend. The Orange now head to Louisville for some Friday night football.