ACC Power Rankings
By: will-vandervort November 5, 2015

In each of the past six years, the winner of the Clemson-Florida State game (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.) has won the ACC Atlantic Division, and this year will not be any different it seems. The Tigers can clinch the division championship with a win over the Seminoles.

FSU can claim the division title with a win over Clemson, plus a win at home the following week against NC State at home.

The Tigers won the division in 2009 and 2011, FSU has won it the last three years, plus it also represented the Atlantic Division in 2010. In each of the last four years, Clemson (2011) and FSU (’12, ’13, ’14) has gone onto win the ACC Championship Game as well.

  1. Clemson (8-0, 5-0 ACC), Last week No. 1: The Tigers opened atop the first College Football Playoff Rankings released on Tuesday. It marks the first time since 1981, just third time overall, Clemson owned the top spot in a major poll or ranking. Saturday will mark the first to Clemson will run down the Hill as the No. 1-ranked team in the country. Clemson is trying to improve to 9-0 for the first time since 1981. The Tigers have won 11 straight games, longest winning streak since winning 13 straight from 1980-1982. Who is next: vs. Florida State, 3:30 p.m., Saturday
  2. Florida State (7-1, 5-1 ACC), Last week No. 2: Quarterback Sean Maguire has made two starts in his career, against Clemson last year and against Syracuse this season. He has averaged 326.5 yards per game, while leading FSU to a pair of victories. He has completed 44 of 74 passes and has thrown four touchdowns. FSU starter Everett Golson (concussion) is expected to start the game against the Tigers this Saturday. Who is next: at Clemson, 3:30 p.m., Saturday
  3. North Carolina (7-1, 4-0 ACC), Last week No. 4: The Tar Heels control their own destiny in the ACC Coastal thanks to last week’s victory at Pitt. UNC has not been 4-0 in the ACC since 1997. Quarterback Marquise Williams has 75 career touchdowns, 48 touchdown pass and 27 rushing touchdowns. Who is next: vs. Duke, noon, Saturday
  4. Duke (6-2, 3-1 ACC), Last week No. 3: The Blue Devils must hurry up and recover fast from what happened to them in last week’s loss to Miami or they could let one loss beat them twice. They still control their own destiny with a win over UNC this Saturday and then win out against Pitt, Virginia and Wake Forest. Who is next: vs. at North Carolina, noon, Saturday
  5. Pitt (6-2, 4-1 ACC), Last week No. 5: The Panthers no longer control their fate in the Coastal Division thanks to its loss to the Tar Heels. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd has 226 career catches in less than three seasons at Pitt. He has had double figures in catches in four of the seven games this year. Who is next: vs. Notre Dame, noon, Saturday
  6. Louisville (4-4, 3-2 ACC), Last week No. 6: It was not a pretty win, but the Cardinals hung on to beat Wake and have now won four of their last five games. Who is next: vs. Syracuse, 12:30 p.m., Saturday
  7. Miami (5-3, 2-2 ACC), Last week No. 9: Linebacker Jermaine Grace had 17 tackles in the Hurricanes win over Duke. He was also credited with a fumble and a tackle for loss. Oh by the way, did you see how they beat the Blue Devils? I’m sure you did. Who is next: vs. Virginia, 3 p.m., Saturday
  8. NC State (5-3, 1-3 ACC), Last week No. 7: Besides Notre Dame, NC State gave Clemson its stiffest test to date. Jacoby Brissett was sensational in throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another in the loss. Brissett threw for 254 yards, while completing 24 of 41 passes with no interceptions. Who is next: vs. at Boston College, 12:30 p.m., Saturday
  9. Virginia Tech (4-5, 2-3 ACC), Last week No. 10: The Hokies got a big road at Boston College last Saturday, and then on Sunday he announced his retirement at the end of the season to his team. Beamer has 277 career victories. That number ranks sixth all-time in FBS history. Who is next: at Georgia Tech on Nov. 12
  10. Virginia (3-5, 2-2 ACC), Last week No. 11: Thanks to their stunning win over Georgia Tech, the Cavaliers still have an opportunity to qualify for a bowl game. Who is next: at Miami, 3 p.m., Saturday
  11. Georgia Tech (3-6, 1-5 ACC), Last week No. 8: Georgia Tech is one loss from not being bowl eligible for the first time since 1996. The 18-year streak is the second longest in the ACC and one of the longest as well nationally. Who is next: vs. Virginia Tech on Nov. 12
  12. Syracuse (3-5, 1-3 ACC), Last week No. 12: Punt returner Brisly Estime is averaging 20.7 yards a return, which ranks second nationally. He had a 59-yard return for a touchdown against Florida State last Saturday. Who is next: at Louisville, 12:30 p.m., Saturday
  13. Wake Forest (3-6, 1-5 ACC), Last week No. 13: The Demon Deacons have the week off after playing Louisville last Friday. That gives them 14 days in between days to try and get healthy at the quarterback position where they are banged up pretty bad. Who is next: vs. Notre Dame on Nov. 14.
  14. Boston College (3-6, 0-6 ACC), Last week No. 14: Speaking of quarterback play, BC’s offense has gone town hill ever since it lost its starter against FSU on Sept. 18. The Eagles defense is one of the best in the country, but the offense ranks 126th in total offense, 123rd in passing and 115 in scoring. Who is next: vs. NC State, 12:30 p.m., Saturday