2017 ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings week 8
History in the Making
This is not the first time that Miami is undefeated and ranked in the top ten. Before joining the ACC, this was a regular occurrence and one of the major appeals for the ACC wanting the Hurricanes back in 2004’s realignment.
Now it’s history in the making, as Miami is on course for their first ever Coastal crown. Yes, I said that right. Since joining the ACC 13 years ago, the Hurricanes have never finished better than second in the Coastal (they did finish tied for first in 2012 but had a self-imposed ban).
As of today, they are ranked eighth nationally and are the ACC’s only remaining undefeated team. They have done this, thanks to some timely defense, the arm of Malik Rosier and the legs of Travis Homer.
Homer has only started the past two games, but already leads the team in rushing yards. In the game against Syracuse, Homer rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Despite all of this, the Hurricane’s shot at history is not a given. Miami has played only one of the top five ACC teams. Additionally, their two best wins are against Georgia Tech and Florida State, neither of whom are ranked.
Miami will look to continue their run toward history this week when they travel to take on North Carolina. A win in Chapel Hill may not move the needle on Miami’s legitimacy, but a loss surely would.
Well that does it for this round of rankings. Before I sign off, here is how I rank the entire ACC (Coastal teams in bold, rankings movement in parentheses):
- Miami Hurricanes (+1)
- Clemson Tigers (-1)
- Virginia Tech Hokies (+1)
- NC State Wolfpack (-1)
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+2)
- Louisville Cardinals (+2)
- Boston College Eagles (+4)
- Syracuse Orange (+1)
- Florida State Seminoles (-3)
- Virginia Cavaliers (-5)
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-1)
- Pittsburgh Panthers (+1)
- Duke Blue Devils (-1)
- North Carolina Tar Heels (0)
Enjoy the week and get rested up for week nine. The season is far from over, as there are still plenty of big games left to be played.
What did you think of this week’s rankings? Let us know in the comments below.