9. SMU (2-2, 0-0)
After a playoff appearance last season, SMU had high hopes for this season. They have not started the season out the way they wanted. They lost to TCU this week, giving up 35 points. All hope is not lost for the Mustangs, as they have not started conference play yet. They will need to get it in gear and pick up where they left off last season, if they want to go back-to-back playoff appearances.
8. Cal (3-1, 0-0)
Despite losing to San Diego State last night the Cal Golden Bears are 3-1and are so far the biggest surprise in the ACC. The Golden Bears were projected to finish in the bottom half of the ACC this season, and they will continue to prove the doubters wrong. They will try and bounce back on the road next week to go head-to-head with Boston College. A 4-1 start could fire up this team in a huge way as they have one of the easier ACC schedules.