Going into this weekend’s games, there are only two ACC teams who we know will not be going to a bowl game. Of the other 12 teams in the conference, half have six or more wins while the others may get their fifth victory, which could ultimately make them bowl eligible based on APR ratings.
1. Clemson (9-0)
Clemson took care of a dangerous Syracuse team with a 54-0 victory. Hopefully, Deshaun Watson’s injury isn’t serious, as that could have major implications for both the Tigers and New Year’s Eve viewers.
2. Louisville (8-1)
Calls are being made for this team to be put in the College Football Playoff instead of Washington or Michigan. Their play this season suggests that could be a good call.
3. Virginia Tech (7-2)
Last week against Duke was the first time they hadn’t reached 30 points in a game all season. They could be a very dangerous opponent for either Clemson or Louisville in the ACC title game.
4. North Carolina (7-2)
The Tar Heels can and should win 10 games this year, but it may not be enough to finish higher than fourth overall in the conference.
5. Florida State (6-3)
Games against pushover Boston College and the high flying Syracuse Orange could help the Seminoles salvage what may otherwise feel like a down season in Tallahassee.
6. Miami (5-4)
The Hurricanes are on a roller coaster of a season, having started the season with four straight wins. That was followed by four losses, and it may be followed with four wins to finish the season.
7. Wake Forest (6-3)
Wake Forest is bowl eligible and could play spoiler by beating Clemson or Louisville in the next two weeks.
8. Pittsburgh (5-4)
A blowout loss to Miami exposed some vulnerabilities in their defense, which has given up 45 points a game over the past two weeks. Playing the Clemson Tigers means that this trend is unlikely to end.
9. Georgia Tech (5-4)
Losing by 28 to North Carolina brought them back to Earth after two narrow wins over Georgia Southern and Duke.
10. Syracuse (4-5)
They lost 54-0 on Saturday, which shows just how far they have to go in Dino Baber’s first season. Losing Eric Dungey hurts too, but the team is still in the bowl hunt.
11. N.C State (4-5)
The Wolfpack play everybody tough. The only problem is that they don’t win many close games. Bowl eligibility is not out of the picture.
12. Boston College (4-5)
Boston College entered conference play 3-0, looking to take a step forward. At 4-5, they only have one winnable game left against the miserable Connecticut Huskies in two weeks.
13. Virginia (2-7)
A Nov. 29 game against Georgia Tech may be their best hope to avoid double-digit losses in the 2016 campaign.
14. Duke (3-6)
The Blue Devils are still looking for their first ACC win of the year. It probably isn’t coming on Thursday against North Carolina.
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