ACC Football Power Rankings: Miami closing in on division title
By Dana Becker
The Seminoles and head coach Jimbo Fisher finally got back in the win column, holding on for a 27-24 victory over Syracuse. While most years that kind of win would be frowned upon, 2017 hasn’t been like typical seasons for Florida State.
Sitting three wins from keeping a string of 35 consecutive bowl appearances going, the Seminoles head into hostile territory this Saturday afternoon with a date against Clemson.
Georgia Tech suffered a second consecutive loss this past weekend, falling to Virginia on the road by four. The setback dropped the Yellow Jackets back to 3-3 in the ACC and 4-4 overall, good for fourth in the Coastal.
After playing Clemson two weeks ago and going on the road to Virginia, the task doesn’t get any easier for Paul Johnson‘s bunch, as they welcome Virginia Tech fresh off a disappointing defeat to Miami.
Taquon Marshall did find his rhythm in the loss, rushing for 143 yards and two scores, and throwing for another 179 and a touchdown as part of an almost 500-yard day.
The Panthers benefited from their bye, giving the players a chance to rest and actually moving up a spot. Pittsburgh is a game behind Georgia Tech for fourth in the division and still under .500, needing two more wins to reach six.
Up next for the Panthers will be a Thursday night contest with ACC doormat North Carolina.
They gave up almost 500 yards of offense, but Virginia was able to finally get back on track, besting Georgia Tech, 40-36. With the victory, the Cavaliers moved into a tie with Virginia Tech for second in the Coastal and could finish as runners-up if they win out.
That quest continues with a road trip to Louisville to meet Lamar Jackson on Saturday.