Week 11 Power Rankings
It's hard to believe that it's already mid November and there's only three weeks left of college football's regular season, but here we are. I figured Week 11 is as good of a time as any to jump into power rankings. The national media isn't paying much attention to the ACC this year, and most of that is due to Clemson being down, but there has been some really good football played in the conference. And so far the best team through the first 10 weeks has been....
1. Wake Forest 8-1 (5-0)
Last Week: Loss @ UNC
This Week: NC State
Wake Forest had their first loss of the season last week in a "non-conference" shootout against Carolina, but that doesn't take away from the great season the Demon Deacons have had. The loss essentially takes the entire conference out of the playoff picture, but Wake is still hopeful for a trip to Charlotte and a New Year's Six Bowl game.
2. NC State 7-2 (4-1)
Last Week: Win @ FSU
This Week: @ Wake Forest
Devin Leary has been over shadowed this year by the other quarterbacks in the league, but he is having a fantastic season. The biggest conference game of the year (so far) is taking place in Winston-Salem Saturday night. Tune into the ACC Network at 7:30 PM to watch the game that most likely decides the Atlantic Division.
3. Pittsburgh 7-2 (4-1)
Last Week: Win @ Duke
This Week: UNC
Pittsburgh's loss against Miami a couple of week's ago gives us another opportunity for Coastal Chaos. Pitt hosts Carolina tonight , and if they win it will set up a matchup against UVA next week to most likely decide the Coastal Division.
4. Clemson 6-3 (5-2)
Last Week: Win @ Louisville
This Week: UConn
Clemson is not as good as they have been the last decade, but their defense is still one of the best in the country and their offense is starting to figure things out. With a little bit of help, the Tigers could still find themselves in Charlotte.
5. Virginia 6-3 (4-2)
Last Week: BYE
This Week: Notre Dame
The Hoos are coming off a much needed bye and have their final non-conference game this week against a top ten Notre Dame. Brennan Armstrong has been phenomenal this year, but hurt his ribs against BYU. There have been no reports to the extent of his injury and Bronco Mendenhall told us we'll know the teams starter when he takes a snap on Saturday. This team will go as far as Armstrong carries them.
6. North Carolina 5-4 (3-3)
Last Week: Win vs Wake Forest
This Week: @ Pittsburgh
Carolina finds themselves right in the middle of the rankings because they have some of the best wins in the conference (UVA, Wake Forest) and some of the worst losses (VT, Georgia Tech, FSU). They still have 2 more chances for a big win with Pitt and NC State left on the schedule.
7. Miami 5-4 (3-2)
Last Week: Win vs Georgia Tech
This Week: @ Florida State
The Hurricanes have looked like a completely different team since Tyler Van Dyke has gotten comfortable as the starter. They've won 3 straight and have a good chance to win the rest of their games. They should be a favorite in the Coastal next year.
8. Louisville 4-5 (2-4)
Last Week: Loss vs Clemson
This Week: Syracuse
If Louisville could figure out how to finish games, they'd be a lot higher on this list. They've lost 3 games in the closing seconds this year. They probably need to beat the Orange this week if they want to go bowling.
9. Syracuse 5-4 (2-3)
Last Week: BYE
This Week: @ Louisville
Syracuse has been much better than I expected and if you haven't seen Sean Tucker play football, you need to pronto. This may be Syracuse's best chance left on their schedule to get to six wins.
10. Florida State 3-6 (2-4)
Last Week: Loss vs NC State
This Week: Miami
After a really ugly start to the season, FSU has improved over the year. Hopefully Mike Norvell can rebuild this program. The league is better when FSU is winning.
11. Boston College 5-4 (1-4)
Last Week: Win vs Virginia Tech
This Week: @ Georgia Tech
Phil Jurkovec returned from injury last week and led BC to a nice win over the Hokies. The Eagles are another team looking to get to six wins and still have two good opportunities with Georgia Tech and FSU in back-to-back weeks.
12. Virginia Tech 4-5 (2-3)
Last Week: Loss @ BC
This Week: Duke
Expectations were at an all time high after knocking off top ten Carolina on opening night, but things have gone South in a hurry in Blacksburg. Justin Fuente's seat is on FIRE.
13. Georgia Tech 3-6 (2-5)
Last Week: Loss @ Miami
This Week: BC
Georgia Tech has looked pretty good at times this year. Geoff Collins was put in a tough situation, but the Yellow Jackets have shown improvement every year.
14. Duke 3-6 (0-5)
Last Week: Loss vs. Pittsburg
This Week: @ Virginia Tech
At least basketball season has started for Blue Devil fans.