COASTAL
Miami (5-0, 1-0 ACC) – The Hurricanes had a scare against Georgia Tech on Saturday, but pulled out the win in the final quarter. The Canes, previously ranked No. 14 moved up one spot in the in the AP national rankings this week.
Virginia Tech (5-1, 2-0) – In an expected win against fellow ACC opponent UNC-Chapel Hill, the Hokies solid ified their spot as a top team in the Coastal Division. Virginia Tech continues to defy expectations this year and broke into this week’s top-25 rankings at No. 24.
Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-2) – With their only two losses coming to the two teams ranked better than them, the Yellow Jackets remain third in the Coastal Division. Most recently, Georgia Tech fought hard against Miami and led through most of the first half, but eventually fell short.
Pittsburgh (3-1, 2-1) – Ranking very close behind third-ranked Georgia Tech, the Panthers are fourth in the Coastal Division. Pitt is matched up against No. 24 Virginia Tech this coming Saturday, a game that will be a true test of the ACC newcomer’s skill.
Duke (3-2, 0-2) – The Blue Devils had a bye last week, but moved ahead of Virginia in the rankings, as the Cavaliers fell to Ball State on Saturday. Duke has struggled against ACC opponents this year, but will look to add to its undefeated record against non-conference teams Saturday against Navy.
Virginia (2-3, 0-1) – Following a loss to non-conference foe Ball State, the Cavaliers fell to sixth in Coastal Division. The road ahead does not look any easier for Virginia, as the Cavs travel to Maryland on Saturday.
UNC-Chapel Hill (1-4, 0-2) – Once again, the Tar Heels finished dead last in the Coastal Division rankings. UNC struggled this week at Virginia Tech and dropped yet another ACC matchup. With their only win coming against Conference USA opponent Middle Tennessee, the Heels must dazzle Saturday against Miami to move up in the rankings.
ATLANTIC
Clemson (5-0, 3-0) – The Tigers, who maintained their AP ranking of No. 3 in the nation, remain in the first-place slot in the Atlantic Division. With an impressive 49-14 win at conference foe Syracuse, Clemson looks to continue its bid for an undefeated season and BCS Championship berth.
Florida State (5-0, 3-0) – Hot on the heels of Clemson are the Seminoles, who had a solid showing against Maryland on Saturday. The 63-0 victory warranted the Seminoles a jump to No. 6 in the AP rankings.
Maryland (4-1, 0-1) – No matter how embarrassing their latest loss against Florida State may have been, there is no denying that the Terrapins are a great football club, and worthy of the third spot in these rankings. On Saturday, Maryland will look to rebound against Virginia and earn its first win in ACC play.
Boston College (3-2, 1-1) – The Eagles played a close game against Florida State, but their wins against Villanova, Wake Forest and most recently Army, are not enough to warrant a higher position in the standings. Saturday’s match at ACC foe Clemson will truly test BC’s legitimacy as a contender in the Atlantic.
Wake Forest (3-3, 1-2) – After a surprising win against in-state rival N.C. State, the Demon Deacons jump two spots to fifth in the Atlantic division. With a bye-week ahead, Wake will look to make a statement against Maryland on Oct. 19.
N.C. State (3-2, 0-2) – The Wolfpack has played as most expected until Saturday’s clash with ACC foe Wake Forest. State’s voffense was unable to gain any momentum, and injuries and penalties did not help its cause. Look for graduate student quarterback Brandon Mitchell’s expected return on Saturday in a home matchup with Syracuse.
Syracuse (2-3, 0-1) – After Saturday’s big loss to Clemson in their first ever ACC conference game, the Orange fell to last place in the Atlantic rankings. The road ahead doesn’t look too kind for the conference newcomer, as it must travel to N.C. State Saturday and Georgia Tech on Oct. 19.