POWER RANKINGS

Breaking down the ACC

1. Clemson:

The Tigers took a break after that scare in Chapel Hill, so they might be all fired up when returning to the field.

2. Virginia:

The Cavaliers had time to reflect on the shortcomings in South Bend, and they’re still in the driver’s seat in the ACC’s Coastal Division.

3. Wake Forest:

The Demon Deacons moved up in national rankings following the open date. Now, it’s three straight home games.

4. Pittsburgh:

The Panthers seem to be in lots of close games, and they’ve won the past three going into the open date.

5. Syracuse:

Orange heads to Raleigh for the first of two straight non-Saturday games. This is the type of game that might determine the direction of the season.

6. North Carolina:

The Tar Heels took care of business in Atlanta, a place where there have been many hiccups. Now, it’s a weekend off.

7. Florida State:

The Seminoles have gotten back on track, it seems. Time to find out to what degree with the matchup vs. Clemson.

8. Duke:

The Blue Devils looked down for the count, came back to take a lead on Pittsburgh before tumbling. Wonder how the emotions will be for this week’s game?

9. North Carolina State:

The Wolfpack has moved Bailey Hockman into the first-string role at quarterback, so that’s something to watch.

10. Virginia Tech:

The Hokies perked up for that wild road victory at Miami. So don’t count out this group quite yet.

11. Louisville:

The Cardinals broke into the ACC win column by defeating Boston College and now it’s a trip to the home state for coach Scott Satterfield.

12. Boston College:

The Eagles seemed to have great promise for this season, and now some of that has faded.

13. Miami:

The Hurricanes were supposed to be better than this, or that’s what we thought. It’s not a good look for first-year coach Manny Diaz

14. Georgia Tech:

When the Yellow Jackets couldn’t win at home against North Carolina, that’s a sign that there’s plenty of work to be done.