ACC Power Rankings After Week 11

The chaos of conference play continued in Week 11 with another round of upsets.

So how did these results impact our weekly power rankings? Here’s the latest installment:

14. Syracuse

Last Week: 14

The Orange did not play in Week 11. They face Duke in a must-win contest this weekend.

13. Georgia Tech

Last Week: 13

The Jackets played well against Virginia, but came up just short. Still, Tech continues to improve and could contend for the Coastal in 2020.

12. North Carolina State

Last Week: 11

To no one’s surprise, the Wolfpack struggled against Clemson. It’ll be interesting to see how NC State’s offense will do if it can protect Devin Leary against Louisville.

11. Duke

Last Week: 10

Much like NC State above, no one expected Duke to defeat Notre Dame. However, they probably did think that the Devils could muster more than 200 yards of total offense, which they didn’t. David Cutcliffe’s squad will look to get back on track this weekend against Syracuse.

10. Boston College

Last week: 10

Let’s be honest Eagle fans: the loss to Florida State really stings. BC’s offense scored 31 points and generated 508 yards… that’s more than enough to win any game. Unfortunately, the Eagle D gave up too many big plays, which has hurt the team all year long. Boston College ranks 129th nationally in long scrimmage plays allowed (10 yards or more).

9. Florida State

Last Week: 12

When I saw FSU play this season, I wondered where all of the play makers were. On Saturday, I found my answer. Tamorrion Terry, DJ Matthews, and Jordan Travis each scored from over 60 yards out, conjuring images of the explosive Seminole teams of the 1990’s that scored virtually at-will. Although it can’t win the league, Florida State has enough firepower to upset Florida in the season finale.

8. North Carolina

Last Week: 8

The Tar Heels did not play in Week 11. They face Pittsburgh in a crucial game on Thursday night.

7. Pittsburgh

Last Week: 7

The Panthers had the week off to prepare for a Thursday night contest with UNC.

6. Virginia

Last Week: 6

I know that some UVA fans will not be happy with this ranking. While the ‘Hoos deserve credit for defeating a scrappy Georgia Tech team, they still have losses to Louisville and Miami. Unfortunately, that’s not enough to move them up just yet (although a win in a big rivalry game would change my mind).

5. Wake Forest

Last week: 2

That cheering you heard on Saturday was from SEC fans. By virtue of Virginia’s Tech’s upset win over the Demon Deacons, Clemson will not face a ranked team during the regular season. Trust me, that’s going to come up when it comes time to select the field for the College Football Playoff.

4. Louisville

Last Week: 4

I won’t sugarcoat it: the Cardinals got their butts kicked by Miami. With that said, they do own victories over Virginia and Wake Forest, which is why they’re currently at No. 4. With winnable games against NC State and Syracuse remaining, Louisville could finish the season with a winning record in conference play.

3. Miami

Last Week: 5

The Canes followed up an impressive “W” over Florida State with an even better one against Louisville. The Cardinal D had absolutely no answers for UM QB Jarren Williams, who set a school record by throwing 6 TD’s. This is an explosive team that will win nine games if it post a victory in its bowl.

2. Virginia Tech

Last Week: 5

I am serious and don’t call me Shirley. All kidding aside, the Hokies look like the best team in the Coastal Division right now, as the offense is clicking on all cylinders and the defense is playing like the Bud Foster-coached units of yesteryear. Can Virginia Tech avoid the No. 2 jinx or will it continue its winning streak over Virginia?

I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out.

1. Clemson

Last Week: 1

No surprise here. Clemson throttled a better-than-it-looks-on-paper Wolfpack squad. It’ll be interesting to see whether the Selection Committee gives the Tigers credit for blowing out everyone on their schedule since the North Carolina game. I’m not holding my breath!

Terry Johnson is a Contributor to the All Sports Discussion. He is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TerryPJohnson

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