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

5 of 6

Oct 16, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Isaiah Moore (1) breaks up a pass intended for Boston College Eagles tight end Trae Barry (3) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

. 4-2, 3-1. Previous: . Tigers . 5. team. 879

Clemson still has a lot to figure out offensively. However, Clemson still has one of the best (if not the best) defenses in the conference. The Tigers’ last two victories have been ugly, but they have been wins. Head coach Dabo Swiney and the Clemson staff have done an excellent job keeping the Tigers in the hunt.

Clemson plays Pitt this weekend and still has Wake Forest later in November. They’ll need North Carolina State to lose, but Clemson will have a say in the outcome of the conference race. They’ll either come back to play for the conference title or spoil it for someone else.

446. . 5-2, 3-2. Previous: . Cavaliers . 4. team

Virginia might not win the Coastal or play for the conference title like they did two seasons ago, but the V-Men are fun to watch. Brennan Armstrong is battling it out with Kenny Pickett as the best quarterback in the conference.

The defense has been up and down, but the offense finds ways to score points without a great running game. The Cavaliers play Georgia Tech in an ACC Coastal showdown and play BYU in Provo in the “Bronco Bowl.”

The Wolfpack did not fall for the Clemson upset hangover game by decimating the Boston College Eagles 33-7 last weekend. Offensively Devin Leary has played exceptionally well with a 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Both Zonovan Knight and Ricky Pearson have stayed healthy at running back.

The North Carolina State defense is legit once again this season. With a win against Clemson in their pocket, their next three games are winnable. Could their November matchup against Wake Forest determine the ACC Atlantic champion?

Home/ACC