This week, Boston College attempts to dethrone Clemson for the Atlantic, while the Coastal could become more cluttered if Virginia Tech can knock off Pittsburgh.
1. Clemson (9-0, 6-0 ACC) (Last Week: 1)
Last Week: vs Louisville Cardinals (2-7, 0-6) – W 77-16
Next Week: at #22 Boston College Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-1)
Clemson ran for 492 yards in the win over Louisville, having three different players cross the 100-yard threshold. Coming into the matchup, the Tigers were a 39.5-point favorite and it was never in doubt that they were going to cover that spread. They dominated the pitiful Cardinals in every facet of the game, and now only Boston College stands between them and an Atlantic crown, as well as an almost guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff.
2. Boston College (7-2, 4-1 ACC) (Last Week: 3)
Last Week: at Virginia Tech Hokies (4-4, 3-2)
Next Week: vs #2 Clemson Tigers (9-0, 6-0)
Good for BC in not looking past the Hokies to the biggest game of their season against Clemson. The Eagles trailed 14-7 heading into the half, but made great adjustments, rattling off three straight touchdowns to put the game out of reach. After their ugly loss to Purdue back in September, the Eagles looked a bit overrated, but now with AJ Dillon back, they have a chance to shock the world and put themselves one step closer to an improbable Atlantic title.
3. Syracuse (7-2, 4-2 ACC) (Last Week: 4)
Last Week: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-5, 1-4) – W 41-24
Next Week: vs Louisville Cardinals (2-7, 0-6)
The Orange took care of business against a far inferior Wake team, thanks in large part to dominating the time of possession and QB Eric Dungey, who would rack up 157 yards passing and 119 yards on the ground. The defense was solid throughout, forcing 3 turnovers despite giving up 434 yards of offense. This week, the Orange head home to take on a Louisville team that should roll over in defeat even if the Orange have a bit of a letdown game. After that, it’s a game against the Fighting Irish. While the Orange can’t win the Atlantic, and certainly will not make the playoff, they can do their best to ruin Notre Dame’s chances.
4. Pittsburgh (5-4, 4-1 ACC) (Last Week: 7)
Last Week: at #23 Virginia Cavaliers (6-3, 4-2) – W 23-13
Next Week: vs Virginia Tech Hokies (4-4, 3-2)
I’m moving Pitt way up this week, because since their loss to UCF, they’ve been hot. After taking care of Virginia, the Panthers are now all alone at the top of the Coastal. With just three games left, the race is far from over, but with a win this week against Virginia Tech, the Panthers would all but put the division on lockdown. According to FPI, the Panthers have a 47% chance to win the Coastal.
5. Virginia (6-3, 4-2 ACC) (Last Week: 2)
Last Week: vs Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4, 4-1) – L 23-13
Next Week: vs Liberty Flames (4-4)
We all had to think a letdown was coming for the Cavaliers at some point. They had simply overachieved way too much all season, and after three straight wins against Coastal rivals, they finally fell at home to a Pitt team that now controls the Coastal. All is not lost for the Wahoos as they have a week to get things right against Liberty, before heading on the road for their final two must-win ACC games.
6. North Carolina State (6-2, 3-2 ACC) (Last Week: 5)
Last Week: vs Florida State Seminoles (4-5, 2-5) W 47-28
Next Week: vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-5, 1-4)
The Wolfpack jumped out to a 17-0 lead against the Seminoles and never looked back. It’s a shame for Ryan Finley and co. that they play in the Atlantic, because if they were in the Coastal, they would have a serious chance to play in the ACC title game. Unfortunately for them, all they can do is win out and hope for a good bowl game.
7. Duke (6-3, 2-3 ACC) (Last Week: 9)
Last Week: at Miami Hurricanes (5-4, 2-3) – W 20-12
Next Week: vs North Carolina Tar Heels (1-7, 1-5)
The Blue Devils went down to Miami and took care of the Hurricanes, keeping their very slim Coastal hopes alive while also securing a bowl game. Aside from the 75-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the game, Duke had just 215 yards of total offense, a number that will need to greatly improve going forward if they want any chance at winning their last three games. One of those three is against Clemson, so really why am I even talking about this?
8. Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3 ACC) (Last Week: 10)
Last Week: at North Carolina Tar Heels (1-7, 1-5) – W 38-28
Next Week: vs Miami Hurricanes (5-4, 2-3)
That’s 4 out of 5 for the Yellow Jackets after they started the season 1-3. Paul Johnson’s bunch even managed to find an air “attack” this week as they threw for 104 yards on just two attempts. This week they take on Miami at home, in what is likely their best chance to become bowl eligible, before their last two games against Virginia and Georgia.
9. Miami (5-4, 2-3 ACC) (Last Week: 6)
Last Week: vs Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3) – L 20-12
Next Week: at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-3)
My therapist told me to rid my life of all abusive relationships, so the way I look at it, it’s basketball season. The Canes offense is dreadful, and only actually got anything going because the field was such a mess during the rain. Once the rain stopped, Duke defenders stopped sliding around and the Blue Devils were able to easily take over the game. QB carousel is getting old, but it seems like it’s what we’re stuck with for the rest of this season. At the beginning of the season the Canes were ranked #8 in the country. Now, there is a chance they don’t even make a bowl game. Think about it. The remaining schedule is Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. Is it impossible to see this team losing all of those games?
10. Virginia Tech (4-4, 3-2 ACC) (Last Week: 8)
Last Week: vs #24 Boston College Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-1) – L 31-21
Next Week: at Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4, 4-1)
The Hokies dropped their third of their last four games, but unlike everyone else in the
Coastal that is looking up at Pittsburgh, the Hokies control their own destiny. This week they can take over first place by knocking off the Panthers in Pittsburgh. The run defense will have to be much better after giving 211 yards against BC, just one week after giving up 465 to GT.
11. Florida State (4-5, 2-5 ACC) (Last Week: 11)
Last Week: at North Carolina State Wolfpack (6-2, 3-2) – L 47-28
Next Week: at #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-0)
The Seminoles fell in their second of five straight games against ranked opponents, and once again, looked terrible doing so. It’s hard to imagine the Noles finding 2 more wins to become bowl eligible in their last three, which is a silver lining for all Canes fans who have had to suffer through the atrocity that has been this season.
12. UNC (1-7, 1-5 ACC) (Last Week: 12)
Last Week: vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-3) L 38-28
Next Week: at Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3)
Once again, the Tar Heels found themselves in a game in the 4th quarter only to fall apart and find another way to lose. UNC trailed by as many as 18, but fought all the way back to tie the game at 28 early in the 4th quarter. UNC was outgained 565-374 in the loss, including 104 passing yards on just two attempts. UNC fans, much like Miami fans, are probably very excited that basketball season starts this week.
13. Wake Forest (4-5, 1-4 ACC) (Last Week: 13)
Last Week: vs #22 Syracuse Orange (7-2, 4-2) – L 41-24
Next Week: at #21 North Carolina State Wolfpack (6-2, 3-2)
Things started off so promising for the Demon Deacons, who jumped out to an early 10-0 lead before giving up 28 straight points. Sam Hartman was able to throw for 275 yards against the less than stellar Orange defense, but three turnovers absolutely killed the Wake offense.
14. Louisville (2-7, 0-6 ACC) (Last Week: 14)
Last Week: at #2 Clemson Tigers (9-0, 6-0)
Next Week: at #19 Syracuse Orange (7-2, 4-2)
Have I mentioned that the Cardinals are awful? If you’re a Canes fan and you’re depressed, just watch tape of Louisville. At least you’ll have a good laugh through all your tears.
1. Clemson (9-0, 6-0 ACC) (Last Week: 1)
Last Week: vs Louisville Cardinals (2-7, 0-6) – W 77-16
Next Week: at #22 Boston College Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-1)
Clemson ran for 492 yards in the win over Louisville, having three different players cross the 100-yard threshold. Coming into the matchup, the Tigers were a 39.5-point favorite and it was never in doubt that they were going to cover that spread. They dominated the pitiful Cardinals in every facet of the game, and now only Boston College stands between them and an Atlantic crown, as well as an almost guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff.
2. Boston College (7-2, 4-1 ACC) (Last Week: 3)
Last Week: at Virginia Tech Hokies (4-4, 3-2)
Next Week: vs #2 Clemson Tigers (9-0, 6-0)
Good for BC in not looking past the Hokies to the biggest game of their season against Clemson. The Eagles trailed 14-7 heading into the half, but made great adjustments, rattling off three straight touchdowns to put the game out of reach. After their ugly loss to Purdue back in September, the Eagles looked a bit overrated, but now with AJ Dillon back, they have a chance to shock the world and put themselves one step closer to an improbable Atlantic title.
3. Syracuse (7-2, 4-2 ACC) (Last Week: 4)
Last Week: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-5, 1-4) – W 41-24
Next Week: vs Louisville Cardinals (2-7, 0-6)
The Orange took care of business against a far inferior Wake team, thanks in large part to dominating the time of possession and QB Eric Dungey, who would rack up 157 yards passing and 119 yards on the ground. The defense was solid throughout, forcing 3 turnovers despite giving up 434 yards of offense. This week, the Orange head home to take on a Louisville team that should roll over in defeat even if the Orange have a bit of a letdown game. After that, it’s a game against the Fighting Irish. While the Orange can’t win the Atlantic, and certainly will not make the playoff, they can do their best to ruin Notre Dame’s chances.
4. Pittsburgh (5-4, 4-1 ACC) (Last Week: 7)
Last Week: at #23 Virginia Cavaliers (6-3, 4-2) – W 23-13
Next Week: vs Virginia Tech Hokies (4-4, 3-2)
I’m moving Pitt way up this week, because since their loss to UCF, they’ve been hot. After taking care of Virginia, the Panthers are now all alone at the top of the Coastal. With just three games left, the race is far from over, but with a win this week against Virginia Tech, the Panthers would all but put the division on lockdown. According to FPI, the Panthers have a 47% chance to win the Coastal.
5. Virginia (6-3, 4-2 ACC) (Last Week: 2)
Last Week: vs Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4, 4-1) – L 23-13
Next Week: vs Liberty Flames (4-4)
We all had to think a letdown was coming for the Cavaliers at some point. They had simply overachieved way too much all season, and after three straight wins against Coastal rivals, they finally fell at home to a Pitt team that now controls the Coastal. All is not lost for the Wahoos as they have a week to get things right against Liberty, before heading on the road for their final two must-win ACC games.
6. North Carolina State (6-2, 3-2 ACC) (Last Week: 5)
Last Week: vs Florida State Seminoles (4-5, 2-5) W 47-28
Next Week: vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-5, 1-4)
The Wolfpack jumped out to a 17-0 lead against the Seminoles and never looked back. It’s a shame for Ryan Finley and co. that they play in the Atlantic, because if they were in the Coastal, they would have a serious chance to play in the ACC title game. Unfortunately for them, all they can do is win out and hope for a good bowl game.
7. Duke (6-3, 2-3 ACC) (Last Week: 9)
Last Week: at Miami Hurricanes (5-4, 2-3) – W 20-12
Next Week: vs North Carolina Tar Heels (1-7, 1-5)
The Blue Devils went down to Miami and took care of the Hurricanes, keeping their very slim Coastal hopes alive while also securing a bowl game. Aside from the 75-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the game, Duke had just 215 yards of total offense, a number that will need to greatly improve going forward if they want any chance at winning their last three games. One of those three is against Clemson, so really why am I even talking about this?
8. Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3 ACC) (Last Week: 10)
Last Week: at North Carolina Tar Heels (1-7, 1-5) – W 38-28
Next Week: vs Miami Hurricanes (5-4, 2-3)
That’s 4 out of 5 for the Yellow Jackets after they started the season 1-3. Paul Johnson’s bunch even managed to find an air “attack” this week as they threw for 104 yards on just two attempts. This week they take on Miami at home, in what is likely their best chance to become bowl eligible, before their last two games against Virginia and Georgia.
9. Miami (5-4, 2-3 ACC) (Last Week: 6)
Last Week: vs Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3) – L 20-12
Next Week: at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-3)
My therapist told me to rid my life of all abusive relationships, so the way I look at it, it’s basketball season. The Canes offense is dreadful, and only actually got anything going because the field was such a mess during the rain. Once the rain stopped, Duke defenders stopped sliding around and the Blue Devils were able to easily take over the game. QB carousel is getting old, but it seems like it’s what we’re stuck with for the rest of this season. At the beginning of the season the Canes were ranked #8 in the country. Now, there is a chance they don’t even make a bowl game. Think about it. The remaining schedule is Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. Is it impossible to see this team losing all of those games?
10. Virginia Tech (4-4, 3-2 ACC) (Last Week: 8)
Last Week: vs #24 Boston College Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-1) – L 31-21
Next Week: at Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4, 4-1)
The Hokies dropped their third of their last four games, but unlike everyone else in the
Coastal that is looking up at Pittsburgh, the Hokies control their own destiny. This week they can take over first place by knocking off the Panthers in Pittsburgh. The run defense will have to be much better after giving 211 yards against BC, just one week after giving up 465 to GT.
11. Florida State (4-5, 2-5 ACC) (Last Week: 11)
Last Week: at North Carolina State Wolfpack (6-2, 3-2) – L 47-28
Next Week: at #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-0)
The Seminoles fell in their second of five straight games against ranked opponents, and once again, looked terrible doing so. It’s hard to imagine the Noles finding 2 more wins to become bowl eligible in their last three, which is a silver lining for all Canes fans who have had to suffer through the atrocity that has been this season.
12. UNC (1-7, 1-5 ACC) (Last Week: 12)
Last Week: vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4, 3-3) L 38-28
Next Week: at Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3)
Once again, the Tar Heels found themselves in a game in the 4th quarter only to fall apart and find another way to lose. UNC trailed by as many as 18, but fought all the way back to tie the game at 28 early in the 4th quarter. UNC was outgained 565-374 in the loss, including 104 passing yards on just two attempts. UNC fans, much like Miami fans, are probably very excited that basketball season starts this week.
13. Wake Forest (4-5, 1-4 ACC) (Last Week: 13)
Last Week: vs #22 Syracuse Orange (7-2, 4-2) – L 41-24
Next Week: at #21 North Carolina State Wolfpack (6-2, 3-2)
Things started off so promising for the Demon Deacons, who jumped out to an early 10-0 lead before giving up 28 straight points. Sam Hartman was able to throw for 275 yards against the less than stellar Orange defense, but three turnovers absolutely killed the Wake offense.
14. Louisville (2-7, 0-6 ACC) (Last Week: 14)
Last Week: at #2 Clemson Tigers (9-0, 6-0)
Next Week: at #19 Syracuse Orange (7-2, 4-2)
Have I mentioned that the Cardinals are awful? If you’re a Canes fan and you’re depressed, just watch tape of Louisville. At least you’ll have a good laugh through all your tears.
