ACC 2023 Football Power Rankings: Where did Virginia Tech finish?
By Scott Roche
. 6. . 434. 8-5. . ACC. . .
The Blue Devils started the season well, beating Clemson, then Notre Dame, but an injury to quarterback Riley Leonard slowly had a trickle effect and they finished with five losses. Head coach Mike Elko left for Texas A&M and they hired former Miami coach Manny Diaz. Duke beat Troy in the 76 Birmingham Bowl to finish the season on a high note.
. . . 7-6. . . ACC. . 447. 5
The Hokies rebounded from a tough start in their four non-conference games to go 5-3 in the ACC, recorded five blowout wins, and then took down No. 23 Tulane, 41-20, in the Military Bowl. Next season head coach Brent Pry brings back most of his team, they have added depth in the transfer portal and their skilled position players will have a full offseason in Blacksburg. A favorable schedule means nine wins are not of the question for Virginia Tech.
9-4. . . . . 432. ACC. . 4.
After losing to Duke on Labor Day night, then sitting at 4-4, it was quite the turnaround for Dabo Swinney and the Tigers. They won their final five games, including beating Kentucky, 38-35, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Expect Clemson to be back on the rise next season in the ACC.