As we enter the middle of January, things are beginning to heat up in the ACC for men's basketball. It was a week that saw some draw-dropping finishes, along with some head-scratching results. When the dust settled, the one big takeaway was how hard it is to win on the road, no matter who you are. As we head into another week of action, let's fire up the latest ACC Power Rankings.
ACC Men's Basketball Power Rankings: Chaos ensues
18. Florida State (7-11, 0-5)
Last Week: 16
When the season started, who had the Seminoles as the last winless team in ACC play? It won't get easier this week with road games at Miami and SMU.
17. Pittsburgh (8-10, 1-4)
Last Week: 17
The Panthers picked up their first conference win at Georgia Tech by 23 points, then they allowed 100 at home to Louisville on Saturday. A huge battle is on the horizon at Boston College this week.
16. Boston College (8-10, 1-4)
Last Week: 18
The Eagles picked up their first ACC win by stunning Syracuse in overtime on Saturday afternoon. See above for a pivotal matchup this week in Chestnut Hill.
15. Georgia Tech (11-8, 2-4)
Last Week: 15
What and up and down week for the Yellow Jackets. They get blown at home by Pitt, then win on the road at NC State. Madness.
14. Notre Dame (10-8, 2-4)
Last Week: 13
With each passing game, the loss of Markus Burton is felt by the Irish.
13. Wake Forest (11-7, 2-3)
Last Week: 14
The Demon Deacons picked up a win in their lone game this week at Florida State.
12. North Carolina State (12-6, 3-2)
Last Week: 9
One week after dropping 113 points on Florida State, the Wolfpack lost a home game to Georgia Tech that it could ill-afford to lose.
11. Syracuse (12-6, 3-2)
Last Week: 11
Losing at BC simply can't happen if you want to make the NCAA Tournament in March.
10. California (14-5, 2-4)
Last Week: 12
The Golden Bears picked up a huge resume win over North Carolina at home after losing to Duke earlier in the week.
9. Virginia Tech (14-5, 3-3)
Last Week: 8
If the Hokies could hit free throws at the end of games, they would be a lot higher.
8. Stanford (14-5, 3-3)
Last Week: 10
Like Cal, the Cardinal picked up a huge win this week over North Carolina. A huge resume-building victory.
7. SMU (13-5, 2-3)
Last Week: 7
Boopie Miller saved the Mustangs week with a 48-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to stun Virginia Tech.
6. Louisville (12-4, 2-2)
Last Week: 4
The Cardinals have been a tough team to figure out this year, but injuries have played a role so far. When healthy, they're a very good team.
5. North Carolina (14-4, 2-3)
Last Week: 2
It was a forgetable trip to California for the Tar Heels, losing to both Cal and Stanford.
4. Miami (15-3, 4-1)
Last Week: 3
After winning on the road at Notre Dame, the Hurricanes fell to Clemson on the road. Life on the road in conference play.
3. Virginia (16-2, 5-1)
Last Week: 6
The Cavaliers won their fourth and fifth straight ACC games with wins at Louisville and SMU. Really impressive week for Virginia.
2. Clemson (16-3, 6-0)
Last Week: 5
Wins over Boston College and Miami at home have the Tigers still undefeated in ACC play.
1. Duke (17-1, 6-0)
Last Week: 1
The Blue Devils swept their trip to Cal and Stanford to remain in the top spot for another week.
ACC schedule this week
Tuesday's Games
North Carolina State at Clemson, 7 p.m.
Florida State at Miami, 7 p.m.
SMU at Wake Forest, 9 p.m.
Wednesday's Games
Notre Dame at North Carolina, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Boston College, 7 p.m.
Virginia Tech at Syracuse, 9 p.m.
Saturday's Games
North Carolina State at Pittsburgh, 12 p.m.
Clemson at Georgia Tech, 12 p.m.
Miami at Syracuse, 2 p.m.
North Carolina at Virginia, 2 p.m.
Virginia Tech at Louisville, 3:30 p.m.
Florida State at SMU, 4 p.m.
Wake Forest at Duke, 5:45 p.m.
Boston College at Notre Dame, 6 p.m.
California at Stanford, 8 p.m.