ATLANTIC
No. 3 Florida State (10-0, 7-0) – The ‘Noles escaped yet another first half deficit to beat the Hurricanes, 30-26. They have a knack for pulling a rabbit out of the hat, as this was their sixth close contest of the season. With Mississippi State losing Saturday, the ‘Noles have taken over the top spot in the Associated Press Poll.
No. 24 Louisville (7-3, 5-3) – The Cardinals had a week off after beating Boston College to prepare for this week’s matchup against a Notre Dame team that has gone cold in recent weeks. However, with sophomore quarterback Will Gardner out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, freshman quarterback Reggie Bonnafon will have to step up and make an impact in his place.
No. 22 Clemson (7-3, 6-2) – The Tigers were trampled in their much anticipated matchup against the Yellow Jackets Saturday, losing 28-6. During his first game back in almost a month, freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson left the game with a knee sprain in the first quarter and did not return. Senior quarterback Cole Stoudt threw three interceptions in his place, two of which were returned for touchdowns, as the offense simply didn’t have any rhythm with him under center.
Boston College (6-4, 3-3) – The Eagles spent their bye week digesting their biggest loss of the season after losing by 19 to the Cardinals. They have an even tougher matchup in the nationally televised game against the ‘Noles this weekend.
NC State (6-5, 2-5) – The Pack beat down the Demon Deacons in a 42-13 victory Saturday. This was the team’s first home conference victory since upsetting Florida State back in 2012. Junior running back Shadrach Thornton ran for 110 yards and a touchdown while averaging nearly seven yards per carry. The Pack has a bye week to prepare for what will be a much anticipated season finale against longtime rival UNC-Chapel Hill.
Syracuse (3-7, 1-5) – This season has not fared well with the Orange. Prior to their bye week, the Orange had lost seven of the previous eight games. The team has winnable matchups against Pittsburgh and Boston College in the coming weeks.
Wake Forest (2-8, 0-6) – The Demon Deacons were thrashed in a road matchup against the Wolfpack Saturday. Freshman quarterback John Wolford hasn’t looked bad, but has absolutely no supporting cast. He is the most sacked quarterback in the ACC, the running game is among the worst in the nation, and the defense has been unsteady. They will likely lose out and look to regroup in the offseason.
COASTAL
No. 18 Georgia Tech (9-2, 6-2) – For the third week in a row, the Yellow Jacket defense came through in the clutch, intercepting three passes and returning two for touchdowns in a 28-6 victory over Clemson. The fourth ranked rushing attack was slowed against a stout Clemson defense, but still ended with 252 yards. The Yellow Jackets now have a bye week, and will have to win their season finale against Georgia, and have Duke lose one more time in order to take the Coastal division.
Duke (8-2, 4-2) – The Blue Devils were upset by the Virginia Tech Hokies in a 17-16 loss Saturday. This was bound to happen eventually, as they had been in a good position to lose late in the game in each of their previous four victories. This loss means that they will have to win out to win the division. The Blue Devils will face their longtime rival Tar Heels in a Thursday night primetime matchup.
Miami (6-4, 3-3) – The Hurricanes blew a late lead in a loss to the ‘Noles Saturday night. They led the entire game before allowing a 26-yard rushing touchdown with just three minutes left. The Hurricanes have looked like one of the stronger teams in the conference as of late, but this loss mathematically eliminates them from winning the division.
North Carolina (5-5, 3-3) – Last weekend, sophomore running back T.J. Logan scored a touchdown with 50 seconds left to seal a Tar Heel victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers, 40-35. Junior quarterback Marquise Williams once again put the team on his back, accounting for 398 total yards and four touchdowns.
Virginia Tech (5-5, 2-4) – The Hokies upset the division leading Blue Devils 17-16 to snap a three game losing streak dating back to early October. They look to end the season strong against struggling teams in Wake Forest and Virginia.
Pittsburgh (4-6, 2-4) – The Panthers just can’t catch a break. For the second week in a row, they lost due to an opposing team’s score in the final seconds of a game, and have lost six of the last seven games. On the bright side, sophomore running back James Conner ran for 220 yards and four touchdowns, and they face a weakened Syracuse team this week.
Virginia (4-6, 2-4) – The Cavs have a chance to finish the season strong coming off their second bye week. Their first bye week sparked a four game losing skid, and they simply haven’t looked like the same team that beat Louisville early this season.
