1. No. 2 Virginia (15-0, 3-0 ACC)

One of only two unbeaten teams in the nation, the Cavaliers proved they’re worthy of the top spot in our rankings by defeating No. 12 Notre Dame in South Bend over the weekend. Junior guard Justin Anderson continues to impress in his breakout season, and the Cavaliers’ defense is No. 1 in the nation, only allowing 51.1 points per game. 

2. No. 4 Duke (14-1, 2-1 ACC)

The Blue Devils were knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten when they fell to NC State Sunday. Freshman forward Jahlil Okafor scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds but the Blue Devils looked lost offensively and overwhelmed defensively. Duke is young but extremely talented, so look for the team to bounce back this week in games against Miami and No. 6 Louisville.

3. No. 6 Louisville (14-2, 2-1 ACC)

The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker to No. 15 North Carolina on a late layup to give them their first loss in ACC play, but four different players averaged double-digit scoring totals this season and the Cardinals are rebounding at an elite level. Next weekend Louisville welcomes Duke into KFC Yum! Center for a top-10 clash.

4. No. 12 Notre Dame (15-2, 3-1 ACC)

The Fighting Irish are the best shooting team in the nation but shot only 33 percent against Virginia’s vaunted pack-line defense. The Fighting Irish let a late lead slip away and an offense that averages 83.3 points per game was held to 56. Expect Notre Dame to continue to put up points and get two easy wins against Georgia Tech and Miami.

5. No. 15 North Carolina (12-4, 2-1 ACC)

Junior guard Marcus Paige had a game-winning layup with 8.5 seconds left to lift UNC-Chapel Hill to a signature win over Louisville that could start to turn the Tar Heels’ largely disappointing season around. Up next is a dangerous matchup with NC State on the road. 

6. NC State (12-5, 3-1 ACC)

The Wolfpack shocked undefeated Duke behind junior guard Trevor Lacey’s 21 points and 10 team blocks. Sophomore forward BeeJay Anya scored a career-high 14 points, and State earned itself an important win for its tournament hopes.

7. Syracuse (12-4, 3-0 ACC)

Syracuse barely escaped road games against Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech to start ACC play before defeating Florida State easily at home. Senior forward Rakeem Christmas is the heart of the Orange, averaging nearly a double-double a game. Syracuse has a real chance of starting conference play at 7-0 before playing UNC-Chapel Hill Jan. 26.

8. Miami (11-4, 1-1 ACC)

The Hurricanes have shown flashes of being a top-tier team in the ACC but have also laid eggs against lesser opponents. Transfer guards Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez have been terrific for the ‘Canes leading them to two top-25 upsets. The Hurricanes’ true potential will be seen this week in road games against Duke and Notre Dame.

9. Clemson (9-6, 1-2 ACC)

Clemson’s offense has been awful, but its defense allows them to hang in the games. Clemson has just enough talent to beat the lower-level teams in the ACC but not enough to contend with the big boys.

10. Pittsburgh (11-5, 1-2 ACC)

Pittsburgh has been mediocre offensively, and the once tough Petersen Events Center has been mild so far in 2014-2015. Pitt looks headed for a lost season.

11. Wake Forest (9-8, 1-3 ACC)

The Demon Deacons have played a tough early conference slate and fallen flat. Wake Forest has an opportunity on the road against Syracuse to jump in the rankings.

12. Florida State (9-7, 1-2 ACC)

The Seminoles were a team that many believed would be an NCAA tournament team to begin the year, but bad losses and disappointing play have sent them to the bottom of the conference. They need a quick turnaround to make any noise.

13. Georgia Tech (9-6, 0-3 ACC)

The Yellow Jackets rebound well but struggle to score efficiently. Junior forward Marcus Georges-Hunt leads the team with 13.3 points per game but shoots a paltry 40.6 percent from the field and only 20.5 percent from three-point range. The Yellow Jackets need playmakers to step up.

14. Boston College (7-7, 0-3 ACC)

The Eagles have awful statistics but play hard and contend in games they shouldn’t. They’re scrappy enough to upset someone this season.

15. Virginia Tech (8-7, 0-2 ACC)

The Hokies do nothing well and have no true stars. Losses to Florida State and Syracuse have them heading for a downward spiral.