ATLANTIC
No. 1 Florida State (5-0, 3-0) – The Seminoles may still be No. 1 in the nation, but their play on the field has not backed it up. While FSU won 43-3 against Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons hung around for a good part of the game, and after two straight games trailing after first quarter, cracks are showing in the ‘Noles’ armor.
Clemson (3-2, 2-1) – Freshman QB Deshaun Watson is the real deal. In his previous two starts under center for the Tigers, Watson threw eight touchdowns and rushed for two more en route to a combined 91 points. With Watson’s emergence and likely the ACC’s best defense, Clemson has a good chance to run the table.
Louisville (5-1, 3-1) – The Cardinals posted a solid win over Syracuse Friday, and the defense showed up strong once again, keeping the opposing offense out of the end zone for the third straight week. The defense has carried Louisville on its current three-game win streak, and the team now ranks sixth in the nation in opponent points per game at 12.7.
NC State (4-2, 0-2) – Saturday’s 41-0 beatdown at Clemson was not what the doctor ordered for the Wolfpack. Despite all of the momentum heading into the game, State failed to put points on the board for the first time since 2011. Junior QB Jacoby Brissett had no chance to make plays with Clemson’s powerful defensive line constantly breathing down his neck. The Pack must rebound quickly, as Boston College travels to Raleigh Saturday.
Boston College (3-2, 0-1) – The Eagles enjoyed a bye week after a crushing loss to Colorado State at home. On Saturday, Boston College will take the sixth-best rushing attack in the nation down south to take on NC State. However, the Wolfpack has only lost games to teams with top-15 passing attacks, and the Eagles currently sit at No. 121.
Syracuse (2-3, 0-1) – This team needs to turn things around fast. The Orange has lost three straight games, all of which have been at home, and none of them have been close. Things are not looking up for Syracuse, as the Orange takes on the defending national champions, Florida State on Oct. 11.
Wake Forest (2-4, 0-2) – Credit to Wake for scoring first against No. 1 Florida State. That said, the Demon Deacons got stomped by the defending champs 43-3. Wake will have a moment of reprieve next weekend, as the team will take a much-needed bye before facing a beatable Syracuse squad in Winston-Salem.
COASTAL
No. 22 Georgia Tech (5-0, 2-0) – After the Yellow Jackets powered out a win over Miami, the ACC finally has another ranked team. Georgia Tech has brought ground-and-pound offense back to the ACC, posting 297.2 rushing yards per game. This squad is still undefeated for a reason; a touchdown in each quarter is the definition of efficiency.
Virginia (4-2, 2-0) – The Cavaliers dominated Pittsburgh in the first half, going up 24-3 before turning on the cruise control in the second. Virginia continues to be the surprise of the ACC, making a case for the top team in the Coastal division. Even more impressive is that the Cavs are putting together such a strong season without a top-50 rushing or passing offense.
Virginia Tech (4-2, 1-1) – Despite a two-game skid earlier in the season, the Hokies are back to form after beating Western Michigan and UNC-Chapel Hill by a combined 35 points. With both of its losses coming to teams now ranked, Virginia Tech is looking strong and has a good shot at a solid bowl game this winter.
Miami (3-3, 1-2) – Tough loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday night. After putting up 14 points in the first, the Hurricanes failed to locate the end zone for the final three quarters. Despite the loss, Miami is good enough to make noise in the ACC. The ‘Canes will host Cincinnati Saturday, which should prove to be a nice confidence builder.
Duke (4-1, 0-1) – The Blue Devils took advantage of a much-needed bye week after suffering their first loss of the season to Miami. While the defense is allowing the eighth-fewest points per game, the offense has been fairly sloppy this season. Duke must play its best game of the season this Saturday when the team travels to take on No. 22 Georgia Tech.
Pittsburgh (3-3, 1-1) – After a strong 3-0 start that included a 62-0 win over Delaware, the Panthers have dropped their last three contests, all of which were winnable games. Despite the skid, Pitt has only one conference loss — Saturday’s game at Virginia. The Panthers will use a timely bye week to prepare for Virginia Tech on Oct. 16.
UNC-Chapel Hill (2-3, 0-2) – Another week, another big offensive performance by the Tar Heels’ opponent. Virginia Tech entered Kenan Stadium and dropped 34 on the UNC-CH team with ease. The Heels are allowing a putrid 42 points per game, and that number will likely grow after Saturday’s matchup at Notre Dame.
