1. No. 1 Clemson (10-0, 7-0 ACC)
Even though it wasn’t the usual blowout win the Tigers are accustomed to, Clemson defeated Syracuse this weekend 37-27. Sophomore quarterback and Heisman candidate Deshaun Watson was the difference for the Tigers, accounting for a career-high 461 yards of total offense and two touchdowns.
2. No. 12 UNC-Chapel Hill (9-1, 6-0 ACC)
The Tar Heels won a school-record ninth-straight game after stomping on the Miami Hurricanes at home, 59-21. While the defense has struggled of late, the offense has picked up the slack, outscoring opponents 125-52 in the last two games.
3. No. 16 Florida St. (8-2, 6-2 ACC)
After falling behind 17-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Seminoles scored 27 unanswered points to get the 34-17 victory against NC State. Heisman trophy candidate and sophomore running back Dalvin Cook had his sixth game of the season with over 100 yards rushing, tallying 138 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns.
4. (rv) Pittsburgh (7-3, 5-1 ACC)
The Panthers recovered well from their loss to Notre Dame, as Pitt defeated Duke 31-13 on Saturday. Pitt is now 4-0 in conference road games and its two road losses have come to top-25 programs outside the conference.
5. Louisville (6-4, 4-2 ACC)
The Cardinals became bowl-eligible after defeating Virginia 38-31 Saturday. Louisville has been on a tear since starting 0-3, winning five of the last six games.
T-6. Duke (6-4, 3-3 ACC)
Duke lost its third-straight game this weekend, as it fell to the Pittsburgh Panthers 31-13 in Durham. Duke’s defense has been the source of the team’s struggles, allowing 42.25 points per game to opposing teams the last four weeks.
T-6 .NC State (6-4, 2-4 ACC)
NC State could not capitalize off of a 17-7 first quarter lead in Tallahassee, giving up 27 straight points and falling 34-17 to the Seminoles. All four of the Pack’s losses have come against teams with a record of .500 or better.
T-6. Miami (6-4, 3-3 ACC)
After winning its previous two games under interim head coach Larry Scott, the Hurricanes were beat down Saturday against the Tar Heels, 59-21. Miami originally dug itself in a 45-0 hole but scored 21 points in the final quarter-and-a-half of the game to avoid the shutout.
9. Virginia Tech (5-5, 3-3 ACC)
The Hokies escaped Thursday night with a dramatic win against Georgia Tech, 23-21. Freshman running back Travon McMillian was a workhorse for the Hokies, rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, including the game-winning touchdown.
10. Virginia (3-7, 2-4 ACC)
The Cavaliers came up short again this season, as they lost to Louisville 38-31. The loss now marks the fourth time this season the Cavs have lost a game by a touchdown or less. Up next for the Cavs is Duke, which has experienced its fair share of recent struggles.
11. Syracuse (3-7, 1-5 ACC)
Syracuse lost another home game to a top-10 opponent this week, as it fell to the Clemson Tigers 37-27. After starting the season a promising 3-0, the Orange has now lost seven straight games and has been mathematically eliminated from attaining bowl eligibility.
12. Georgia Tech (3-7 1-6 ACC)
Georgia Tech lost to the Virginia Tech Hokies 23-21 after having a 14-point lead at one point. The Yellow Jackets have now become the first team since 1996 to miss a bowl game after winning the Orange Bowl the previous year.
13. Wake Forest (3-6, 1-5 ACC)
Despite having more total yards, first downs and time of possession, the Demon Deacons struggled to capitalize off its opportunities and put points on the board, falling to No. 5 Notre Dame 28-7. Up next for Wake Forest is No. 1 Clemson.
14. Boston College (3-7, 0-7 ACC)
The Eagles had the week off to prepare for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Fenway Park. Despite an injury-plagued season, the Eagles still have a defense that ranks first in total defense and rushing defense, as well as fifth in passing defense.
