ACC Football Power Rankings: Clemson rebounds, Miami survives in Week 10
By Dana Becker
Following an upset vs. Clemson, Syracuse dropped a 27-19 contest to Miami two weeks ago. That gave the Orange plenty to work on during their recent bye week.
Syracuse is currently fourth in the ACC Atlantic and 4-4 overall. They have been a strong home team, going 4-1 inside the Carrier Dome and 0-3 on the road.
The Orange face a reeling Florida State on the road this Saturday.
After a couple of close calls, Boston College finally prevailed, throttling Florida State this past Friday night, 35-3.
AJ Dillon had a huge game, rushing for 149 yards and a touchdown as the Eagles snapped a seven-game losing skid to the Seminoles. They have also won three straight league games for the first time in four years, sitting at 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the conference.
Dillon, a talented freshman, now sits at 843 yards with three 100-yard rushing games to his credit this year. He has over 450 yards in his last three.
Boston College has the week off before hosting NC State next Saturday.
The Hokies held firm at No. 4 in the ACC power rankings after besting Duke, 24-3.
Josh Jackson passed for 200 yards and a touchdown, and Deshawn McClease rushed for a team-high 75 yards and also scored. Virginia Tech’s defense was also in rare form, holding the Blue Devils to 183 yards and forcing two turnovers.
Winners of three in a row since a loss to Clemson, the Hokies are set for a showdown for the ACC Coastal at Miami this Saturday night.
It was a rough day for the Wolfpack in their first of two key battles this past weekend, falling at Notre Dame, 35-14.
The benefit, though, for NC State is that the loss doesn’t hurt them in the ACC standings.
Ryan Finley threw his first interception of the season, passing for just 213 yards. The Wolfpack were also held to just 50 yards rushing on 24 carries.
If NC State wants to prove its worth in the league, they get that chance Saturday when they welcome defending champion Clemson to Raleigh in a battle for the ACC Atlantic.