ACC Breakdown: Florida State continues to dominate conference

All eyes were on Tallahassee last week, and No. 3 Florida State didn’t disappoint. Despite struggles against No. 7 Miami, the Seminoles had a big second half to secure their 41-14 victory over their in-state rival.

The win bumped the clear ACC favorite to No. 2 in the BCS standings. With undefeated Oregon and Ohio State directly behind FSU in the standings, the Seminoles need to continue racking up style points in their final four games.

Meanwhile, Pitt fell further down the ladder by way of its 21-10 loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Here’s this week’s ACC Breakdown:

1. No. 2 Florida State (8-0, 6-0 ACC)

Twenty unanswered second-half points gave FSU a comfortable victory. The Seminoles have been known to blow winnable games, and they will need to remain focused down the stretch against opponents who are far less talented than they are.

2. No. 7 Clemson (8-1, 6-1 ACC)

The Clemson offense is back to its usual ways, scoring a combined 99 points in the past two games. The Tigers easily disposed of Virginia in a 59-10 win. While Clemson doesn’t have much of a chance at winning the ACC championship because it’s in FSU’s conference, an 11-1 season could still land the Tigers in a BCS bowl.

3. No. 11 Miami (7-1, 3-1 ACC)

Losing to FSU was nothing to be ashamed of for Miami. The Hurricanes showed they were taking on water after they needed last-minute drives to beat North Carolina and Wake Forest. What hurts the most about the loss to the Seminoles is that star running back Duke Johnson broke his ankle and will miss the rest of the year. Miami could still earn a rematch with FSU in the ACC title championship. Without Johnson, that feat is a lot more challenging.

4. Georgia Tech (6-3, 5-2 ACC)

With the help of five sacks, the Yellow Jackets defense held Pitt to -5 rushing yards while the offense ran for 276 yards. It’s no surprise that Georgia Tech downed Pitt 21-10 with relative ease.

5. Duke (6-2, 2-2 ACC)

The Blue Devils were off last weekend in preparation for North Carolina State on Saturday. Duke, sitting at 6-2, has four winnable games left and could still make a run at the Coastal Division championship.

6. Boston College (4-4, 2-3 ACC)

A 34-27 win over a struggling Virginia Tech was just what the Eagles needed. Boston College played with both FSU and Clemson but couldn’t pull off the upset. While the Hokies have been struggling lately, Boston College deserved to get a big win.

7. Virginia Tech (6-3, 3-2 ACC)

Back-to-back losses to Duke and Boston College were just another twist on the roller coaster of a season for Virginia Tech. The Hokies turned the ball over four times against Boston College just a week after turning it over to the Blue Devils four times, as well.

8. North Carolina (3-5, 2-3 ACC)

For the first time since 2005, the Tar Heels knocked off their rival, North Carolina State, in Raleigh. After falling down 10-0, UNC pulled off a 27-19 victory and improved its record to 3-5.

9. Pitt (4-4, 2-3 ACC)

Now 0-2 against triple-option teams this season, Paul Chryst won’t have to worry about that type of offense again this year. It’s not hard to envision this Panthers team improving vastly if the offensive line improves, but how this team will improve the line is anyone’s guess.

10. Syracuse (4-4, 2-2 ACC)

After pitching a shutout, getting one turnover and holding Wake Forest to 198 yards, the Syracuse defense deserves a pat on the back. The Orange won 13-0 in a game that they needed badly to keep their bowl hopes alive.

11. Wake Forest (4-5, 2-4 ACC)

The loss to Syracuse hurt, but, like Miami, Wake Forest lost its star player last weekend. Michael Campanaro entered the game as third all-time in the ACC in receptions. After suffering a broken collarbone, Campanaro might not get a shot to get the three more receptions he needs to move up to second all-time in the ACC in receptions. Campanaro’s personal accolades aside, the Demon Deacons are much less talented without their star. 

12. Maryland (5-3, 1-3 ACC)

The Terrapins have been a win away from bowl eligibility since Oct. 12. Last weekend’s bye allowed Maryland to get healthy. After once being the conference’s dark-horse candidate, the Terps are fighting to get a win and secure a bowl berth.

13. North Carolina State (3-5, 0-5 ACC)

Four straight losses have sent the Wolfpack reeling. It doesn’t get much easier for NC State this week as the Wolfpack take on their rival, Duke. The Blue Devils will be looking to continue their four-game winning streak and beat up on the struggling Wolfpack.

14. Virginia (2-7, 0-5 ACC)

After getting blown out by Clemson, the Cavaliers became the first ACC team to ensure they’ll be spending bowl season at home. Virginia may not win a game the rest of the way, as the Cavaliers end their season by traveling to UNC and Miami and hosting Virginia Tech.