ACC Power Rankings: Week 11

The State of the U proceeds with our weekly Atlantic Coast Conference power rankings. Who can prove to be a top tier team in a conference of evenly matched opponents that trade victories each year? Which teams are making strides towards the illustrious ACCCG? How many C's is too many C's? All these questions and more will be answered with our evaluation of the conference power rankings.

1^st - Florida St. Seminoles - 9-0 (ACC 7-0)

Previous: @ Wake Forest (4-6); Seminoles WIN 59-3

Next Opponent: 11/16 vs. Syracuse (5-4)

Prediction: FSU 42-14

For their final ACC test until the Championship game - Florida State looks to trounce the Orange.

2^nd - Clemson Tigers - 8-1 (ACC 6-1)

Previous: BYE

Next Opponent: Thursday 11/14 vs. Georgia Tech (6-3)

Prediction: Clemson 35-21

The ACC is back on Thursday nights. It's not Oregon Ducks vs. Stanford Cardinal, BUT OH WELL. Clemson faces a major challenge in stopping the Yellow Jacket's option overdose and Tajh Boyd will have plenty to prove against a very capable Tech defense. Prediction says the Tigers snag an easy win; although, don't be surprised if Paul Johnson gives Clemson more than they bargained for.

3^rd - Virginia Tech Hokies - 7-3 (ACC 4-2)

Previous: @ Miami Hurricanes (7-2); Hokies WIN 42-24

Next Opponent: 11/16 vs. Maryland (5-4)

Prediction: VT 31-17

After dropping games to Duke and Boston College, Virginia Tech appears to be clicking after the atrocities that unfolded in Sun Life Stadium on Saturday. If Maryland makes this game a contest and Logan Thomas retreats to performing at his notoriously low standards... ‘Canes fans everywhere will be up in arms.

4^th - Duke Blue Devils - 7-2 (ACC 3-2)

Previous: vs. NC State (3-6); Blue Devils WIN 38-20

Next Opponent: 11/16 vs. Miami (7-2)

Prediction: Miami 34-28

NC State was just another victim in Duke's murderous rampage for the Coastal crown. BEWARE OF THE BLUE DEVIL.

5^th - Miami Hurricanes - 7-2 (ACC 3-2)

Previous: vs. Virginia Tech (7-3); Hurricanes LOSS 42-24

Next Opponent: 11/16 @ Duke University (7-2)

Prediction: Miami 34-28

As you saw above, the 3-point favorite Hurricanes have plenty to worry about.

FAN LOGIC: Duke beat VT 13-10, so Miami will lose 45-21. HOWEVER, Georgia Tech beat Duke and Miami beat Georgia Tech, but Duke beat Troy and Troy beat Western Kentucky. This is where things get dicey. Western Kentucky lost to Tennessee, and Tennessee lost to Florida. Miami beat Florida and Florida murdered football. RESULT: Have your prescriptions filled before Saturday.

6^th - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - 6-3 (ACC 5-2)

Previous: BYE

Next Opponent: 11/14 @ Clemson (8-1)

Prediction: Clemson 35-21

As stated before, there's a possibility Georgia Tech turns this Thursday night ACC matchup into a dogfight. At least that's what I'm pulling for. And not because I'm forced to watch it, but because the ACC needs to take advantage of the spotlight. There's big shoes to fill after last Thursday's brawl between two PAC-12 heavyweights, and while I'm not confident these teams will perform to those standards, I strongly wish they do.

7^th - Syracuse Orange - 5-4 (ACC 3-2)

Previous: @ Maryland Terrapins (5-4); Orange WIN 20-3

Next Opponent: 11/16 @ Florida State (9-0)

Prediction: FSU 42-14

The Syracuse defense has been impressive as of late. Since being blown out by the Yellow Jackets 56-0, the ‘Cuse defense has held its last two opponents to a combined 3 points (Wake & Maryland). However, they're playing Florida State this weekend, so none of that matters.

8^th - Boston College Eagles - 5-4 (ACC 2-3)

Previous: @ New Mexico State Aggies (1-9); Eagles WIN 48-34

Next Opponent: 11/16 vs. NC State (3-6)

Prediction: BC 31-20

Boston College seeks to gain bowl eligibility with a win over a downtrodden, yet still contending, NC State squad.

9^th - Wake Forest Demon Deacons - 4-6 (ACC 2-5)

Previous: vs. Florida State (9-0); Demon Deacons LOSS 59-3

Next Opponent: BYE

10^th - North Carolina Tar Heels - 4-5 (ACC 3-3)

Previous: vs. Virginia (2-8); Tar Heels WIN 45-14

Next Opponent: 11/16 @ Pittsburgh (5-4)

Prediction: UNC 28-24

The Tar Heels have made significant headway in their race to end the season with bowl eligibility. Riding a three game win streak after their nail-biting loss to Miami, North Carolina has a newfound confidence and is beating out its ACC competition.

11^th - Pittsburgh Panthers - 5-4 (ACC 2-3)

Previous: vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-3); Panthers WIN 28-21

Next Opponent: 11/16 vs. North Carolina (4-5)

Prediction: UNC 28-24

Pitt rose to the occasion and walked away with a victory over the Irishmen. On behalf of Miami Hurricanes fans everywhere, we thank you.

12^th - Maryland Terrapins - 5-4 (ACC 1-4)

Previous: vs. Syracuse (5-4); Terrapins LOSS 20-3

Next Opponent: 11/16 @ Virginia Tech (7-3)

Prediction: VT 31-17

Lose, Terrapins, and lose badly. Miami fans need this, and as you can see we're still reeling. Social media just can't handle the statistic comparisons between Miami's defense and Maryland's if this game happens to be close. Heed my warning.

13^th - N.C. State Wolfpack - 3-6 (ACC 0-6)

Previous: @ Duke University (7-2); Wolfpack LOSS 38-20

Next Opponent: 11/16 @ Boston College (5-4)

Prediction: BC 31-20

Heading into their 7^th conference matchup of the year, the Wolfpack are still looking for their first conference win. They've hung around against Clemson and others, but with Boston College and Maryland being their only remaining ACC opponents they'll have to make it count soon.

14^th - Virginia Cavaliers - 2-8 (ACC 0-6)

Previous: @ North Carolina Tar Heels (4-5); Cavaliers LOSS 45-14

Next Opponent: BYE

Virginia gets a bye week to prepare for Miami and will surely be watching the ‘Canes take on Duke this weekend.

Conference Notes:

ACC vs. SEC (2-2)

ACC vs. Big 10 (0-2)

ACC vs. Big 12 (1-0)

ACC vs. Pac-12 (0-2)

ACC vs. AAC (2-0)

ACC vs. Non-Conference Overall (36-11) Includes FCS*

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