3. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech may be the most overlooked but most dangerous obstacle in Louisville’s way. The Yellow Jackets started the year unranked but carried buzz as a dark horse thanks to veteran quarterback Haynes King. A sixth-year player, King has blossomed into one of the ACC’s most reliable signal-callers, leading a balanced offense that ranks near the top 10 in rushing production.
Signature wins have already arrived. A road victory at Colorado and a home upset of No. 12 Clemson vaulted Tech into the national rankings at No. 16. King’s leadership and clutch play—remember his eight-overtime heroics against Georgia last season—make the Jackets a legitimate contender.
The real danger, though, lies in their schedule. Georgia Tech has already beaten Clemson and avoids Miami, Florida State, Louisville, and SMU. Their toughest remaining games are at Duke and home dates with Syracuse and Pitt. If Tech takes care of business, they could cruise into Charlotte undefeated in ACC play. That’s a nightmare scenario for Louisville, because the Cards have no direct chance to knock them off.
Related: ACC Power Rankings: Crazy week 4 upsets causes top to bottom shakeup