Around the ACC: Week 10
It’s no secret that the ACC has been one of the worst conferences in the Power Five this season.
However, there are still a few teams to keep an eye on as Week 10 approaches.
No. 9 Wake Forest
In the first College Football Playoff Rankings of the season released this past Tuesday evening, the Demon Deacons checked in at No. 9, despite being undefeated at 8-0 (5-0 ACC).
That is because they do not have any victories over top-25 teams.
However, if they can get past QB Sam Howell and North Carolina on the road this Saturday, then they'll have a grand opportunity at a quality win next Saturday vs No. 21 N.C. State at home.
In addition, there could be another opportunity for Dave Clawson's team to get a quality win in the ACC Championship, where the Demon Deacons will face No. 25 Pittsburgh if both teams continue to win.
If Wake Forest manages to win out, including a win in the ACC Championship Game, then they will have a solid case at making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
A large part of their success is due to their quarterback, Sam Hartman, who has been lights out for this team.
Hartman has 2,475 passing yards on the season and has thrown for 22 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
In addition, wide receivers Jaquarii Roberson A.T. Perry have stepped up big for the Demon Deacons, as they each have over 700 receiving yards and six and eight touchdowns, respectively.
No. 19 NC State
Some may have been surprised that the Wolfpack made the first College Football Playoff Rankings of the year, but this is a team that did defeat No. 9 Clemson at the time in overtime.
Dave Doeren’s team is coming off a 28-13 vs Louisville and will take on struggling Florida State this Saturday.
If they can survive the Seminoles, then they will have a chance to overtake No. 9 Wake Forest for first place in the ACC Atlantic next Saturday on the road.
Although the College Football Playoff is no longer in play for the Wolfpack, they still have a chance at both the ACC Championship Game and an invitation to a New Year’s Six Bowl.
No. 25 Pittsburgh
Everything was going well for Pat Narduzzi’s team until unranked Miami came into town and all but ended the Panthers' shot at their first College Football Playoff berth in program history.
But the Panthers still control their destiny in the ACC Coastal, as they have a one-game lead over Virginia, who they will meet on Nov. 20.
If they win out, then they will represent the ACC Coastal in the ACC Championship Game for the first time since 2018.
If they are victorious in that game, then they will likely be invited to a New Year’s Six Bowl.
Christian Smith is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cfs5591@psu.edu.
