ESPN ranks ACC Football teams from first to last ahead of Week 7

Going into Week 7 of the college football season, ESPN updated its FPI rankings and metrics. Few conferences across the country are shaping up to be as entertaining as the ACC entering the second weekend of October.

This came after Saturday’s big-time showdown between Miami and Florida State. One where the pace in the ACC could really be set, the Hurricanes wound up winners. Others in the conference played in crucial games too, causing for some movement.

So, let’s dive into the latest ACC rankings from ESPN. Remember this is based on the FPI metrics and ratings.

1. Miami Hurricanes

If there was any question about the top team in the ACC heading into last week, those are now gone. Mario Cristobal made it quite clear that Miami is the state champion, beating their third in-state opponent on Saturday.

ESPN’s FPI puts a wide margin between Miami and the team they took down. College Football Playoff odds are not a few ticks over 50% too, a great position to be in.

2. Florida State Seminoles

Two losses in a row have Florida State searching for some answers. Still, ESPN likes the Seminoles overall, placing them at No. 2 in the ACC.

Right now, the goal might be responding well in the coming weeks to be in position for a potential ACC Championship game appearance. Work is there to do, getting back in front of the home fans this week.

3. Duke Blue Devils

Outside of Florida State, Duke is the team given the best odds to win the ACC at 17.2%. It’s something the program has not done since 1989 when Steve Spurrier was the head coach.

However, the tests continue to come for Manny Diaz. A trip out West got checked off and next up is a big-time ranked opponent.

4. Virginia Cavaliers

Winners on back-to-back occasions, Virginia finds itself 2-0 to start ACC play. There is a different feel around the program in Tony Elliott’s fourth season, already matching last year’s win total.

The chance to dream big is now there in the FPI’s eyes. They project Virginia to almost finish 10-2, sitting at 9.8-2.7. If the Hoos can get there, it would be the first double-digit season since 1989.

5. Louisville Cardinals

6. SMU Mustangs

SMU took a couple of punches to the face during its nonconfernece portion of the schedule. In-state losses hurt more than others, especially when the opponents are Baylor and TCU.

However, Rhett Lashlee’s bunch still has everything to play for in the ACC. Seven games remain on the schedule, looking to match its league-opening victory in Dallas.

7. Clemson Tigers

While you never want to be in that position, few things feel better than a get-right game. Clemson needed one in the worst way and possibly took out some frustration on Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill.

Even so, the FPI numbers are not favorable for Clemson compared to its counterparts. Gaining bowl eligibility is not even a guarantee, sitting at 66% at the moment.

8. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

One of four teams in the ACC ranked in the AP poll, Georgia Tech is a lot lower than the other three per ESPN’s FPI. Despite an undefeated record and projected one of 9-3, the Worldwide Leader is not buying the Yellow Jackets.

Brent Key is likely not too interested in numbers, though. He is willing to win games at whatever cost to continue the great trajectory Georgia Tech is currently on.

9. Pittsburgh Panthers

There is a drop off from Georgia Tech to Pitt in the FPI rankings, around the same of where the Yellow Jackets are from Duke. Even after a big win for the Panthers, not much movement in their favor.

Saturday brings a chance to build by taking on Florida State in Tallahassee. This will be Pitt’s just second time playing FSU on the road since the early 1980s.

10. NC State Wolfpack

Not much faith is being put in NC State by the FPI outside of getting to six wins. Almost every other metric sits at 0.0%. Making the CFP is the exception, coming in at 0.1%.

An opportunity does come up to bat Week 7, heading to South Bend for a showdown against Notre Dame. Get a win vs. the Irish and NC State heading into Week 8 with some better projections.

11. Virginia Tech Hokies
12. Syracuse Orange
13. Cal Golden Bears
14. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
15. Boston College Eagles
16. Stanford Cardinal
17. North Carolina Tar Heels