ATLANTIC
No. 1 Florida State (4-0, 2-0) – The Seminoles narrowly avoided their fourth loss in five games to NC State in Raleigh on Saturday with a 49-17 comeback in the final three quarters. Despite two close calls in two consecutive weeks, Florida State’s playoff hopes remain alive and well. However, with games at Miami and Louisville, as well as a visit from No. 9 Notre Dame, a berth is far from guaranteed.
Clemson (2-2, 1-1) – The Tigers rebounded from their heartbreaking loss against No. 1 Florida State by spanking UNC-Chapel Hill, 50-35, in Death Valley. Freshman QB Deshaun Watson had the game of his life, throwing for 435 yards and six touchdowns. Clemson now ranks ninth in the nation in pass yards per game.
NC State (4-1, 0-1) – The Wolfpack let a 17-point first quarter lead slip from its grasp, losing in a 56-41 shootout with the defending national champions. Despite the loss, NCSU earned its first vote in the AP poll and proved its offense, led by junior QB Jacoby Brissett, can hang with any team in the ACC. The Pack will have its chance to make a statement in the conference when it travels to Clemson Saturday.
Louisville (4-1, 2-1) – The Cardinals earned a solid conference win over Wake Forest Saturday, using a 13-point fourth quarter to take the contest, 20-10. The Louisville defense was dominant, causing two huge turnovers that set up both Cardinal touchdowns and held the Deacons to only 100 total yards of offense.
Boston College (3-2, 0-1) – Who are the Boston College Eagles? Are they the motivated squad of men that took down the No. 9 Southern California powerhouse, or the meek group of players that lost at home to Colorado State on Saturday? Until the Eagles see more ACC competition, they take a hit in the rankings for inconsistency.
Syracuse (2-2, 0-0) – The only team in the ACC yet to play a conference game, the Orange has not impressed in its four non-conference games. No. 8 Notre Dame took care of business in Syracuse on Saturday, leaving the Orange on a bit of a skid heading into its first ACC game against Louisville.
Wake Forest (2-3, 0-1) – The Demon Deacons could not find any sort of offensive rhythm against Louisville on Saturday, converting only two of 16 third downs and netting minus-22 yards of rushing offense. The Wake squad continues to struggle mightily, and a winless conference record seems extremely probable for the Deacs.
COASTAL
Georgia Tech (4-0, 1-0) – One of the two undefeated teams left in the ACC, the Yellow Jackets have shown that they are the clear leaders of the Coastal division. With a powerful offensive line, Georgia Tech boasts one of the best rushing attacks in the nation. Fresh off a bye week, the Jackets will take on Miami in primetime Saturday.
Virginia (3-2, 1-0) – The surprise of the ACC continued its impressive run Saturday by stomping Kent State, 45-13, behind a 31-point second half. With both of its losses and their one conference win coming at the hands of ranked opponents, the Cavaliers have proved they have put their ugly 2013 campaign far behind them.
Miami (3-2, 1-1) – What a win over reigning Coastal division champion Duke on Saturday night. The Hurricane defense caused major problems for the Blue Devils, holding Duke to two third downs and snagging two picks. Junior RB Duke Johnson came up big for Miami when it counted, rushing for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Virginia Tech (3-2, 0-1) – Heading into Saturday’s matchup with Western Michigan, the Hokies had lost two straight to East Carolina and Georgia Tech. However, after a 35-17 victory over the Broncos, Virginia Tech made it clear that the team is still a competitor in the Coastal division.
Duke (4-1, 0-1) – Of all the undefeated teams heading into Saturday, Duke had the lowest strength of schedule. However, the Blue Devils blew their chances at an undefeated season with an ugly 22-10 loss at Miami. Fortunately for Duke, the team will have a bye week to regroup before visiting undefeated Georgia Tech on Oct. 11.
Pittsburgh (3-2, 1-0) – After an early conference win over Boston College, the Panthers have been on a skid of late. Pitt dropped its latest contest with Akron in embarrassing fashion, losing handily to the Mid-American Conference squad at home. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Saturday’s matchup with Virginia will not be an easy one.
UNC-Chapel Hill (2-2, 0-2) – This team has been unbelievably disappointing all season. After a close call with San Diego State, the Tar Heels allowed East Carolina and Clemson to put up a combined 120 points. The UNC-CH defense has looked absolutely dreadful all season, allowing 44 points per game, which ranks at 126th in the nation.
