No. 2 Virginia (17-0 overall, 5-0 ACC) – As one of just two undefeated teams left in the nation, the Cavaliers holds down the top spot in the conference. The Cavs smoked bottom-feeders Georgia Tech and Boston College last weekend and will get two more cupcakes before taking on three of the ACC’s best in three straight games — Duke, UNC and Louisville.
No. 5 Duke (16-2, 4-2) – After a beat down in Miami, the Blue Devils were in danger of taking a dive in these rankings. However, a convincing win over No. 6 Louisville showed that Duke is still a top contender in the ACC and the nation.
No. 8 Notre Dame (17-2, 5-1) – Don’t sleep on the Irish. Almost silently, the ACC newcomer Notre Dame has become one of the elite programs in the conference, with its only loss coming from Virginia. However, close calls with Georgia Tech and Miami keep the Irish out of the top two.
No. 15 UNC-Chapel Hill (14-4, 4-1) – Carolina and Louisville are interchangeable in this list, but because the Heels took a game from the Cardinals earlier in the year, the edge goes to the team in baby blue. UNC has been outstanding on the boards this season, ranking second in the nation in rebounds per game.
No. 10 Louisville (15-3, 3-2) – After getting run out of their own gym by slumping Duke, the Cardinals will need to rebound quickly. The team will take to the road this week, traveling to Pittsburgh and Boston College before returning home for a rematch with the Tar Heels.
NC State (13-6, 4-2) – At 4-2 in conference, the Wolfpack has to feel good about its position. A solid win over Florida State without starting point guard Anthony ‘Cat’ Barber sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Now, the Pack must face a dangerous Miami team in Coral Gables before heading back to Raleigh to battle No. 8 Notre Dame.
Miami (12-5, 2-2) – The Hurricanes played just like their namesake — dangerous and unpredictable. The ‘Canes earned a huge win over Duke and played Notre Dame down to the buzzer before eventually dropping the game. Miami will be tested with two games in three days against tough competition -— NC State and Syracuse.
Syracuse (13-5, 4-1) – Despite the Orange’s 4-1 record in ACC play, Syracuse has been unimpressive, mostly because the team has yet to face any real competition. With all four conference wins coming against teams ranked 11th or lower, the Orange will finally be tested Saturday against Miami.
Pittsburgh (13-6, 3-3) – The Panthers have played well this season, beating the teams they were supposed to beat. However, the Pitt program has also suffered difficult conference losses to Clemson and NC State, which may put a damper on the Panthers hopes for an NCAA tournament bid.
Florida State (10-9, 2-4) – Despite tying the game in the final few minutes after trailing by 20, the Seminoles dropped its home match with NC State. However, the ‘Noles rebounded nicely with a win over Clemson, lifting them over the Tigers in the power rankings.
Clemson (10-8, 2-4) – The Tigers earned a solid win over the Orange, just to have the wind taken out of their sails by a loss at home to Florida State. Clemson will be tested this weekend by a Wake Forest team that is hungry after its first ACC win.
Wake Forest (9-9, 1-4) – The Demon Deacons have quite a few losses, but when you take a closer look at their schedule, there is hope for Wake yet. The team’s first conference win over Georgia Tech will give the Deacs a bit of confidence moving forward into Wednesday’s match with Carolina.
Georgia Tech (9-8, 0-5) – The Yellow Jackets have had a tough time in conference play this season, dropping five ACC straight games, all by seven points or fewer. After traveling to Virginia, Georgia Tech will have a chance at its first ACC win Sunday against Boston College.
Boston College (8-8, 0-4) – If not for an overtime win over Harvard last Wednesday, the Eagles would be looking at a four-game skid, the most recent loss being a blowout in Virginia. Boston College has not shown signs of life but has a chance to snap its conference losing streak this week against Georgia Tech.
Virginia Tech (8-9, 0-4) – The Hokies have been abysmal, remaining the only team in the ACC with a losing record. The team has lost five straight, including four by double-digits. The Hokies’ misery will most likely continue in the upcoming week, as the team hosts Notre Dame and rival Virginia.
