Clemson began the season at No. 4 in the AP poll, and Florida State rose all the way to No. 7 amid a 3-0 start. At one point or another, both were expected to be among the top teams in the ACC and potentially even national championship contenders.

But as they prepare to meet on Saturday, the outlook is bleak for both in an upside-down ACC. The Seminoles (4-4, 1-4) finally snapped a four-game losing streak last week against Wake Forest , putting at least a temporary bandage on what has become a second straight season of pain. The 'Noles still need to win at least two of their last four games to avoid missing a bowl for the fifth time in the past eight seasons. College Football Playoff Rankings projection: Alabama ahead of Big Ten, SEC unbeatens as initial top 25 looms Brad Craw

See Full Page