POWER RANKINGS

Breaking down the ACC

1. Clemson:

The Tigers had a week off before their in-state rivalry game, then it’s the short trip to Charlotte for the ACC championship game.

2. Virginia Tech:

The Hokies have shut out their last two opponents, but Virginia has more offense than Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh.

3. Virginia:

The Cavaliers tuned up by trouncing Liberty, but the important instate game comes against the Hokies.

4. Wake Forest:

The Demon Deacons end a two-game slide by winning the home finale against Duke and remain in the hunt for a major bowl.

5. Pittsburgh:

The Panthers are out of the mix for a Coastal Division title, but they’ll want to defeat old rival Boston College in what has become a rare matchup.

6. Louisville:

The Cardinals continue to be the ACC’s top feel-good story for a turnaround season, something that could be made better by defeating Kentucky.

7. Miami:

Rumors of the Hurricanes’ positive turnaround were squashed with the loss to Florida International, which now owns south Florida bragging rights.

8. Florida State:

Seminoles will be tested to win their third straight, yet they won their most-recent road game for their lone triumph away from home this season.

9. Boston College:

The Eagles were no match for Notre Dame. In order to avoid ending the season on a three-game losing streak, they need to win at Pittsburgh.

10. North Carolina:

Tar Heels finally had an easy game in home finale vs. Mercer. But in league play, they’ve outscored opponents by a slim 205-200 margin.

11. Georgia Tech:

The Yellow Jackets had uplifting moments in defeating N.C. State. Repeating those feelings against Georgia is bound to be difficult.

12. North Carolina State:

The Wolfpack has lost five games in a row. If it defeats the Tar Heels and keeps their rivals out of a bowl that would provide at least some satisfaction.

13. Syracuse:

The Orange began the season in the national rankings. The home finale vs. Wake Forest won’t bring the fanfare that the home opener vs. Clemson drew.

14. Duke:

The Blue Devils can avoid a season-ending six-game losing streak only by defeating Miami. Anything seems possible within the Coastal Division.