In 1993, Frank Beamer coached his first bowl game: a 45-20 win over Indiana in the Independence B...

In 1993, Frank Beamer coached his first bowl game: a 45-20 win over<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/303" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/303"> Indiana </a>in the Independence Bowl. On Saturday, 22 years later, he’ll return to the Independence Bowl to coach his last. But there was a time when nobody thought he’d get this far.At the end of the 1992 season, it looked like Beamer wasn’t going to make it in college football. After an impressive 42-23-2 record in six seasons as the head coach at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/454" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/454">Murray State</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> hired Beamer in 1987 to rebuild its football program. However, Beamer struggled to get the team off the ground in the early years, partly because of scholarship reductions he inherited. But even after the sanctions ran their course, Beamer couldn’t seem to find wins. Virginia Tech went 17-26-1 in Beamer’s first four years before joining the Big East in 1991, and in his initial two years coaching a major conference team, Beamer went 7-14-1 with only two Big East wins.After the Hokies went 2-8-1 in ’92, it looked more and more like Beamer couldn’t compete with the big boys of college football, and many thought he should be relieved of his duties. The next year, Beamer silenced the doubters, leading Virginia Tech to a 9-3 record, and hasn’t had a losing season since.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>All he does is win</h3>The numbers alone speak to just how great Beamer has been at Virginia Tech. If he wins his final - and 23rd consecutive - bowl game Saturday, Beamer will have coached the Hokies’ to 23 straight winning seasons. In his 29 years in Blacksburg, Beamer has picked up 237 wins. He’s coached six of Virginia Tech’s eight consensus All-Americans, 93 NFL draft picks, and won seven conference championships in the Big East and ACC.<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/150622/cropped_REU_726483.jpg?ts=1451136098"><figcaption>Beamer has led Virginia Tech to 23 straight bowl appearances.</figcaption></figure>The Hokies played in eight BCS bowl games under Beamer, winning the Sugar Bowl in 1995 and the Orange Bowl in 2009. In 1999, Beamer and star quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/1733" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/1733">Michael Vick</a> led Virginia Tech to the National Championship game, where the Hokies took a lead into the fourth quarter before losing 46-29. Beamer won the Walter Camp Coach of the Year award that year.<h3>More than the numbers</h3>Beamer’s legacy is more than just statistics, however. He invented “Beamerball,” the idea that any play - offensive or otherwise - can be a scoring play. Since taking the reins in ’87, at least one Virginia Tech player from every defensive position has scored a touchdown, and over 30 different players have scored on special teams. Even when he's gone from the sidelines, you’ll be able to see his coaching at work on Sundays via any of the 18 active NFL players he mentored, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13236" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/13236">Tyrod Taylor</a>,<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/563" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/563"> Eddie Royal</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13147" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/13147">Kam Chancellor</a> and the aforementioned<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/1733" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/1733"> </a>Vick.<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/150620/cropped_REUA_459188.jpg?ts=1451135593"><figcaption>Vick starred for Beamer's Hokies in 1999 and 2000, after he redshirted the 1998 season.</figcaption></figure>Beamer’s breed is one seldom found in sports nowadays. Despite many offers over the years, he never left the Hokies for a bigger job. He played for Virginia Tech, graduated from Virginia Tech, coached at Virginia Tech, and will now serve in the front office at Virginia Tech. Nobody knows for sure what a Hokie is, but there’s little doubt Beamer is one.

Beamer's last game ends incredible era at Virginia Tech

The end of the college football regular season is finally upon us. In this break before the bowl ...

The end of the college football regular season is finally upon us. In this break before the bowl games, college football takes time to honor the top performers from the season. The ACC took home plenty of honors this year with a Heisman finalist, four first-team All-Americans and a College Football Playoff team.There's no reason to stop giving awards now, so here's theScore's ACC All-Conference team:Offense<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>
Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
QB</td>
<td>Deshaun Watson</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
RB</td>
<td>Dalvin Cook</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
RB</td>
<td>Elijah Hood</td>
<td>North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
WR</td>
<td>Isaiah Ford</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
WR</td>
<td>Tyler Boyd</td>
<td>Pitt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
TE</td>
<td>Jaylen Samuels</td>
<td>NC State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
OL</td>
<td>Roderick Johnson</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
OL</td>
<td>Adam Bisnowaty</td>
<td>Pitt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
OL</td>
<td>Landon Turner</td>
<td>North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
OL</td>
<td>Eric Mac Lain</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
OL</td>
<td>Matt Skura</td>
<td>Duke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
K</td>
<td>Roberto Aguayo</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
RET</td>
<td>DeVon Edwards</td>
<td>Duke
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>In a way, you've got to feel bad for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50834" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50834">Marquise Williams</a>. It's hard to be the best quarterback in the ACC when you've had to compete against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/64259" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/64259">Jameis Winston</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> for the title. Watson went wire-to-wire in the ACC this year, living up to the hype of preseason ACC Player of the Year and winning the conference title after coming in as the favorite. The All-American took home the Davey O'Brien Award last week for the nation's best quarterback, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> still has him for at least another year.The ACC quietly had two of the best running backs in the country this season in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83478" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83478">Elijah Hood</a>. Cook ran for over 1,600 yards and was in the Heisman conversation for a while, but Hood's 1,345 yards and 17 touchdowns went under the national radar for most of the year. Like Watson, both Cook and Hood will be back for next season, which is scary for the other teams in the ACC.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/88267" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/88267">Isaiah Ford</a> led the conference in both receiving yards and touchdowns, but the ACC didn't have a single 1,000-yard receiver this year, which is surprising considering some of the great quarterback play we saw in the conference. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85742" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85742">Jaylen Samuels</a> was one of the big breakouts of the season, leading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> in receiving yards after making just six catches a year ago.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/66173" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/66173">Roberto Aguayo</a> is going to go down as one of the best college kickers of all time. This year wasn't his best, but it was still good enough to get him All-ACC honors. As for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/64219" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/64219">DeVon Edwards</a>? He only took back three kickoffs for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a>'s win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a>.Defense<figure><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th> Player</th>
<th> Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td> Shaq Lawson</td>
<td> Clemson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td> Connor Wujciak</td>
<td> Boston College</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DT</td>
<td> Luther Maddy</td>
<td> Virginia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DT</td>
<td> Nile Lawrence-Stample</td>
<td> Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td> James Burgess</td>
<td> Louisville</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td> Brandon Chubb</td>
<td> Wake Forest</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td> Steven Daniels</td>
<td> Boston College</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB</td>
<td> Jalen Ramsey</td>
<td> Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB</td>
<td> Artie Burns</td>
<td> Miami</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td> Jeremy Cash</td>
<td> Duke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S</td>
<td> Quin Blanding</td>
<td> Virginia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td> Riley Dixon</td>
<td> Syracuse</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>There's really no bad place to start on this defense. You could argue that the ACC's All-Defensive team is the best in the country, and there's plenty of reasons to back that up.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/61614" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/61614">Shaq Lawson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/51103" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/51103">Jeremy Cash</a> are both All-Americans, and they aren't the only ones who will be playing on Sundays sometime in the future (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74546" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74546">Jalen Ramsey</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/54383" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/54383">Brandon Chubb</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/52917" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/52917">Luther Maddy</a>, etc.). The ACC put together some of the most feared defenses in college football this year, and when you look at this roster it's easy to see why.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/55493" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/55493">Riley Dixon</a> not only punted with the best in the nation, but ran fake punts so well the Orange faithful started a Heisman campaign for him.

ACC All-Conference team: Watson, Cook highlight talented offensive group

The college football regular season is over. For some teams, the end of the year is just a transi...

The college football regular season is over. For some teams, the end of the year is just a transition into conference championships and bowl games. For others, the end of the regular season means the end. Either way, the break gives us a chance to look at the season and see what we learned from each team in the ACC.Atlantic DivisionClemson The Tigers finally did it. After taking a backseat to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> in the ACC year after year, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> finally got over the hump and solidified its stance as a national title contender. Dabo Swinney is now only one win away from taking his team to the College Football Playoff.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Florida State<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/145310/cropped_USAT_174557.jpg?ts=1448806657"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Despite finishing the year 10-2, it was a disappointing campaign for Florida State. The Seminoles won’t even play in the ACC championship game this week after winning the conference in each of the last four seasons. Don’t consider this the end of an era, though. Florida State has another top-five recruiting class coming in and a lot of talent returning next year, so the Seminoles will be back in the hunt next season.Louisville <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a>’s second year in the ACC ended up being the Cardinals’ worst since 2011. At 7-5, Louisville again failed to take the next step in becoming a real contender in college football. Freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> could be the future of the team as he showed flashes of greatness, but the 5-3 record in the ACC leaves the Cardinals outside of conference contention for now.NC State The Wolfpack were a pretty average team this year, beating opponents they were supposed to and losing to superior ones. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> finished right in the middle of the ACC Atlantic for a reason, and you can expect it to be in a similar spot next year.Syracuse<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/145600/cropped_REU_2343704.jpg?ts=1448903706"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>We didn’t really learn anything about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> we didn’t already know. Last year the Orange beat an FCS team, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/138" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/138">Central Michigan</a>. This year Syracuse did the exact same thing (plus a win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College </a>last week). Scott Shafer is out as head coach and new AD Mark Coyle will put his guys at the helm in the offseason, so there isn’t much to take from this year.Wake Forest The Demon Deacons finished 3-9 with only one win in the ACC for the second straight year. This season could have ended a lot differently for Wake, though, as it lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a>, Louisville, and Florida State by one possession. This team isn’t the easy win it was last year, and hopefully the upswing continues next year.Boston College There aren’t many positives to take from Boston College’s season. The Eagles only gave up 15.3 points per game (fourth best in the country), but still managed to finish 3-9. Steve Addazio will have a lot of work to do in the offseason to get this team back to a bowl game.Coastal DivisionNorth Carolina<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/143129/cropped_USAT_175160.jpg?ts=1447910607"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Last year everyone was wondering how good <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> could be if it played defense. In 2015, we found out. The Tar Heels are headed to their first ACC championship game on the shoulders of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50834" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50834">Marquise Williams</a>, who is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves. North Carolina is one of the best scoring teams in the country, and now has a top-20 defense to match.Pittsburgh If <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a> wins its bowl game, it will finish the season with its best record since 2009. Pat Narduzzi has impressed in his first year, getting the Panthers ranked for the first time in five years. This year we learned about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85971" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85971">Qadree Ollison</a>, who ran for over 1,000 yards after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74593" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74593">James Conner</a> went down. Pittsburgh will have a lot of pieces coming back next season, and will contend for the Coastal again.Miami <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a>’s season was as hectic as … well, a hurricane. Despite the head coach confusion that carried on throughout the season, Miami still somehow managed to finish 8-4 and is headed to another bowl game in December. Miami's head-coaching vacancy will be one of the most prestigious jobs available this offseason, and if we learned anything this season, it’s that whoever gets it won’t have a very long leash.Duke<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/141807/cropped_USAT_155502.jpg?ts=1447369757"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>In October it looked like Duke and North Carolina would be battling for the ACC Coastal, but then the Blue Devils lost four in a row. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60548" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60548">Thomas Sirk</a> had the best season of his career and led the team in both passing and rushing yards. Part of that was because the Blue Devils didn’t have much of a running game, but no need to dwell on specifics.Virginia Tech The Hokies just barely made bowl eligibility with a field-goal win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> last week, making it 23 straight bowl games for Frank Beamer to end his career. Maybe <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> wins a few more games with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182">Michael Brewer</a> healthy, but 6-6 is about as good as this team was this year.Virginia Virginia finished 4-8 on the year, but has a lot to look forward to. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/65504" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/65504">Matt Johns</a> is the future of the team, and hopefully whoever takes over as head coach will be able to make better use of the talent. This team has more ability than its record shows.Georgia Tech <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> taught us that the experts don’t always get it right. Everyone (myself included) had the Yellow Jackets as the favorites to win the Coastal division this year, but it just doesn’t always work out that way. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/64283" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/64283">Justin Thomas </a>had no consistency under center, leading to a 3-9 season.

What we learned in the ACC: Clemson no longer taking backseat to anybody

In the ACC, so much has already been decided. We already know North Carolina will play Clemson in...

In the ACC, so much has already been decided. We already know <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> will play <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> in the ACC championship game, and most of the conference already knows whether or not it's heading to a bowl game. For a lot of teams, this week shouldn't make or break the season, but it's rivalry week: Bragging rights for the next year are up for grabs, and everyone wants to come away a winner.No. 1 Clemson at South Carolina Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/144752/cropped_USPW_361612.jpg?ts=1448556783"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>This will be the 113th meeting between the Tigers and the Gamecocks since 1896. Clemson leads the series 66-42-4, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/573" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/573">South Carolina</a> has had the advantage in recent years. While Clemson won last year’s meeting 35-17, Steve Spurrier had beaten Dabo Swinney five times in a row up to that point.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clemson has a 71 percent chance of making the College Football Playoff, according to <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/college-football-week-13-preview/">FiveThirtyEight</a>, and the Tigers are obviously still playing for something more than a rivalry win. They should be able to win by doing what they've been doing the whole season. The Gamecocks are one of the worst teams in the nation offensively - 86th in passing yards per game and 92nd in rushing yards per game in the country - and we won't get into how they lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/154" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/154">The Citadel</a> last week.While South Carolina has lost four in a row going into this week, there's still reason for hope. It's a home game, and might be the first big game Clemson has played on the road all season (the Tigers played both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> in Death Valley). This is also the same South Carolina team which gave North Carolina its only loss in Week 1, and lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/233" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/233">Florida </a>by only 10 points just two weeks ago. The fact the Gamecocks have nothing to lose could play to their advantage as well.No. 14 North Carolina at NC State Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/144753/cropped_USPW_472456.jpg?ts=1448557199"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>North Carolina leads the all-time series against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> 65-33-3, but the Wolfpack have won six of the last eight meetings, including last year's 35-7 domination. The Tar Heels and Wolfpack have been playing since 1894, making it the oldest rivalry among this week's games to watch.North Carolina still has a shot at the playoff, but it's a long one - FiveThirtyEight pegs its chance at 10 percent - but the Tar Heels' chances go up to 39 percent if they can win out. That would involve beating Clemson in the ACC championship in a few weeks, but NC State is no pushover either. The Wolfpack will go bowling this year, and a victory would give them their most wins since 2010. NC State gets North Carolina at home, too. Will <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/54853" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/54853">Jacoby Brissett</a> be enough to snap North Carolina's 10-game winning streak? We'll find out Saturday.No. 13 Florida State at No. 12 Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/144754/cropped_REU_2152894.jpg?ts=1448557484"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Florida State-Florida rivalry has only existed since 1958, but that doesn't mean there's any lack of hate between these teams. Both schools are top 10 in the country in total first-round draft picks, Heisman winners, and weeks at No. 1 in the AP poll. Florida leads the series 34-23-2, but the Seminoles have won four of their last five games against the Gators.Florida still has a shot at the College Football Playoff, too (13 percent according to FiveThirtyEight), and Florida State would love to make that evaporate. The Gators haven't looked great in recent weeks, beating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/235" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/235">Florida Atlantic </a>in overtime last week and only beating Vanderbilt 9-7 three weeks ago. Florida State is already out of national and ACC title contention, so this will be the Seminoles' last contest until their bowl game. With no conference championship game fto worry about for the first time since 2010, the Seminoles can focus - and take out some frustrations - on this week.It'll be a battle of elite defenses in The Swamp. Florida State's 17 points allowed per game are 11th in the country, while Florida's 14.5 points allowed rank third. Florida's offense hasn't been as efficient as the Seminoles', and Florida State's offensive playmakers might be the difference in pulling off what's technically an upset.

3 games to watch in the ACC: Rivalry week edition

North Carolina is headed to the ACC championship game after beating Virginia Tech this week.  The...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> is headed to the ACC championship game after beating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> this week.The defense and Gene Chizik has been getting the most credit for North Carolina's transformation from a middle-of-the-road squad to a 10-win team, and not incorrectly. We already knew the Tar Heels would put up points, and the defense was the missing piece. But don't overlook what quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50834" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50834">Marquise Williams</a> has done this season - senior year has been his best.His 64.6 completion percentage is the best he's had at North Carolina, and his 9.4 yards per attempt are best in the conference, far better than even his second-best season (7.8 as a sophomore). It's been the same story on the ground, where Williams is averaging 6.4 yards per carry over the 4.1 he had last year. As a whole, Williams has 28 touchdowns through 11 games. If he were to end his career right now, he would be eighth in all-time ACC passer efficiency rating.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The defense shouldn't receive any less credit (what Chizik has done with the unit is remarkable given where it was last season), but maybe Williams isn't getting the recognition he deserves. He's taken what was a .500 team last year to the ACC title game, and he isn't done yet.<h3>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings</h3>1. Clemson (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/143754/cropped_REU_2340132.jpg?ts=1448151685"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Tigers took care of business again with a 33-13 win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> is now only a win against rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/573" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/573">South Carolina</a> and the ACC championship game away from heading to the College Football Playoff.2. Florida State (last week: 2) The Seminoles blew out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/148" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/148">Chattanooga</a> on Saturday, as was expected. Two-loss <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> is out of ACC and national title contention, but could still ruin rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/233" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/233">Florida</a>'s run at the College Football Playoff with a win over the Gators this week.3. NC State (last week: 4)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/144100/cropped_USAT_162930.jpg?ts=1448293418"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Wolfpack only beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> by 13, but a pair of late touchdowns from the Orange made the score much closer than the game actually was. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/54853" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/54853">Jacoby Brissett</a> had one of his best games of the year, and now <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> hosts North Carolina to end its regular season.4. Louisville (last week: 3) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a> finished conference play this week with a loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a>, 45-34. A first half of terrible defense did the Cardinals in, as the Panthers went into halftime with a 42-24 lead. The miserable defense and minus-1 yards rushing for the Cardinals leaves you wondering how this game was remotely close.5. Wake Forest (last week: 6) Given what Wake Forest has shown this season (and how badly Clemson has beaten some of its opponents), losing to the Tigers by only 20 isn't all that bad. The Demon Deacons' last chance at avoiding another 3-9 season is against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> this week.6. Syracuse (last week: 5) Syracuse is also trying to avoid repeating its 3-9 record after losing to NC State this week, but at least the Orange get to play a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a> team that hasn't won a conference game yet. Syracuse was dominated by the Wolfpack Saturday, and the disappointing season has made the Boston College game Scott Shafer's last.7. Boston College (last week: 7) Boston College almost played spoiler Saturday against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> at Fenway Park, but the five turnovers (three in the red zone) the Irish gave the Eagles weren't enough to get BC an upset win.<h3>ACC Coastal Power Rankings</h3>1. North Carolina (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/143129/cropped_USAT_175160.jpg?ts=1447910607"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Coastal division has been decided. North Carolina clinched its spot in the ACC title game with its overtime win over Virginia Tech, and can now look to bigger and better things. The Tar Heels finish their regular season against NC State this week.2. Pittsburgh (last week: 2) Pittsburgh did its part to stay in the race for the Coastal division, but the Panthers' fate was out of their hands. If Pittsburgh can win out against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami </a>this week and then in its bowl game, the Panthers will have their first 10-win season since 2009.3. Miami (last week: 4) The Hurricanes are now 3-1 under Larry Scott after beating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a>, but that hasn't stopped fans from flying "Butch Davis 2016" banners over the stadium. Maybe a win against Pitt gets Scott some of the respect he deserves? Probably not.4. Virginia (last week: 5)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/144102/cropped_GettyImages-455982974.jpg?ts=1448293841"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> beat Duke 42-34 in the only real upset of the conference this week. The Cavaliers are now 4-7 and out of contention for a bowl game, but can still end the season on a good note with a win over rival Virginia Tech this weekend.5. Duke (last week: 3) The Blue Devils have now dropped four in a row after starting the season 6-1. Duke fans thought this would be the year their team would make a real run for the ACC title, but instead, a disappointing November will put this team in another mediocre bowl.6. Virginia Tech (last week: 6) Although the Hokies left it all on the field in Frank Beamer's last home game, it wasn't enough to take down the team going for the division crown. Beamer can still send Virginia Tech to its 23rd straight bowl by beating Virginia this week.7. Georgia Tech (last week: 7) The most disappointing season in the ACC will come to an end this week. Georgia Tech lost again Saturday, this time to Miami. The team projected to finish atop the Coastal will end up at the bottom, leaving everyone to wonder how it happened.

ACC Power Rankings: Marquise Williams leads UNC to ACC title game

The college football season has hit the home stretch, which means it's pedal to the metal for the...

The college football season has hit the home stretch, which means it's pedal to the metal for the ACC's best teams. Some of the premier squads in the conference will play Saturday with ACC championship and College Football Playoff implications, and by the end of the week, we might even know who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> will play in the ACC title game. Get your popcorn ready - it's going to be a good one.No. 17 North Carolina at Virginia Tech Saturday, Nov. 21, 12:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/141880/cropped_GettyImages-496897004.jpg?ts=1447386834"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a>'s path to the ACC championship game is pretty simple: If the Tar Heels beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>, they're in. North Carolina also clinches the Coastal Division if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt </a>loses to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a>, but more on that game below.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Almost everything on paper says the Tar Heels should win on Saturday. North Carolina is on a nine-game winning streak, and Virginia Tech has had an underwhelming year after coming in as one of the dark horses to win the division. There's more to football than what's on paper, though, and Virginia Tech has a lot to play for.For starters, the Hokies are a win away from bowl eligibility. Virginia Tech enters with a two-game winning streak (against two of the worst teams in the ACC, but still) and could be picking up some momentum. Most importantly, however, this is the final home game for coach Frank Beamer. Beamer is ending his coaching career after spending the last 29 seasons leading the Hokies, taking the team to a bowl game in the last 22. To say the Hokies want to get this win for Beamer is an understatement. Can all of these factors combine to get Virginia Tech a win over a better team? We'll have to wait and see.Louisville at Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 21, 3:45 p.m. ET (ESPNN)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/143131/cropped_USPW_546376.jpg?ts=1447910926"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh still has a shot at taking the Coastal Division, but it's the longest shot a team could have. The Panthers need to win out and need North Carolina to lose both remaining games to earn a shot at Clemson in the ACC championship game, so things aren't looking too great on that end.The Panthers can't look too far ahead, though, and need to start by picking up a win in this weekend's game against Louisville. The Cardinals have had trouble running the ball this year, ranking 82nd in the country in rushing yards per game. On the other hand, Pittsburgh struggles against the passing game -the Panthers are 99th in the nation in passing yards per game.Other than that, the two sides are statistically very much alike, each averaging exactly 27 points per game and putting up similar numbers defensively as well. Don't expect a blowout, as these evenly matched squads have plenty to play for.Wake Forest at No. 1 Clemson Saturday, Nov. 21, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/143132/cropped_USPW_437784.jpg?ts=1447911201"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a> and Clemson are opposites in the ACC. The Demon Deacons have three wins on the year, only one conference win (a 3-0 victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a>, which hasn't won an ACC game yet), and have assured they won't be headed to a bowl game this year. The Tigers are three games away from the College Football Playoff, have yet to lose in the conference or otherwise, and have their sights on much more than just a bowl game.Clemson probably doesn't make it to the playoff with a loss, and certainly doesn't with a loss to Wake Forest, so every game the Tigers play from now on is one to watch.Could Wake Forest pull off the upset? The record says no - and, to be blunt, so does the talent - but the Demon Deacons have gotten close before. Wake Forest lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> by only eight, and was driving before a red-zone interception put the game away for good. Just two weeks ago, Louisville was only able to come away with a one-point win over Wake Forest.Louisville isn't Clemson, and both of those games were at home, while the Deacs will be in Death Valley this week - but there's still a chance, and the stakes are high.

3 games to watch in the ACC: North Carolina goes for the Coastal crown

It’s been a season of success in the ACC. The conference has four teams ranked and the No. 1 team...

It’s been a season of success in the ACC. The conference has four teams ranked and the No. 1 team in the nation, and the majority of the conference will see a bowl game. One of the biggest surprises hasn’t been a success story, though.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> came into 2015 with high expectations. The Yellow Jackets were the favorites to win the Coastal division, and, at the very least, would see a good bowl game. This week, that same team lost its seventh game and guaranteed it wouldn’t go bowling. So … what happened?We knew they would be a big running team, but the Yellow Jackets’ complete inability to go through the air hurt them. Georgia Tech is 123rd in the nation in passing yards per game, and it’s hard to win consistently while being so one-dimensional. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/64283" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/64283">Justin Thomas</a> was supposed to rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> for the title of best quarterback in the ACC, but instead he’s completed less than 43 percent of his passes and has a QB rating of 29.8.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In all honesty, Georgia Tech could have easily won more games this year. Only two of its losses (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a>) were by more than one possession, but the Yellow Jackets just couldn’t get it done in the fourth quarter. Maybe things will get back on track next year; there has to be some talent left over from the team that won the Orange Bowl last season.<h3>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings</h3>1. Clemson (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/142198/cropped_USAT_143348.jpg?ts=1447547540"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Deshaun Watson dominated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> this week, piling up 465 all-purpose yards. The Orange were able to capitalize on some of the Tigers’ mistakes and keep it close, but Clemson’s overwhelming talent prevailed.2. Florida State (last week: 2) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> may be out of the ACC title picture, but it hasn’t lost focus. The Seminoles beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> 34-17 this week, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook</a> added 138 more rushing yards to his resume. An impressive win, but over a mediocre team.3. Louisville (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/142506/cropped_USAT_163001.jpg?ts=1447661280"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Cardinals were barely able to edge out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> in a 38-31 win. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74357" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74357">Kyle Bolin</a> got the call at quarterback this week, but completed less than half of his passes and was overshadowed by great plays from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85376" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85376">Reggie Bonnafon</a>.4. NC State (last week: 4) The Wolfpack are already bowl eligible, which is good considering <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State </a>may not win another game this season. After losing to Florida State this week, NC State has a Syracuse team that stayed with Clemson and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> to end the year.5. Syracuse (last week: 6) Syracuse may have lost this week, but losing to Clemson by only 10 isn’t nearly as bad as it could have been. The Orange did it all with third-stringer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/93668" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/93668">Zack Mahoney</a> running things under center, too.6. Wake Forest (last week: 5) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a> lost its fourth straight to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>, and it gets even harder this week when the Demon Deacons travel to Death Valley to play Clemson. It’ll be just part of another forgettable season for Wake Forest.7. Boston College (last week: 7) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a> had the week off, which it hopefully used to try to figure out how to win an ACC game. The Eagles are 0-7 so far in conference play, but its last chance for an ACC win is against a beatable Syracuse in two weeks.<h3>ACC Coastal Power Rankings</h3>1. North Carolina (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/142507/cropped_GettyImages-497268578.jpg?ts=1447661576"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Tar Heels just keep on winning. North Carolina continued its trend of blowing out opponents when it took down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> 59-21 this week, and is now a win or a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a> loss from the ACC Championship Game.2. Pittsburgh (last week: 2) Pittsburgh kept its ACC title hopes alive by beating Duke this week, but it still doesn’t look good for the Panthers. Pitt needs to beat Louisville and Miami, and hope North Carolina falls apart, to win the Coastal.3. Duke (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/142508/cropped_GettyImages-497272740.jpg?ts=1447661674"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Blue Devils were eliminated from ACC title contention this week, but there’s still plenty to be happy about if you’re a Duke fan. This team is trending upward, and at least it’s basketball season, right? 4. Miami (last week: 4) It was a reality check for the Hurricanes this week, as they were run over by North Carolina. It was the team’s first loss since firing Al Golden, and it isn’t favored to win either of its remaining games, either.5. Virginia (last week: 7) Virginia lost its chance at a bowl game this week with its seventh loss, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/65504" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/65504">Matt Johns</a> threw for 260 yards and four touchdowns in the loss. Given the expectations going into the season, Virginia hasn’t had that bad of a year.6. Virginia Tech (last week: 5) Technically, the Hokies did win this week, but does a victory against Georgia Tech even count anymore?7. Georgia Tech (last week: 6) The biggest disappointment of the ACC added to its legacy by losing to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>. The Yellow Jackets have only won one game in the conference, and have their last ACC matchup against Miami before the rivalry game against Georgia to end the year.

ACC Power Rankings: What happened to Georgia Tech?

This week is probably goind to be a letdown. But hey, when you pack Florida State-Clemson and Nor...

This week is probably goind to be a letdown. But hey, when you pack <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> into one week, that is bound to happen. There's still a division in the ACC to be won, though, and depending on how things play out, it could be decided this week.Pittsburgh at Duke Saturday, Nov. 14, 12 p.m. ET (ESPNN)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/130097/cropped_GettyImages-487029710.jpg?ts=1442289929"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>After North Carolina asserted its dominance last week, both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a> and Duke are in dire need of a win as they work from behind in the Coastal division. Duke is two games back after the Tar Heels dismantled the Blue Devils last week, while Pitt's loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> wasn't technically an ACC game, so the Panthers remain only a game back. The winner of Saturday's game could still be in the hunt for a trip to the ACC title game, while the loser's hopes will be all but gone.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Big playmakers have been driving the offenses for both of these teams. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60548" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60548">Thomas Sirk</a> leads the Blue Devils in both passing and rushing, while Pitt's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85971" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85971">Qadree Ollison </a>has quietly been chipping away at a 1,000-yard season on the ground. Pitt's passing offense, however, is lacking. The Panthers are 94th in the country in passing yards per game, and the Duke secondary has been one of the better pass defenses in the country.Neither of the teams control their own fate in the ACC, but a good final stretch of the year could prove they have taken the next step to becoming contenders in the conference. Winning out would give Pitt its best finish since 2009, while three wins plus a bowl win would give Duke its second double-digit win season in team history. Saturday's game is the toughest test left on either team's schedule, and the perfect way to start the final push.Miami at No. 23 North Carolina Saturday, Nov. 14 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/139313/cropped_GettyImages-495183414.jpg?ts=1446352138"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>A big opportuniry for the Tar Heels this weekend. With a win and a loss from Pittsburgh this weekend, North Carolina clinches the Coastal division and would set up a date with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> in the ACC Championship game two weeks before the end of the regular season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> still technically isn't out of the Coastal division race either, but will be with a loss this week.Sure, it's only two games, but Miami has earned two wins to start out the post-Al Golden era. To make it three in a row, the Hurricanes are going to have to beat the top team in the division. The biggest hole for the Hurricanes is the running game, where they rank 115th in the country. The Tar Heels' defense is one of the best in the country, and could very easily attack that weakness and force Miami to move the ball one-dimensionally.North Carolina's offense has been clicking on all cylinders, if the 66 points scored last week weren't enough of an indicator. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50834" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50834">Marquise Williams</a> has thrown for over 2,100 yards and has a QBR of 80.6 on the season while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83478" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83478">Elijah Hood</a> is on pace for 1,000 yards rushing. The Tar Heels are trying to get into the ACC Championship after climbing into the College Football Playoff rankings.NC State at No. 16 Florida State Saturday, Nov. 14, 12:30 p.m. ET<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/138134/cropped_USAT_145088.jpg?ts=1445901780"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Florida State is in an unfamiliar position right now. For the first time in four years, it won't be playing in the ACC Championship game. Jimbo Fisher hasn’t lost the Atlantic division since 2011, which means almost none of the players on the team know what it's like to not be playing for it all. In college football you have to move on, though, and the Seminoles will try and rebound this week against bowl-eligible <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a>.The Wolfpack haven't really beaten anyone that impressive this season, they've just won the games they were supposed to win (when you play a very easy non-conference schedule, becoming bowl eligible isn't all that difficult). The Wolfpack are only 2-3 in conference play, and in all honesty, Saturday's game shouldn't be that tough of a win for Florida State as long as the Seminoles stay focused.The key for NC State will be to see how its running game responds with leading rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74565" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74565">Matt Dayes</a> out for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/873698" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/873698">rest of the season</a> with a foot injury. The running back on the other side, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook</a>, has already racked up more than 1,200 yards despite missing time with injuries. The team who steps up and stops the run will have the best shot at coming out with the win.

3 games to watch in the ACC: North Carolina closing in on Coastal title

For the past three years, it was Florida State. The Seminoles won the big games, including the AC...

For the past three years, it was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>. The Seminoles won the big games, including the ACC Championship Game and even a national title. Dabo Swinney and his Tigers had to watch as Florida State kept winning at their expense. This year, it's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a>'s turn.With its win over Florida State on Saturday, Clemson did much more than improve to 9-0 on the season. It clinched the ACC's Atlantic division, and officially ended the Seminoles' run at a fourth straight conference title. With Florida State taking a second loss, and a one-loss team likely not having a shot in the weak ACC, Clemson is now the conference's last hope at being represented in this year's College Football Playoff. The Tigers are No. 1 in the latest AP poll and will likely remain atop the College Football Playoff rankings. This year, Clemson is the team to beat instead of the one everyone expects to see lose.The Tigers are only four wins away from playing on New Year's Eve. Whether or not they make it there, it's fair to say Dabo Swinney has already established this team as elite. Nobody is doubting this team's credibility anymore, and now it has a real shot at making history.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings1. Clemson (last week: 1) Clemson has spent all year earning the No. 1 spot in the Atlantic, and on Saturday proved once and for all they're the best team in the division by clinching a spot in the ACC Championship game.2. Florida State (last week: 2) Florida State had only a glimmer of hope for the College Football Playoff as a one-loss team in the ACC, but the Seminoles saw both their national and conference hopes disappear all at once Saturday.3. Louisville (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/141166/cropped_USAT_163410.jpg?ts=1447090536"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Cardinals won by their second-largest margin this season when they beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> 41-17. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a> is now a win away from a bowl game with three winnable games still on the schedule.4. NC State (last week: 5) Defense was the key to the Wolfpack's 24-8 victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a>, in which the Eagles ran for only 28 yards and less than a yard per carry. The win makes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> bowl-eligible for the fifth time in six years.5. Wake Forest (last week: 6) It was a bye week for the Demon Deacons, who need to win out to make a bowl game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a>'s last three games are against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>, Clemson, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a>, so good luck with that.6. Syracuse (last week: 4) The Orange took another bad loss at the hands of Louisville this week. Syracuse will also need to win out to make a bowl (and maybe save Scott Shafer's job), but the Orange host the No. 1 team in the country this week when Clemson comes to the Carrier Dome.7. Boston College (last week: 7) The Eagles became the first ACC team to guarantee a sub-.500 season with their seventh loss Saturday. Boston College's offense couldn't do anything against NC State, and will not be bowling.ACC Coastal Power Rankings1. North Carolina (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/140854/cropped_USAT_162921.jpg?ts=1446953172"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Talk about a statement win. The Tar Heels didn't just beat the rival Blue Devils on Saturday, they destroyed them. The 66-31 win put <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> in the top 25, and (for now) dismissed any doubt of who the best team in the Coastal is.2. Pittsburgh (last week: 2) The Panthers couldn't quite get over the hump and beat No. 5 Notre Dame this week. Luckily, the Irish aren't technically an ACC opponent and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a> stays just a game behind North Carolina in the standings.3. Duke (last week: 3) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> has now lost two in a row and needs everything to go its way in order to make the ACC Championship. It looks like another middle-of-the-road season for the Blue Devils.4. Miami (last week: 5) The success of the post-Al Golden era continues. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> to improve to 2-0 without Golden, further fueling the Hurricanes fans who wanted him gone earlier.5. Virginia Tech (last week: 4) A bye week for the Hokies, who could use some extra time to prepare for their final push for a bowl game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> needs to win two of its last three to go bowling, and games against Virginia and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> make that a good possibility.6. Georgia Tech (last week: 7) No game for Georgia Tech this week, either, but the Yellow Jackets need more than some extra thinking time to salvage their season. The onetime favorites to win the Coastal now sit at the bottom of the standings.7. Virginia (last week: 6) Virginia may have two conference wins, but they came against Georgia Tech and Syracuse. A loss to Miami this week means the Cavaliers will need to pick up wins over Louisville and Duke to see a bowl game.

ACC Power Rankings: The last team standing

This is it. Nov. 7 is Christmas for ACC football fans, and it's been circled on their calendars s...

This is it. Nov. 7 is Christmas for ACC football fans, and it's been circled on their calendars since the schedule was first announced. This week turns out to have even more big games than we thought it would, and for at least a part of Saturday, the college football world will be focused on the ACC.No. 5 Notre Dame at Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 7, 12 p.m. ET (ABC)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/140209/cropped_USAT_143527.jpg?ts=1446693421"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The first <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/871881" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/871881">rankings</a> of the College Football Playoff selection committee were kind to the Irish, who jumped up to No. 5 while being ranked only eighth in the AP Poll. The higher ranking only makes for higher stakes, though, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> will continue a tough stretch of its schedule when it travels to<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526"> Pitt</a> this weekend. The Panthers are hungry for redemption after falling to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> last week, and a win against the Irish would be the perfect confidence booster to take into their final run for the ACC championship game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>To do it, Pitt will have to jump on Notre Dame's biggest weakness: the red-zone offense. The Irish haven't been so lucky when close to the goal line this year, converting on only 79 percent of its red-zone opportunities. That's the worst precentage of any top-25 team. Unfortunately, the red zone is also one of the biggest weaknesses of the Pittsburgh defense. The Panthers' opponents are 17-for-17 inside the 20-yard line. That's 100 percent efficiency, and worst in the country, if you hadn't guessed.This game will be decided by whether or not Pitt can avoid breaking when it bends. Regardless, it should be a good one to watch. Pitt has won three of its last six meetings with the Irish, and Notre Dame's wins were by a combined 12 points. Maybe a Pittsburgh upset wouldn't be as surprising as everyone thinks.Duke at North Carolina Saturday, Nov. 7, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/140212/cropped_USPW_458023.jpg?ts=1446693578"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> seem to play each other in big games every year, it's just usually in February instead of November. The biggest rivalry in college basketball will be extended to the football field Saturday, with ACC title game hopes on the line.There's no need to talk anymore about Duke's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/869268" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/869268">controversial loss</a> to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> last weekend, the point is the Blue Devils now have ground to make up. Luckily, the team Duke needs to catch is next on the schedule. The Tar Heels are in the driver's seat in the ACC Coastal division, and are looking to end Duke's chances at taking the division crown for the second straight year. A chance at redemption against a rival combined with a frustrating loss last week means the Blue Devils are going to leave it all on the field in Chapel Hill.On paper, North Carolina is the better team. The Tar Heels are in the top 25 in both points for and points against per game, but Duke isn't too far behind statistically. The Blue Devils have won two of the last three meetings between these teams, and will need to make it three of four to make it an even race in the Coastal again.No. 16 Florida State at No. 1 Clemson Saturday, Nov. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/123754/cropped_USPW_518773.jpg?ts=1438108580"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>This is the biggest game of the ACC season. We've known it since September, and the hype has been warranted. Either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> has represented the Atlantic division in the ACC Championship game since 2009, and it seems pretty clear that trend will continue in 2015.Florida State is in pursuit of its fourth straight ACC championship game appearance, but this year the Seminoles are playing from behind. Jimbo Fisher may have lost his shot at making it back to the College Football Playoff, but getting a win against Clemson will get his team's season back on track. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook</a> rested against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> last week to make sure he's ready for this game, and he'll be a key to Florida State pulling off the upset. Clemson is 14th in the country against the run and Cook will need to be on his game to do damage.Clemson is no stranger to playing from behind in the Atlantic, but it must feel good to be ahead of Florida State for a change. The College Football Playoff selection committee is on the Clemson bandwagon, voting the Tigers No. 1 in its first rankings. Dabo Swinney can send his team to its first ACC title game since 2011 with a statement win Saturday. Clemson would have a two-game lead over Florida State with only two ACC games left on both of their schedules.The winner of this game has won the last six Atlantic division titles and the last four ACC championships. If that statistic doesn't tell you how important this game is, nothing will.

3 games to watch in the ACC: Clemson aims for revenge against Florida State

On Sunday, Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer announced he would be retiring at the end of thi...

On Sunday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> head coach Frank Beamer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/869699" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/869699">announced </a>he would be retiring at the end of this season. The Hokies have been spoiled with Beamer at the helm, and the impact he has had on the school's football program will never be matched. Beamer probably isn't the first person to come to mind when you think of the best college coaches, but he has a resume that is hard to match.When it comes to winning, very few people have been more consistent than Beamer. With a solid finish to this season, Beamer would have his 23rd consecutive winning season and an appearance in a 23rd straight bowl game. He's also won seven conference championships along the way. Beamer took Virginia Tech into the Big East, and then from the Big East into the ACC. At <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/454" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/454">Murray State</a>, Beamer coached four ranked teams and had only one losing season.He's a Virginia man with a Virginia Tech degree, and Beamer also played three years at cornerback for the Hokies. Virginia Tech was the dream job, and after a while everyone knew he would retire with the school.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Beamer was a specialist in making the defense an offense. During his tenure with Virginia Tech a player from every position has scored a touchdown, and 35 players have scored on special teams. Someone will have to replace Beamer in 2016, but that person will not be able to fill the shoes that are being left behind.<h3>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings</h3>1. Clemson (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/139306/cropped_REU_2325952.jpg?ts=1446350399"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>It was a good effort by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> offense, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> wasn't having it. 383 yards and five touchdowns through the air was more than enough to get <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> the win.2. Florida State (last week: 2) When you're trying to bounce back from your first loss, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> is a good opponent to draw. The Seminoles beat the Orange by 24 without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook </a>or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50888" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50888">Everett Golson</a>.3. Louisville (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/139613/cropped_GettyImages-495025786.jpg?ts=1446459281"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Cardinals have won four of their last five after a miserable start to the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a> combined for three points in the second half as the Cardinals won 20-19.4. Syracuse (last week: 5) Speaking of bad defenses, the Orange couldn't stop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>’s backups Saturday. The loss turned a lot of fans against head coach Scott Shafer, who made some poor decisions despite already being on thin ice.5. NC State (last week: 4) ACC play has not been kind to the Wolfpack, who have gone 1-3 in the conference after starting the season 4-0. It was a lack of defense that gave NC State the loss, Deshaun Watson and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72660" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72660">Wayne Gallman </a>combined for over 500 yards on their own.6. Wake Forest (last week: 6) The Demon Deacons have now lost three games by one possesion, two of them against Florida State and Louisville. Wake Forest may be a better team than its record shows, but not very much better.7. Boston College (last week: 7) Two teams have yet to lose an ACC game this year, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a> is the only team that hasn't won one. You can only play so many non-conference games, and Boston College’s only one left is against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>.<h3>ACC Coastal Power Rankings</h3>1. North Carolina (last week: 2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/138828/cropped_GettyImages-494860372.jpg?ts=1446172030"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Tar Heels have won seven in a row and are now the favorites to win the Coastal division. A statement win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a> put<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472"> North Carolina </a>in the top 25 and the Tar Heels aren't looking back.2. Pittsburgh (last week: 3) Pitt knew the winner of its game against North Carolina would become the favorite to go to the ACC title game, but couldn't get the job done.3. Duke (last week: 1) Sometimes you get unlucky, and this week <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a>'s luck may have cost it its ACC Championship hopes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/869268" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/869268">game-winning touchdown</a> was impressive (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/869664" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/869664">though poorly officiated</a>), but Duke did what it needed to do to win the game and still came up short.4. Virginia Tech (last week: 5) Can the return of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182">Michael Brewer</a> get this team back on track? The Hokies beat Boston College this week and very easily could have beaten Duke last week, so it's a possibility.5. Miami (last week: 6)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/139314/cropped_GettyImages-495183360.jpg?ts=1446352196"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Miami is undefeated since firing Al Golden. Okay, it's been one game, but what a way to start the Larry Scott era.6. Virginia (last week: 7) In Week 1 a victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> would have been a quality win, but in Week 9, even after the Yellow Jackets' win over the Seminoles? Not so much.7. Georgia Tech (last week: 4) This is really starting to get repetitive. Georgia Tech lost. The Jackets just aren't as good as we thought. See you next week.

ACC Power Rankings: Virginia Tech's Beamer leaves some big shoes to fill

It’s time to make the final push. Now that the college football season is more than half over, te...

It’s time to make the final push. Now that the college football season is more than half over, teams around the country have set their final goals for the season. The ACC's best teams have eyes on the conference championship, while those at the bottom of the barrel are trying to salvage enough wins to see a bowl game. Every game from now on carries more and more weight.North Carolina at No. 23 Pittsburgh Thursday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/138640/cropped_USPW_448062.jpg?ts=1446097266"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>In 2014, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a> each won six games. Both teams have already matched that win total, and now are vying for the Coastal division title. The ways they’ve gotten to this point, though, are very different.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pitt has been in some close ones, with all but one game this season being decided by one possession. The Panthers are 5-1 in those games after going 1-5 in games decided by eight points or less last season. Last week, they beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> 23-20 by way of a game-winning field goal by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74589" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74589">Chris Blewitt</a> as time expired. The Panthers were outplayed for most of the first half, and won’t be able to start slowly again if they want to pick up a win against North Carolina.While Pitt has been cutting it close all year, the Tar Heels have kept their distance from opponents. North Carolina ranks in the top 20 in both points scored and points allowed, and are outscoring opponents by more than 20 points per game. The Tar Heels are clicking on both sides of the ball, and might be undefeated right now if they had played <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/573" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/573">South Carolina</a> a bit later in the year. Coming off a good win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a>, the team will need to keep the momentum going into this week’s game against a ranked opponent.The winner of this game will emerge as the favorite to win the always-hectic Coastal division. It’s safe to say this is the biggest contest in the ACC this week.No. 3 Clemson at NC State Saturday, Oct. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN 2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/138641/cropped_USPW_397522.jpg?ts=1446097324"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>After <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>’s loss last week, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> is the best bet to make the College Football Playoff out of the ACC. The Tigers have been running over their ACC schedule to this point, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> will be one of the better teams they’ve played so far. The Wolfpack are a win away from bowl eligibility, and bounced back from their first two losses of the season last week with a win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a>.Clemson also had a pretty good time last week, if you haven’t already heard. The Tigers handed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> its worst loss in school history and got Al Golden fired in the process (which might be a positive for Miami fans). Clemson flexed its muscles in the 58-0 win, and put the rest of the country on notice. Anyone who was doubting the team's legitimacy as a contender before has been silenced, but Dabo Swinney’s squad hasn’t won anything yet.The key to this game will be whether <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> can play his game. NC State is third in the country in passing yards allowed per game and fourth in opponent completion percentage (46.2 percent). Watson, on the other hand, has been exceptional in leading his undefeated team. He’s completing almost 70 percent of his passes and is averaging more than five yards per carry. He’ll need to show up if Clemson wants to remain undefeated.Miami at No. 22 Duke Saturday, Oct. 31, 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPNU)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/136438/cropped_USAT_135035.jpg?ts=1445233077"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Oh, Miami. This team has been all over the place this season, and it feels like the Hurricanes are the most disorganized program in the nation despite being over .500. This week won’t make figuring things out any easier, as they have to travel to take on No. 22 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a>. Interim coach Larry Scott will try to turn around a team that was beaten by 58 last week without a whole lot of time to make changes. It isn’t looking good.For Duke, Miami will hopefully be nothing more than a stepping stone for bigger games to come. The Blue Devils have Pitt and North Carolina in their next two games, which could leave them looking ahead of this week's opponent.

3 games to watch in the ACC: North Carolina, Duke, Pitt vie for Coastal supremacy

Ernie Davis is the only Heisman winner in Syracuse history, but since 2014, another Orangeman has...

Ernie Davis is the only Heisman winner in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> history, but since 2014, another Orangeman has been making his case for the most prestigious award in college football.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/55493" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/55493">Riley Dixon</a>. Punter.But is he really just a punter? In 2014, Dixon threw his only pass attempt of the year for a 42-yard touchdown and his only run went for 42 yards off a fake punt. This year, Dixon has continued his antics on fake punts, averaging 9.7 yards per game to go with his 43.8 yards per punt.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Conclusion: Riley Dixon is a football God who can do anything and play any position.At least that’s what they’re saying in Syracuse. He can throw, run, and even hurdle the occasional defender. The hashtag #DixonForHeisman has gained traction on Twitter. On the field, Syracuse fans are now expecting a fake punt from Dixon instead of being surprised by it.While Dixon’s actual Heisman odds may be slim, he has been one of the best punters in the ACC this year. He has been named a semifinalist for the Academic Heisman award, and is also a semifinalist for the Campbell trophy which goes to the top football scholar-athlete, making him a role model for other student athletes around the country.<h3>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings</h3>1. Clemson (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137595/cropped_USAT_142804.jpg?ts=1445716283"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Wow. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> handed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> its biggest loss in school history (58-0) and got Al Golden fired. You could say this team is a contender.2. Florida State (last week: 2) What a way to lose your first game. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/862878" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/862878">final play</a> of the Seminoles’ game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> may be just a stroke of luck, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> still let Georgia Tech stay in the game up to that point.3. Louisville (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137963/cropped_USAT_143365.jpg?ts=1445836401"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a> has been winning ever since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> took over the quarterback position, and its win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a> on Saturday brought it back to an even 2-2 in the ACC. The Cardinals could win their way into a decent bowl game.4. NC State (last week: 4) The Wolfpack came out of the gates swinging against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a> and built up a 28-0 lead in the first quarter. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> snapped a two-game losing streak and is now a game away from bowl eligibility.5. Syracuse (last week: 7) The Orange came a field goal away from beating a ranked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a> team, which is more than any of the other teams at the bottom of the Atlantic division did this week.6. Wake Forest (last week: 5) The Demon Deacons have now failed to score more than 17 in four straight games, and have lost four of their last five. Wake Forest’s stock is still trending down.7. Boston College (last week: 6) The Eagles have fallen in each of their first five ACC games, but can still make a bowl game by winning two of their last four games. Any ACC title hopes are gone, though.<h3>ACC Coastal Power Rankings</h3>1. Duke (last week: 2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137964/cropped_USAT_143341.jpg?ts=1445836729"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>It took the Blue Devils four overtimes to take down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>, but the offense played its best game of the year. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> is hard to beat when the offense is clicking.2. North Carolina (last week: 1) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> took care of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> this week, as was expected. The Tar Heels are now focusing on their mathcup against No. 23 Pitt this Thursday.3. Pittsburgh (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137965/cropped_USAT_143209.jpg?ts=1445836800"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Pitt barely beat Syracuse, and was outplayed for almost all of the first half. The Panthers won’t be able to start off so slowly against the better teams in the ACC.4. Georgia Tech (last week: 7) When you beat the three-time reigning conference champion, you get a bump in the rankings. When the win brings you up to 1-4 in the ACC, it’s a smaller bump.5. Virginia Tech (last week: 5) The Hokies fought with Duke through four overtimes, but were unable to pull out the win. Virginia Tech is in need of a big win to turn its season around, and let a big opportunity slip through its fingers.6. Miami (last week: 4) To say the Hurricanes have work to do would be an understatement. A 58-0 loss <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/863755" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/863755">lost Al Golden his job</a> and left a lot of questions around this team.7. Virginia (last week: 6) Virginia lost to North Carolina, meaning its only wins are against Syracuse and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/739" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/739">William &amp; Mary</a>. Not good.

ACC Power Rankings: Syracuse's Dixon for Heisman

An ACC team has joined the top 25 in each of the last two weeks, bringing the grand total of rank...

An ACC team has joined the top 25 in each of the last two weeks, bringing the grand total of ranked teams in the conference up to four. All four are on the road this week, and we could see some upsets come Saturday. Here's a closer look at three of the ranked ACC teams playing this weekend.No. 25 Pittsburgh at Syracuse Saturday, Oct. 24, 12:00 p.m. ET (ESPNU)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137036/cropped_USPW_461330.jpg?ts=1445491469"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a> has been a middle-of-the-road team for a while now. In fact, the Panthers have finished 6-6 in every season since 2011, making them about as close as you can get to the definition of average. Pat Narduzzi was hired to change that, and the first-year head coach is off to a good start: Pittsburgh is 5-1 and in the top 25 for the first time since 2010. This week, though, the Panthers could be dealing with a trap game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pitt will be on the road to take on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a>. After starting out 3-0, the Orange have lost three in a row and are desperate for a win. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74590" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74590">Tyler Boyd</a> (who set Pittsburgh's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/856470" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/856470">career receptions record</a> last week) could have a field day against an inexperienced Orange secondary. Freshman quarterback<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/99407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/99407"> Eric Dungey</a> has played well for Syracuse to this point, but will have to beat a defense that's in the top 15 in opponents' completion percentage, passer rating, and sacks.Syracuse may be coming in as the underdog, but the Orange have already won a recruiting battle against the Panthers. Five-star UCLA transfer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/99828" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/99828">Chris Clark</a>, who had narrowed his options down to Syracuse and Pittsburgh, chose the Orange last week. Clark will be at the game Saturday, which had been dubbed the "Clark Bowl" before Clark committed and ruined the fun for everyone.No. 6 Clemson at Miami Saturday, Oct. 24, 12:00 p.m. ET (ABC)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137037/cropped_USAT_135206.jpg?ts=1445491612"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> fans aren't used to being in the limelight of the ACC. The Tigers have been in the shadow of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> for a while now, and even when they have been winning, the country has watched with a sense of caution. Dabo Swinney has kept his team from a disappointing loss up to this point in the season, but this week offers an opportunity for a classic "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/850938" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/850938">Clemsoning</a>."The Tigers are in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> this weekend to take on the Hurricanes, who sit at 4-2. If there's one thing we know Miami can do, it's pass the ball. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85296">Brad Kaaya </a>leads the ACC in passing yards, averaging almost 300 yards per game. The problem is that when Miami isn't scoring through the air, it isn't able to do much of anything offensively. The Hurricanes are 103rd in the country in rushing yards per game. Clemson is 12th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game, so Miami could run into some trouble. But, if the Hurricanes can keep passing the ball like they have been and add a second dimension to their offense, Clemson will have a lot to deal with.No. 23 Duke at Virginia Tech Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/137038/cropped_USPW_447674.jpg?ts=1445491686"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> has been in unfamiliar territory over the past few years. A win this week would make the Blue Devils bowl-eligible for the fourth straight season; before this stretch, they hadn't played in a bowl game since 1994. The one team standing in their way is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>. The Hokies haven't lived up to high preseason expectations and are looking at a 3-4 record, but have reason to be optimistic with the return of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182">Michael Brewer</a> on the horizon.Brewer broke his collarbone in the Hokies' season opener against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State </a>and hasn’t made a start since. Virginia Tech’s offense hasn't been the same either - the Hokies are 119th in points per game this season. Brewer is<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/858257" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/858257"> listed as the starter</a> for this week's game against Duke, so Virginia Tech's offense could start doing what we thought it would be doing before the season started.Brewer will have to outplay a Duke defense which has been one of the best in the country. The Blue Devils are only allowing 9.3 points per game, second in the nation to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/407">Michigan</a>. The game will come down to how well Brewer can step in after such a long break and run the offense. If there are growing pains, Duke will surely take advantage.

3 games to watch in the ACC: Ranked teams take to the road

Other than the national title he won in 2010 with Auburn, 2015 stands as the most impressive seas...

Other than the national title he won in 2010 with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/67" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/67">Auburn</a>, 2015 stands as the most impressive season on Gene Chizik's coaching resume. After earning the title of worst defense in the ACC in 2014, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> brought Chizik on as defensive coordinator, but even those who hired him didn't expect him to turn things around this quickly.The Tar Heels are giving up 150 fewer yards per game this year than last. Opponents are averaging a yard and a half less per play and five fewer first downs. North Carolina's 17.3 points allowed per game is the 18th-best mark in the country, and their 136.5 passing yards allowed rank third.It's more than just the numbers, too. The atmosphere in the locker room has changed. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> took a 21-0 lead on them last week, a game in which the 2014 Tar Heels would have rolled over. This year's Tar Heels outscored the Yellow Jackets 38-10 in the remainder of the game and won their fourth straight. The 31 points they allowed in that game marked the only time this year they gave up more than 17.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In previous years, the defense has been blamed for North Carolina coming up short, but that excuse is no longer valid. Everyone knew this offense would be able to play with the best of them. Now that the defense has stepped up, expectations are high for a school that's usually waiting for basketball season this time of year.<h3>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings</h3>Clemson (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/132959/cropped_GettyImages-488830222.jpg?ts=1443690049"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson </a>threw for 420 yards in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a>'s 34-17 win Saturday. The Tigers are a real playoff contender, but the they've been here before and know to tread lightly.2. Florida State (last week: 2) Speaking of big passing days, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50888" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50888">Everett Golson</a> had a game to write home about against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a>, throwing for 372 yards. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook</a> ran for 163 as the playmakers keep getting the job done for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Seminoles</a>.3. Louisville (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/136437/cropped_GettyImages-491308872.jpg?ts=1445232903"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>2-4 isn't the way Louisville saw the first half of its season going, but the worst part of its schedule is over and a bowl game is still well within reach.4. NC State (last week: 5) A bye week for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a>, who, after an easy non-conference schedule, only need to win two ACC games to be bowl-eligible. Easier said than done, though, as the Wolfpack are 0-2 in the conference thus far.5. Wake Forest (last week: 6) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest </a>led North Carolina after the first quarter, but that's where the good news ends. The Demon Deacons gave up 28 unanswered to close out a 50-14 loss.6. Boston College (last week: 4) Clemson may be one of the best teams in the country, but losing to the Tigers drops<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100"> Boston College </a>to 0-4 in the ACC.7. Syracuse (last week: 7) The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Orange</a> have lost two straight games they needed to win to be taken seriously in both the ACC and the bowl conversation. The schedule gets a lot tougher now.<h3>ACC Coastal Power Rankings</h3>1. North Carolina (last week: 2) North Carolina scored 29 points in the second quarter of a game in which Wake Forest scored 14 points total. The Tar Heels will be ranked soon if they keep winning.2. Duke (last week: 1)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/132958/cropped_USAT_106040.jpg?ts=1443689906"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Blue Devils</a> had a bye week. The stage is set for a very interesting rivalry matchup against North Carolina in three weeks.3. Pittsburgh (last week: 3) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a> snuck into the AP top 25 this week after beating Georgia Tech by a field goal. In September that's a quality win, but the Yellow Jackets have been losing to everyone lately.4. Miami (last week: 4)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/136438/cropped_USAT_135035.jpg?ts=1445233077"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> bounced back from two straight losses with a win over Virginia Tech. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85296">Brad Kaaya</a> defended his ACC lead in passing yards with 296, but Miami needs to develop a second dimension.5. Virginia Tech (last week: 5) The return of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182">Michael Brewer</a> was not enough to get the Hokies a win against Miami, but if he can get back into a groove,<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689"> Virginia Tech</a> can be a spoiler later in the year.6. Virginia (last week: 7) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> beat Syracuse, but that isn't saying much.7. Georgia Tech (last week: 6) The Yellow Jackets fooled everyone into thinking they could win the Coastal division this year. Maybe next year.

ACC Power Rankings: Chizik's defense makes North Carolina a true threat

Some people like to say this is when the season really begins. In a conference where the league t...

Some people like to say this is when the season really begins. In a conference where the league title doesn’t necessarily get you a playoff spot, this may not be the case, but for the first time this year, all ACC teams in play this week will be playing against another ACC team. Every win and loss from here on out can be the difference in whether a team makes it to the ACC Championship.Here are the three games you should be watching this week as it all unfolds:Louisville at No. 11 Florida State Saturday, Oct. 17, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN)<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/135666/cropped_USPW_429270.jpg?ts=1444916189"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville </a>have had two very different starts to their seasons. You already know about the Seminoles; undefeated at 5-0 with explosive playmakers in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook </a>and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50888" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50888">Everett Golson</a>. They're once again one of the early favorites to win the ACC, which would be their fifth straight conference title.Louisville, on the other hand, hasn’t had the same fortune. After coming into the season ranked in some polls and looking to be a dark horse pick in the conference, the Cardinals lost their first three games. Since then, Louisville has found a quarterback it can stick with in true freshman<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162"> Lamar Jackson</a> and hasn’t stopped winning since. Jackson leads the Cardinals in both rushing and passing yards, and two weeks ago he was the only person to attempt a pass for Louisville against NC State (the first time that’s happened all season).The key for both teams will be stopping the superstars. Cook and his 792 rushing yards has been doing his best to keep up with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83136" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83136">Leonard Fournette</a> in the Heisman race, and Golson’s stat line has only been getting better as he's gotten more accustomed to the Seminoles’ offense. Louisville’s run defense is allowing 146.8 yards per game (only 52nd in the country), but if the Cardinals can hold Cook (who is coming off a 222-yard game) and Golson to that many yards, they should be able to put themselves in a position to win. On the other side of the ball, it’s all about the Cardinals’ new man under center. When Jackson plays well Louisville wins, and when he doesn’t play well (or doesn’t play at all) the Cardinals lose.Louisville has had extra time to plan for this one with a bye last week, and if it can pull off the upset on the road, the Atlantic division suddenly becomes a three team race.Virginia Tech at Miami Saturday, Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/135665/cropped_USPW_420095.jpg?ts=1444915737"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>There are teams in more dire need than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a>, but when it comes to teams at .500 or better, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair more desperate for a W. Virginia Tech has been the Louisville of the ACC’s Coastal division. Once an underdog pick to win the Coastal, the Hokies have started out only 3-3 (including a loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/205" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/205">East Carolina</a>). Also like Louisville, however, Virginia Tech could be solving its quarterback situation soon. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182">Michael Brewer</a>, who broke his collarbone in the team’s first game of the year against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a>, has been practicing with the Hokies for over a week but still hasn’t been cleared to play. There’s still no definitive answer as to whether Brewer will be able to suit up Saturday, but the fact his return is on the horizon is good news for Virginia Tech fans.For Miami, a season that started on a cautiously optimistic note has gotten a reality check over the past two weeks. The Hurricanes have lost two straight after going into a bye week 3-0, but led Florida State in the fourth quarter last week. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85296">Brad Kaaya</a> hasn’t made much noise in the national headlines but still leads the ACC in passing yards, throwing for 405 against the Seminoles. The real problem for Miami will be getting the running game going. It killed Al Golden's squad against FSU, where the Hurricanes ran for 20 yards on 19 attempts.The Hokies and Hurricanes have split their last four meetings, so Saturday’s game is sure to be a good one.Wake Forest at North Carolina Saturday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/135668/cropped_USPW_512317.jpg?ts=1444916321"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>A few weeks ago everyone would have picked this one as an easy win for the Tar Heels. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a> had lost miserably to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse </a>and barely beaten <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/64" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/64">Army</a>, while the high-powered offense of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> was surging through its nonconference schedule. The Tar Heels may still be the favorite to win the Coastal division right now, but Wake Forest has stepped up its game and has shown it can give North Carolina a run for its money.The Demon Deacons lost by only a possession to both Florida State and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/303" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/303">Indiana </a>(who is turning out to be a much better team than we thought at the time), and the defense has been excellent. Wake Forest is allowing only 17 points and 296 yards of offense per game, but it will face its biggest test Saturday in the Tar Heels’ high-powered offense, which is scoring 38.6 points per game and gaining 471 yards. Whoever wins the battle between those two strengths will come out of this week with a win.

3 games to watch in the ACC: Florida State on potential upset alert

Dabo Swinney has been the head coach at Clemson since 2008. In his six full seasons, the Tigers h...

Dabo Swinney has been the head coach at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> since 2008. In his six full seasons, the Tigers have played in six bowl games, and only finished under .500 in one year. Despite the success, Swinney and the Tigers have not been able to shake the term "Clemsoning.""Clemsoning" is of unknown origins. It was first widely used after the end of Clemson's 2011 season, when the 3 1/2-point favorite Tigers lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/716" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/716">West Virginia</a> in the Orange Bowl by a score of 70-33. Since then, "Clemsoning" has been used to describe Clemson's losses to weaker teams and its inability to be a contender late in the season. The term has even expanded beyond Clemson and now can be used to describe any underperformance by a college football team. As you could imagine, the Clemson camp is not too happy about it.After the Tigers' 43-24 victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> on Saturday, Swinney was asked if the team had put aside "Clemsoning." Swinney <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/850938" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/850938">was not happy</a> with the question to say the least, and with good reason. His team is 5-0 and looking like a real playoff contender, but the Tigers will have to keep it going for a full season to get rid of "Clemsoning" for good.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Getting to the top 10 has never been the problem for Clemson; staying there is what the Tigers struggle with. With its jump to No. 6 in the polls last week, Clemson has been in the top 10 at some point in four of the last five seasons. The Tigers have only finished there in one of those years (we'll see where they end up this year).Dabo and the Tigers will have plenty of opportunities to "C up," starting with this Saturday's game at home against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a>, then traveling to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami </a>and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> before heading back to Death Valley for what could be a huge game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>. If Clemson comes out of the stretch undefeated, "Clemsoning" could be gone for good, and the Tigers could be headed to the College Football Playoff.Here's a look at how the ACC shakes down after Week 6 with the conference power rankings:<h3>ACC Atlantic Power Rankings</h3>1. Clemson (last week: 1) Clemson beat what now may be the best 2-4 team in the country in Georgia Tech. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> had arguably his best game of the season and absolutely his best game against an FBS team. The Tigers are clicking on all cylinders.2. Florida State (last week: 2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/134845/cropped_USAT_126315.jpg?ts=1444537596"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The offense got back on track for the Seminoles this week, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook </a>running for 222 yards and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50888" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50888">Everett Golson</a> throwing for 291. Miami's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85296">Brad Kaaya</a> threw for 405 yards, though, which is concerning for the defense to say the least.3. Louisville (last week: 4) The Cardinals got a needed bye week after struggling out of the gate. Bobby Petrino has to gameplan for Florida State next week, too, so the break comes at the perfect time.4. Boston College (last week: 3) Boston College was shut out by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a>, who hadn’t won in the ACC all year. The Eagles are now 3-3 on the year after dropping their first three conference games.5. NC State (last week: 5) NC State's offense has been horrible. The Wolfpack are 92nd in the nation in passing yards per game, and rank only 58th in points per game despite putting up 63 and 49 in two of their non-conference games.6. Wake Forest (last week: 7)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/135059/cropped_USAT_125879.jpg?ts=1444634600"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Wake Forest beat Boston College, which warrants a bump in the rankings. The Demon Deacons only managed 142 yards of offense, though, so only a small bump for this week.7. Syracuse (last week: 6) The Orange lost all the momentum it had going into this week with a miserable loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/577" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/577">USF</a>. Nothing went right, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> will have to figure out how the wheels fell off before it gets back off the bottom of the rankings.<h3>ACC Coastal Power Rankings</h3>1. Duke (last week: 2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/135060/cropped_USAT_124947.jpg?ts=1444635218"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> dismantled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/64" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/64">Army</a> this week, only further proving to the rest of the conference that the Blue Devils aren’t messing around. The move into the top 25 solidifies their spot as a contender for the Coastal crown.2. North Carolina (last week: 1) The Tar Heels have a weak schedule coming out of the bye week, with games against Wake Forest and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a> in the next two weeks. A record of 7-1 heading into the Duke game is a real possibility.3. Pittsburgh (last week: 3)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/135061/cropped_USAT_125556.jpg?ts=1444635364"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a> only beat Virginia by a touchdown this week, but the offense played well and the Panthers are still 4-1 heading into the hardest stretch of their schedule. We'll know more about the Panthers after they play some higher quality teams.4. Miami (last week: 4) Let the "Fire Al Golden" chants begin. Miami lost its second straight game at the hands of Florida State and the defense wasn't any problem for Dalvin Cook. The Hurricanes still have Clemson and Duke after this week’s game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>, so Miami's stock is trending down.5. Virginia Tech (last week: 6) The Hokies won, and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/64409" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/64409"> Brenden Motley</a> had his best game as a starter with three touchdowns. If Motley can get comfortable in the offense, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182">Michael Brewer</a> returns from injury and performs like he did against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a>, then Va. Tech has an outside shot at a decent bowl game.6. Georgia Tech (last week: 5) The Yellow Jackets dropped their fourth straight game to Clemson on Saturday. Enough said.7. Virginia (last week: 7) Virginia has been a few notches below the competition in more than one of its games this year, and despite a good effort, you can now add Pittsburgh to the Cavaliers growing list of losses.

ACC Power Rankings: 'Clemsoning'

After five weeks of college football, fans and analysts around the country now have a feel on the...

After five weeks of college football, fans and analysts around the country now have a feel on the season. There’s a decent idea of who will be contending in December, who’s season is already over, and who the breakout stars are. Now that we’re all settled in, it’s time for conference play to really heat up.Georgia Tech at No. 6 Clemson Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC regional or ESPN2)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/134268/cropped_USAT_117696.jpg?ts=1444276973"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> were supposed to have similar years. Both were favored to win their respective divisions in the ACC, and the quarterbacks (who were voted first and second team preseason All-ACC) were set for breakout years. It has not played out that way, at least not for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech started off well with more than 60 points in each of its first two games, but has since dropped three in a row and is the only team in the Coastal Division with an 0-2 conference record. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/64283" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/64283">Justin Thomas</a> has not lived up to expectations; only completing 45 percent of his passes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clemson, on the other hand, is right on schedule. The Tigers are 4-0 and coming off a big win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>. ACC Preseason Player of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> is connecting on 69 percent of his passes.Georgia Tech has been dependent on the running game. When teams have been able to slow down the Yellow Jackets' run game, the offense has been in total disarray. Don't expect the passing game to be a crutch to fall on, either. Thomas has completed only 31.1 percent of his passes on the road and 33.3 percent against ranked teams.Clemson has been successful against the run as of late, holding Notre Dame to 116 yards on the ground. The College Football Playoff may be out of the question for Georgia Tech, but the ACC title is still within reach. Another conference loss, though, will make things a lot harder.Miami at No. 12 Florida State Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/134269/cropped_USPW_449869.jpg?ts=1444277090"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> have two of the most successful college football programs of all time. Both are in the top 10 in all-time weeks at No. 1 and first round NFL draft picks, and the two teams have been playing in games with national implications throughout history. In recent years, however, the rivalry hasn't been heated. The Seminoles have won the last five meetings, the longest streak since Miami won six straight from 2000-2004.Miami’s season to this point has been a roller coaster. The Hurricanes started 3-0, but the wins were against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/93" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/93">Bethune-Cookman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/235" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/235">Florida Atlantic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/457" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/457">Nebraska</a>. Last week, Miami suffered its first loss against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/153" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/153">Cincinnati</a>, and didn’t look great in doing so. Cincinnati’s<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84404" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84404"> Hayden Moore</a> passed for 279 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60893" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60893">Tion Green</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/77361" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/77361">Hosey Williams</a> each averaged over six yards per carry.Florida State isn’t coming off the best of weeks, either. The Seminoles only beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a> by a single possession and could have been upset if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/54213" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/54213">Tyler Hunter</a> hadn't intercepted a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/93664" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/93664">Kendall Hinton</a> pass in the end zone with 21 seconds left.The Hurricanes still haven't showed if they can contend with the big boys in the ACC. This week's game will give a better idea of what to expect going forward.NC State at Virginia Tech Friday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/134274/cropped_USPW_431620.jpg?ts=1444280151"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Both the Wolfpack and the Hokies go into this game looking for their first conference win of the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a> is coming off a loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a>, a game in which the Wolfpack only gained 45 yards on the ground. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech </a>was even worse with 100 yards of total offense in its loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a>.NC State needs a win here to make sure last week’s game was just a slip up and not the start of a losing streak. The Wolfpack have started the season 4-1 for the second straight year, which is the first time that’s happened since the 1991 and 1992 seasons. Dave Doeren is trying to make this team relevant in college football again and winning games like this one will be a key to that climb.Virginia Tech, on the other hand, needs a win to start salvaging something from the season. A dark-horse pick to win the Coastal Division in the preseason, the Hokies fell apart in September. Losses to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/205" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/205">East Carolina</a> and Pitt have sent Virginia Tech to the bottom of most ACC power rankings, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/64409" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/64409">Brenden Motley</a> has not been able to fill the shoes of<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50182"> Michael Brewer</a>, though Brewer is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/848593" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/848593">probable</a> for Friday.

3 games to watch in the ACC: Clemson looks to add to Georgia Tech's struggles

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Florida State running back Dalvin Cook.  In his freshman...

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83748">Dalvin Cook.</a>In his freshman season at FSU, Cook split carries with backs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/54224" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/54224">Karlos Williams</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60944" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60944">Mario Pender</a> and his performance was overshadowed for most of the season - when you play alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/64259" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/64259">Jameis Winston</a> that's bound to happen. But he was named MVP of the 2014 ACC Championship Game after gaining 177 yards against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a>, and was expected to be the starter this year as a sophomore.Just a couple moths ago, though, Cook’s status for this season was up in the air. In June, Cook was accused of misdemeanor battery, and was suspended indefinitely from the team. He was unable to participate with the team in any way until his name was cleared. Cook was found not guilty of the charges, but ended up first practicing with Florida State in late August, just a few days before the season began. What has he been able to do with such little time to prepare? Lead the ACC in rushing.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In the Seminoles’ first game on Sept. 5, Cook ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.3 yards per carry. He followed the impressive opener with an even more impressive 266 yards and three touchdowns against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/577" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/577">South Florida</a>. After four weeks of play, Cook leads the ACC with 570 rushing yards. He is averaging 8.6 yards per carry, and has scored six touchdowns in four games. While Florida State’s passing game has struggled to get going under transfer quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50888" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50888">Everett Golson</a>, Cook has been the mainstay of the offense. However, his status for the future is in question again.In Saturday’s game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/694" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/694">Wake Forest</a>, Cook took his first run for 94 yards and a touchdown. His second run didn’t end quite as well, with Cook grabbing his left leg and leaving the game with a hamstring injury. He did not return and is now listed as day to day. Florida State was unable to produce without Cook, beating Wake Forest by halting a late drive that could've tied the game. Florida State’s next games are against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257">Georgia Tech</a>, and the Seminoles will need to find another source of offense for those games if Cook ends up missing time.Here's a look at how the ACC shakes down after Week 5 with the conference power rankings:ACC Atlantic Power Rankings<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/133716/cropped_USAT_118455.jpg?ts=1443996986"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>1. Clemson (last week: 1) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a>’s win against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> solidifies it as the team to beat in the ACC and a legitimate playoff contender.2. Florida State (last week: 2) Florida State’s first single-digit win of the season came against Wake Forest on Saturday. If Dalvin Cook does end up missing time, it will be interesting to see if the offense is able to function without him.3. Boston College (last week: 3) Not many teams can say they didn’t allow a touchdown and lost the game, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a> managed to do so against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> on Saturday. What happened to the offense that put up 76 against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/291" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/291">Howard</a> three weeks ago?4. Louisville (last week: 6) For the first game all season, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a> had only one player attempt a pass. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> threw for 103 yards and ran for 121 more against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/476" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/476">NC State</a>, which might just settle the Cardinals’ quarterback competition for good.5. NC State (last week: 4) While Jackson was able to run for 121 yards on his own, the Wolfpack ran for only 45 as a team. That’s an easy way to lose.6. Syracuse (last week: 5) An off week for the Orange, but a win against South Florida this week gives <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> more wins than all of last season.7. Wake Forest (last week: 7) If Florida State hadn’t intercepted the Demon Deacons in the end zone with 21 seconds left to play, Wake Forest would have jumped at least two spots, but there will plenty more opportunities for this team to pull an upset.ACC Coastal Power Rankings<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/133524/cropped_USAT_116772.jpg?ts=1443925744"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>1. North Carolina (last week: 3) The Tar Heels now have the same quality win over Georgia Tech that Duke has, although a win over Georgia Tech has been losing value over the past three weeks.2. Duke (last week: 1) A win is a win, but a win where you only score nine points and can’t reach the end zone is going to bring up some red flags.3. Pittsburgh (last week: 6) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85971" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85971">Qadree Ollison</a> ran for 122 yards and the Panthers’ defense held <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> to 100 yards of total offense. Enough said.4. Miami (last week: 5) Miami lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/153" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/153">Cincinnati</a>, but it was only the Hurricanes’ first defeat of the season and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/85296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/85296">Brad Kaaya</a> looked good in the loss. Blame this one on the defense, which gave up 34 points to a freshman making his first start.5. Georgia Tech (last week: 2) A loss against Notre Dame? Understandable. Another loss against Duke? OK, upsets happen. A third straight loss to North Carolina? The exception is becoming the norm for the Yellow Jackets.6. Virginia Tech (last week: 4) The team that was supposed to be a dark horse to win the Coastal has started out very dark, to say the least.7. Virginia (last week: 7) The Hokies had an off week, but could use a win against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pitt</a> this week in their ACC opener.

ACC Power Rankings: Cook running Seminoles through ACC

With five conference games on the schedule for this weekend, ACC football is now getting into ful...

With five conference games on the schedule for this weekend, ACC football is now getting into full swing. After this week only two teams (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a>) will have not played an ACC opponent. This week's games could go a long way in deciding who plays for an ACC title in December, and even who plays in the College Football Playoff come New Year's Eve.No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 12 Clemson Saturday, Oct. 3, 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/132956/cropped_USAT_107297.jpg?ts=1443689097"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Two teams with College Football Playoff hopes will meet Saturday night in what is arguably the biggest game in the nation this week, not just the ACC. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> comes into the game off a 62-27 win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/390" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/390">Massachusetts</a> where all of its playmakers were on display. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/67385" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/67385">C.J. Prosise</a> ran for 149 yards and two touchdowns on the day, bringing his season total to 600 yards rushing (the fourth highest in the nation). As a team, Notre Dame is 12th in the country in rushing with 294.9 yards per game, but the Irish will face a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> defense which is allowing only 2.9 yards per carry. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/89687" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/89687">Deshone Kizer</a> has been impressive since replacing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72652" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72652">Malik Zaire</a>, but both of his starts have been in South Bend. Now, he'll have to get a win in Death Valley. The Clemson defense is 11th in the nation with 12.3 points allowed per game, and will look to put pressure on Kizer from the start. Clemson has started 3-0 in four of the last five seasons, but had yet to put together a championship-contending season. A win against Notre Dame on Saturday in the national spotlight could be a big first step. The key to a Clemson win will be whether or not the Tigers are able to stop the Notre Dame playmakers such as Prosise and Kizer.North Carolina at Georgia Tech Saturday, Oct. 3, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/132957/cropped_USPW_414211.jpg?ts=1443689330"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>With its second loss in as many games,<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/257" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/257"> Georgia Tech</a> was taken out of the College Football Playoff conversation last weekend. The ACC Coastal division, however, is still up for grabs, and the Yellow Jackets play one of their biggest competitors for that title on Saturday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> has the offense to run with any team in the country, and the defense is looking better than it has in a long time. After having the worst defense in the ACC in 2014, the Tar Heels are allowing only 14.8 points per game this year, which is good for 16th in the nation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/50834" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/50834">Marquise Williams </a>will reportedly start for North Carolina, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/71696" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/71696">Mitch Trubisky</a> has caused drama throughout the week after replacing Williams in the second half of North Carolina's game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/191" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/191">Delaware</a> and throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns.The passing will not be what decides the game, however. In each of its two losses Georgia Tech’s leading rusher was held to less than 80 yards, which is huge when facing a team that relies on the run as much as the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech is sixth in the nation at 326 yards per game, and it will be up to Gene Chizik’s defense to contain the running game. Georgia Tech hasn’t been able to do anything when it hasn't been able to run, and how Georgia Tech fares on the ground will decide the game.Boston College at Duke Saturday, Oct. 3, 3:30 p.m. ET<figure><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/132958/cropped_USAT_106040.jpg?ts=1443689906"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>If you are looking for a shootout this weekend, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/100" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/100">Boston College</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke </a>probably isn't the game for you.Both teams are among the top ten in the nation in points allowed per game. The Eagles are allowing only 7.8 points per game which is the second-best mark in the country, while the Blue Devils' 11.5 points allowed is seventh in the nation. The defenses will also have the benefit of struggling quarterbacks. Against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/488" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/488">Northern Illinois</a> last week, Boston College's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87833" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87833">Troy Flutie </a>completed five passes. The Eagles ran the ball 63 times against the Huskies compared to only 14 passes.The entire offense was miserable for Boston College with the exception of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87836" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87836">Jon Hilliman</a>, who ran for 119 yards and a touchdown, but he's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/840670" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/840670">out indefinitely</a> with a broken foot. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60548" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60548">Thomas Sirk</a> had a better week against Georgia Tech, but his 114 yards passing and pair of touchdowns is still nothing to write home about. The point is neither of these teams are expected to score a lot of points, but both are quality ACC teams who could make some noise once the offenses are in check.

3 games to watch in the ACC: Clemson faces true test in Notre Dame

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