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: 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.

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.