Season 22 ACC Report Cards

By: David Ware (@davidware)

Report Card Time

Time to look at the ACC and how each team did in the first five games of the season. Many believe and the stats support the ACC as the strongest conference through the non-conference schedule. Four of the six teams have a winning record, as well as four of the six, have a positive point differential. So, we know the conference did well as a whole, but how is each team performing, well it’s time to see what their grade is for the first semester.

Virginia Tech

Current Record: (4-1)

1st Semester Grade: B+

The season may have not started in Week 1 the way the Hokies wanted, but they have turned it up and defeated Michigan State, Florida, and Notre Dame by a combined 53 points. They have a top-five offense. Virginia Tech is looking to really take a big step up in a crowded ACC conference.

Second half predictions:

Can the streak continue for Virginia Tech in the second half as they play Miami, Clemson, and North Carolina? They have two of the three top three teams in the conference still (excluding themselves) but with the huge improvement they have made this season. However, I believe they will still struggle to get past Miami and North Carolina.

Playoff Odds: 65%

Miami

Current Record: (4-1)

1st Semester Grade: B+

Miami has continued to be one of the top programs in the ACC and an opening conference win against North Carolina. It was a rather convincing win at that as well. The only loss Miami has so far is against the defending champions USC Trojans and that was by a slim three points. Miami also had huge wins against Kentucky and Texas A&M and they are building a very nice resume so far.

Second half predictions:

The Hurricanes have a favorable schedule left to finish the season as they face Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and Florida State. Miami will win two of their final three games and go (4-1) in conference play. They will have a shot at the conference title this year.

Playoff Odds: 80.0%

Florida State

Current Record: (3-2)

1st Semester Grade: B-

The Seminoles are 0.03 seconds away from being perfect (4-0) in their first four games. However, they have now lost two of their last four games. All of their games have been a one-score game, but the sign of a champion is being able to win those close games. Florida State ended Auburn’s regular season streak of 16 straight wins in Week 1.

Second half predictions:

The Seminoles’ schedule still has two teams who will contend for the ACC title, so each week will be a must-win when it comes to tiebreakers. I strongly believe this conference will have to use tie-breakers to determine the conference champ as well as one team will have to rely on a vote to get in playoffs. I give the Seminoles two wins in the second half to go (3-2) in ACC play.

Playoff Odds: 55%

North Carolina

Current Record: (4-1)

1st Semester Grade: B+

North Carolina started as one of the most dominant teams this season. The week one thrashing of Texas made a statement to the rest of the league. They were technically upset in Week 4, but it’s hard to call it that much of an upset due to Miami being a very strong team. North Carolina is off to the best start in school history.

Second half predictions:

If you are North Carolina, you have to feel good about your second-half schedule with Clemson, Florida State, and Virginia Tech. I could see a world where they run the table to finish the season but with the ACC anything can happen so I will say they get three more wins.

Playoff Odds: 75%

Clemson

Current Record: (1-4)

1st Semester Grade: C

Clemson has had the second toughest schedule in the CFSL this year and has kept all but one of their games competitive. Two of their losses are by a total of 10 points, so it is clear that something is brewing for Clemson. They just need to figure out how to win the close games and I believe Clemson is one more recruiting cycle away from taking the next step.

Second half predictions:

I would love to be optimistic about Clemson’s chance in the second half, but they have some brutal games coming their way. North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame will present them with what should be a difficult schedule. Something tells me they have a chance at two wins, but I think the cards would have to fall just right, so I am going to stick to one more win this season.

Playoff Odds: 15%

Notre Dame

Current Record: (1-4)

1st Semester Grade: D

Notre Dame has really started to build up their league activity and they had a big win against Oregon in week three and a very close loss to Tennessee in Week 1. They still have some room to grow as they have had two large losses, but I do see this team continuing to improve.

Second half predictions:

While I do believe that this team is going to continue, I am not sure we will see that produce wins this season. They still have Florida State, Miami, and Clemson left to play. An upset would be huge for the Fighting Irish, and it can happen, but I will have to stick with no wins with the remaining schedule. I would love to see them play spoiler though and get a few wins.

Playoff Odds: 5%

ACC Teams That Can Get Voted In the Playoffs

There will be a vote-in team out of the ACC without a doubt. The question is who will fall out of the top three automatic bids. Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Florida State, and Miami will be in the playoffs. The tie-breakers will be fun to watch with this conference as either of these four teams can win the conference as well as fall to a vote for the playoffs.

Until Next Time, Keep Your Game Face On and Your Spirits High!