Women’s college basketball Power Rankings: Can Georgia Tech remain undefeated?

Women’s College Basketball: ACC Powerhouses and Surprises

As the women’s college basketball season unfolds, the ACC is once again proving to be a hotbed of talent and competition. Coaches and a media panel had their eyes set on Notre Dame as the preseason favorite in the ACC, and so far, the Fighting Irish are living up to those expectations. Currently ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s women’s college basketball Power Rankings, Notre Dame is also projected as a No. 1 seed in Bracketology.

The ACC’s reputation for excellence is well-earned, with a representative in the women’s Final Four in eight of the past 10 NCAA tournaments. This impressive streak began the year Notre Dame joined the league, and the Irish have been the only ACC team to clinch a national championship during this period, taking the title in 2018. As the season progresses, Notre Dame appears poised to be a top contender once again.

But who else in the ACC is expected to secure a double-bye into the tournament quarterfinals and position themselves for a high NCAA tournament seed? While it’s still two months away and much can change, one team that has emerged as a surprise contender is Georgia Tech. Initially not considered a strong possibility, the Yellow Jackets have defied expectations with an undefeated start, earning a spot in the Power Rankings for the fourth consecutive week. They were ranked 10th in the ACC preseason poll but have surged to a 15-0 start, projecting as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament, which would allow them to host the early rounds for the first time in their history.

Leading the charge for Georgia Tech is the dynamic guard trio of freshman Dani Carnegie and juniors Kara Dunn and Tonie Morgan. The Yellow Jackets are set to host Virginia Tech on Thursday, with their biggest test looming on January 16th at Notre Dame.

Another ACC team currently projected as a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament is Duke. The Blue Devils are off to a strong start in ACC play, alongside Notre Dame, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and NC State. Duke’s rivalry with North Carolina is set to reignite on Thursday in Chapel Hill, a matchup that always promises excitement.

While Georgia Tech’s rise has been a pleasant surprise, the ACC newcomer Stanford has faced unexpected challenges. The Cardinal are navigating their first season without legendary coach Tara VanDerveer, dealing with the loss of key players to the WNBA draft and transfer portal, and adjusting to a new conference located across the country. Stanford’s 0-3 start in league play and recent losses, including back-to-back defeats on their first true ACC road trip, have been uncharacteristic for the three-time NCAA champions.

It’s unusual to see Stanford among the teams at the bottom of the ACC standings, but the Cardinal, like Cal, must adapt to this new conference landscape. Cal, on the other hand, has started ACC play with a 2-1 record, showing that adjustments can lead to success.

• UCLA Bruins (16-0): The Bruins remain at the top of the rankings, with recent wins over Indiana and Purdue. Center Lauren Betts has been a standout performer.
• South Carolina Gamecocks (14-1): Despite losing junior forward Ashlyn Watkins to an ACL injury, the Gamecocks’ depth remains a strength.
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-2): With the return of senior forward Maddy Westbeld, the Irish are poised for continued success.
• USC Trojans (14-1): The Trojans continue to impress, with a dominant win over Rutgers and a key matchup against Maryland on the horizon.
• Texas Longhorns (15-1): The Longhorns’ scoring versatility is a highlight, with a top-five battle against South Carolina coming up.

As the season progresses, the ACC continues to be a thrilling conference to watch, with surprises and powerhouses alike making their mark. The question remains: Can Georgia Tech maintain their undefeated streak and make history by hosting their first NCAA tournament game?