Streaking The Lawn’s Week 11 ACC Football Power Rankings

TEN WEEKS DOWN AND THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA FOOTBALL TEAM IS BOWL ELIGIBLE! There have been some other games that were less important in the ACC as well.

Here’s how we think the ACC stacks up after 10 weeks:

1. Clemson Tigers (8-1, 6-1). Last week: 1

Last game: win 38-31 at NC State. This week: vs. FSU
Kelly Bryant and the Tigers did just enough to hold off the Wolfpack in spite of being outgained, controlling the ball less, and having fewer first downs. Ultimately, Clemson won and is now just a win away from securing the Atlantic Division again.

2. Miami-Florida Hurricanes (8-0, 6-0). Last week: 2

Last game: win 28-10 vs. VT. This week: vs. ND
The Hurricanes finally passed their first test of the season. The Turnover Chain lost the turnover battle against the Hokies 4-3, but won nevertheless. With Notre Dame on tap this week, if the Canes can pull off another W, it could be set up a College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.

3. Virginia Tech Hokies (7-2, 3-2). Last week: 3

Last game: loss 28-10 at Miami. This week: at GT
The Hokies were competitive against Miami, but having their last 6 drives go: fumble, punt, interception, punt, fumble, interception will make for a rough game against any team. Coming off that disappointment to turn around and play the triple option this week could lead Tech to another loss.

4. N.C. State Wolfpack (6-3, 4-1). Last week: 4

Last game: loss 38-31 vs. Clemson. This week: at BC
The Wolfpack aren’t eliminated from the ACC Atlantic race yet. They’ll need Clemson to lose to FSU this weekend and to win their final three against BC, Wake, and UNC. Neither are likely to happen, so I look forward to the NC State fanbase angst this offseason.

5. Boston College Eagles (5-4, 3-3). Last week: 7

Last game: BYE. This week: vs. NC State
The Eagles are a game away from bowl eligibility after starting the season 2-4. With UCONN next week they are almost assured of that 6th win. I am not sure what Eagles team this is, but this isn’t the same one that got smoked by Wake and squeaked by Northern Illinois at the beginning of the season.

6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-4, 3-3). Last week: 5

Last game: loss 40-36 at UVa. This week: vs. VT
Having to go 2-1 against Virginia Tech, Duke, and UGA is a tall order. This college football season is weird so they’ll likely beat VT and UGA, while losing to Duke. Could a 5-7 season be enough to get rid of Paul Johnson though? Probably not, but a lot of Yellow Jacket fans are probably hopeful.

7. Virginia Cavaliers (6-3, 3-2). Last week: 12

Last game: win 40-36 vs. GT. This week: at Louisville
Jump 5 spots after a miraculous 15 point come from behind victory. We are a UVa blog. Hoos are bowling though, and that is all that matters.

8. Louisville Cardinals (5-4, 2-4). Last week: 8

Last game: BYE. This week: vs. UVa
Lamar Jackson has accounted for 2800+ passing yards and 1000+ rushing yards to go with his 32 touchdowns. Meanwhile, their defense ranks 80th overall, 106th against the pass, and 49th against the run. Poor Lamar.

9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons(5-4, 2-3). Last week: 6

Last game: loss 48-37 at Notre Dame. This week: at Syracuse
Wake gave Notre Dame a scare, but came up just short. While they racked up 597 yards of their own, they allowed the Irish to put up 710, including averaging 8.3 yards per rush! Games against Cuse, NC State, and Duke left on the schedule mean they’ll still likely get their 6th win and a bowl.

10. Florida State Seminoles (3-5, 3-4). Last week: 10 (TIE)

Last game: win 27-24 vs. Syracuse. This week: at Clemson
It took a last second missed field goal to give Florida State their first home win of the season. Now the Noles are huge underdogs at Clemson this week. If they don’t get their game with ULM rescheduled, 6 wins isn’t looking good.

11. Syracuse Orange (4-5, 2-3). Last week: 9

Last game: loss 27-24 at FSU. This week: vs. Wake
QB Eric Dungey is trying to carry the Orange on his back while leading the team in passing and rushing. Unfortunately, the rest of his team just isn’t doing enough. Four of Syracuse’s five losses are one possession losses, and the 5th (35-26 loss at LSU), was just a 9 point loss.

12. Pittsburgh Panthers (4-5, 2-3). Last week: 10 (TIE)

Last game: BYE. This week: vs. UNC
Pat Narduzzi has basically turned water into wine by getting Pitt to 4 wins this season. With games against Virginia Tech and Miami left, the Panthers likely aren’t going bowling again this year.

13. Duke Blue Devils (4-5, 1-5). Last week: 13

Last game: BYE. This week: at Army
The losing streak is up to 5 games and they are still 2 away from a bowl. Trips to West Point and Wake mixed in with a home game against Georgia Tech means Duke could run that losing streak to 8. They could also win out and go 7-5. Football is weird.

14. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-8, 0-6). Last week: 14

Last game: BYE. This week: at Pitt
It’s ok Heel fans, basketball season starts this weekend. Although, your team lost in a scrimmage to UNC Greensboro, so maybe temper those expectations of another banner?
(Yes, I know UVa plays UNC-G on Friday. Yes, I am expecting a loss. Yes, I know I am not allowed nice things.)