ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 8: Pitt pushing for No. 1 spot

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Oct 16, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) celebrates after the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Gray intercepted the ball in the last minute to seal the victory. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: . Yellow Jackets . 8. team. 880. . 3-3, 2-2

Georgia Tech has been as inconsistent as their record would suggest. The Yellow Jackets played Clemson to a one-possession loss and upset No. 21 North Carolina. The Ramblin’ Wreck was also blown out by Pitt and lost to Northern Illinois by one point to begin the season.

This inconsistency has much to do with quarterback Jeff Sims being in and out of the lineup with injuries and inconsistent when he is in the lineup. That said, the ‘Jackets have an outside chance to make a bowl if they can find three wins.

Hokies . 7. team. 847. . 3-3, 1-1. Previous:

The Hokies were defeated handily by the Pitt Panthers at home this past weekend, 28-7. Panthers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett owned the Virginia Tech defense, and the Hokie offense was non-existent.

Their last two performances and stagnant recruiting have head coach Justin Fuente firmly on the hot seat. Former coach Frank Beamer made the Virginia Tech job look easier than it is. Fuente needs to finish strong to keep his job; then again, it might not matter.

838. . 4-3, 3-3. Previous: . Tar Heels . 6. team

Though the Tar Heels’ season has not gone as planned, quarterback Sam Howell has played like the conference offensive player of the year thus far. Though Howell’s completion percentage is lower than last season, he’s become a plus in the run game and is more valuable than any player this side of Brennan Armstrong to his team.

This season should have been expected, however. North Carolina lost five of its best players to the NFL draft in the offseason. In addition, the defense is a year away. They are talented, but much of their depth is inexperienced.

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