The ACC just won’t quit with the chaos. Week 8 saw the conference’s last undefeated Power 4 team fall, another top contender solidify its place in the league title hunt, and FSU sinks to a stunning 0-4 conference start. Louisville’s upset win in Miami has completely changed the championship math.
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The Week 8 Scoreboard Highlights
- Louisville 24, #2 Miami 21 (Cardinals hand Hurricanes their first loss with a massive road upset)
- #7 Georgia Tech 27, #13 Duke 18 (Yellow Jackets stay perfect in a defensive battle)
- SMU 35, Clemson 24 (Mustangs get a huge road win to remain undefeated in league play)
- Pitt 30, Syracuse 13 (Panthers continue resurgence behind freshman QB)
- Stanford 20, Florida State 13 (Seminoles lose fourth straight in shocking fashion)
- #18 Virginia 22, Washington State 20 (Cavaliers survive a scare at home)
- Cal 21, North Carolina 18 (Golden Bears inch closer to bowl eligibility)
- UConn 38, Boston College 23 (Eagles suffer blowout non-conference loss)
The Rankings
Tier 1: The Undefeated Conference Leaders
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-0, 4-0 ACC) The Yellow Jackets survive the Duke challenge 27-18 and stand alone as the only team in the conference with a perfect record. They are 4-0 in conference play and are now the overwhelming favorite to secure a spot in Charlotte. Haynes King is delivering, and the defense is opportunistic. Next Week: vs. Syracuse (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- SMU Mustangs (5-2, 3-0 ACC) The Mustangs made a huge statement by defeating Clemson 35-24 in Death Valley. SMU is the ACC’s quiet giant and, at 3-0 in conference play, they control their own destiny. This team is built for the long haul. Next Week: at Wake Forest (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Virginia Cavaliers (6-1, 3-0 ACC) The Cavaliers survived another close one, edging Washington State 22-20. While they aren’t blowing anyone out, Virginia is 3-0 in ACC play and keeps finding ways to win close games. Their record speaks for itself. Next Week: at North Carolina (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
Tier 2: Contenders with Momentum
- Louisville Cardinals (5-1, 2-1 ACC) Jeff Brohm gets his signature win, taking down undefeated Miami 24-21 on the road. The defense forced four critical interceptions, proving that this team can beat the conference’s best. Louisville is firmly back in the ACC Championship race. Next Week: vs. Boston College (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
- Pittsburgh Panthers (5-2, 3-1 ACC) Pitt continues its rapid climb after their mid-season QB change, dominating Syracuse 30-13. They are now 3-1 in conference play with three straight wins and are a dangerous dark horse contender. Next Week: vs. NC State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Miami Hurricanes (5-1, 1-1 ACC) The Hurricanes lost their first game of the season, 24-21 to Louisville. Carson Beck’s four-interception night was disastrous. While their overall profile is still strong, they no longer control their own path to the title game. Next Week: vs. Stanford (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET)
- Duke Blue Devils (4-3, 3-1 ACC) Duke drops after a tough 27-18 home loss to Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils struggled with turnovers and special teams miscues but still boast a strong 3-1 conference record. Next Week: BYE
- California Golden Bears (5-2, 2-1 ACC) Cal secured their fifth win, beating North Carolina 21-18, and are just one win away from bowl eligibility. At 2-1 in ACC play, they are punching above their weight and remain dangerous. Next Week (Friday, Oct 24): at Virginia Tech
Tier 3: The Struggling Bluebloods
- Clemson Tigers (3-4, 2-3 ACC) Clemson’s two-game win streak ends with a rough 35-24 home loss to SMU. The offensive struggles returned, and they are now 2-3 in conference play. The Tigers have a long way to go to salvage this season. Next Week: BYE
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-2, 1-2 ACC) The Demon Deacons had a bye week and are one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. They are bowl-eligible in sight, but face a tough SMU team this week. Next Week: vs. SMU (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Stanford Cardinal (3-4, 2-2 ACC) In a stunning turn of events, Stanford defeated Florida State 20-13! They are now 2-2 in conference play and have a path to a bowl game thanks to FSU’s implosion. Next Week: at #9 Miami
- NC State Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2 ACC) The Wolfpack had a bye week to regroup after the lopsided loss to Notre Dame. They desperately need a win against Pitt to keep pace in the league. Next Week: at Pitt (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Virginia Tech Hokies (2-5, 1-3 ACC) The Hokies fought hard but lost to Georgia Tech 35-20. They are now 1-3 in conference play and need to win out to have a shot at a bowl game. Next Week (Friday, Oct 24): vs. California
- Syracuse Orange (3-4, 1-3 ACC) Syracuse suffers another loss without their starting QB, falling to Pitt 30-13. At 1-3 in conference, their season is quickly slipping away. Next Week: at #7 Georgia Tech (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 0-4 ACC) The Seminoles lost a fourth straight game and fall to 0-4 in conference play after a shocking 20-13 loss to Stanford. This is an unprecedented freefall for a preseason favorite. Next Week: BYE
- North Carolina Tar Heels (2-4, 0-2 ACC) UNC lost another close one, falling to Cal 21-18. Bill Belichick’s team remains winless in ACC play, and the struggles continue. Next Week: vs. #16 Virginia (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Boston College Eagles (1-6, 0-4 ACC) The Eagles lost to UConn 38-23, dropping them to 1-6 and 0-4 in conference. They are firmly at the bottom of the league. Next Week: at #19 Louisville (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
