ESPN ranks ACC Football teams from first to last after Week 9

ESPN’s FPI metrics ranked all 17 teams in the ACC after Week 9 of college football and they have been shifted! As we turn the calendar to November, things are heating up!

Miami and Georgia Tech seem to be in the two-horse race for the conference crown, but Louisville and Virginia might have something to say about that! Everyone else is playing catch up.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the latest ACC rankings from ESPN’s FPI metrics. We start at the top!

1. Miami

How do you bounce back from an upset loss? A blowout win over Stanford of course! The Hurricanes won 42-7 and remained at the top of the ACC

Mario Cristobal and crew are back in action at SMU next weekend as they still control their destiny for the ACC. Although Georgia Tech is still undefeated.

2. Georgia Tech

Speaking of Georgia Tech, they have an unblemished record. But they still trail Miami in the FPI metrics within the ACC.

Still, this team could end up winning the conference and make the College Football playoff. They’re coming off a 41-16 win over Syracuse and will be favored in their next three games, setting up a showdown with rival Georgia to conclude the year.

3. Louisville (+1)

The Cardinals moved up a spot in the ACC rankings this week, following a 38-24 win over Boston College. Louisville is now 6-1 on the season.

Isaac Brown was dominant with 14 carries for 205 yards and a touchdown. Next up is Virginia Tech on the road.

4. Florida State (+1)

Florida State moved up a spot in the ACC rankings with the FPI metrics despite coming off a loss and bye week. The Seminoles are 3-4 on the year and host Wake Forest this week.

It’s been a struggle for this team, so don’t let the ranking fool you. There will be a comprehensive review for Mike Norvell and the entire program at season’s end. 

5. SMU

SMU’s been quieter this year and dropped to 5-3 after losing 13-12 to Wake Forest on Saturday. A second straight trip to the ACC Championship is likely off the table now. 

They’ll host Miami this weekend, so the challenge will be great. But, the Hurricanes have been picked off already, so be weary.

6. Pittsburgh (+1)

Let’s not forget about Pitt, which is now 6-2 on the season following a 53-34 win over NC State at home. Mason Heintschel threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

The Panthers only lost to Louisville in ACC play, so this could be a sneaky team down the stretch. They’ll be at Stanford this weekend before hosting Notre Dame on November 15.

7. Clemson (+1)

Clemson lost to SMU 35-24 and then went into a bye week, but they moved up in the ACC rankings this week. The Tigers will look to get back on the winning end of things with a game against Duke Saturday.

It’s been a rough season, considering Dabo Swinney and crew are 3-4 this year. There were national title expectations this year, but they’ll look to salvage the rest of the campaign.

8. Duke

At 4-3, Duke didn’t necessarily take the next step under Manny Diaz after winning nine games last year. Still, the ACC is open the rest of the way as the Blue Devils play Clemson, UConn, UVA, North Carolina and Wake Forest.

Is nine wins out of the question? Perhaps not. But Duke certainly has some work to do in the month of November.

9. Virginia

Virginia is on the low end of the ACC top 10, despite being 7-1 this season. They’re also ranked No. 15 in the country, so the FPI metrics are curious.

They struggled in an overtime win over North Carolina, but should be favored the rest of the way. They suffered a loss to NC State earlier this year but haven’t looked back since so this could be a sneaky ACC champion pick!

10. NC State

And speaking of NC State, they are a pedestrian 4-4, coming off a rough loss to Pittsburgh. Now, they get ranked ACC foes in Georgia Tech and Miami in two of the next three weeks.

Getting bowl eligible might be a challenge in November! Still, there’s time to right the ship for the Wolfpack.

ESPN updates ACC rankings after Week 9

11. Wake Forest
12. Virginia Tech
13. Syracuse (+1)
14. Cal (+1)
15. Stanford (+1)
16. North Carolina (+1)
17. Boston College