9. NC State 6-6 (4-4)
Speaking of middle of the pack. NC State will go 6-6 and 4-4 in ACC play. The defense for the Wolfpack has not looked great to begin the year. In their last three games, they have allowed 88 points to middle-of-the-road conference teams. It does not help that they have an absolute gauntlet to navigate through to end the season. They play Georgia Tech, Miami, and Florida State consecutively over three weeks. That does not include their road game against Notre Dame. The Wolfpack may squeak into a bowl game, but they will have to win the 50/50 games.
8. California 8-4 (5-3)
ACC fans have another shocking placement in the ACC. California was projected to finish near the bottom of the conference. They are turning heads, though, with wins over Oregon State and Minnesota. They were mauled in their last outing against San Diego State, so that is definitely not a good look. They have enough talent to bounce back, though. Outside of Louisville and SMU, their conference opponents are either middle-of-the-pack or at the bottom. Cal could be one of the most shocking teams at the end of the year in the ACC. Do not be shocked if they end up in a bowl game at the end of the season.