The Wolfpacker's ACC Power Rankings: Week 11

Clemson slipped up against Notre Dame, NC State picked up its first ranked win of the season and Pittsburgh won against Syracuse. There was plenty of movement in this week’s ACC Power rankings after a action-packed weekend of conference matchups. 

 Every Tuesday, The Wolfpacker will rank each of the 14 ACC football programs using the past week’s results, the momentum around the respective programs and what we are hearing from around the conference to inform our decisions. 

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Here are our ACC Power rankings for week six of the college football season:

1) Clemson (8-1)

Last week’s result: A 35-14 loss to Notre Dame

Clemson has held down the top spot in these power rankings for months. Following a 35-14 loss to Notre Dame, the Tigers are dangerously close to losing their top spot. The Fighting Irish held Clemson scoreless for the first three quarters of the game. DJ Uiagalelei, who threw for 191 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 pick could not overcome the poor weather conditions, and Cade Klubnik’s only passing attempt of the day was an interception.

The defense only managed 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries against Notre Dame, and the special teams gave up a blocked punt touchdown. Saturday was the Tigers’ worst performance of the year, but they are still the favorites to win the ACC.

2) NC State (7-2)

Last week’s result: A 30-21 win over Wake Forest

NC State dominated for most of its game against Wake Forest. MJ Morris was fantastic in his first start under center and, not only did he throw 3 touchdowns and account for more than 250 total yards, he did not turn the ball over, and the Pack did not commit a pre-snap penalty.

It is not easy to hold the Demon Deacons to 21 points. In fact, that had not been done in the regular season since 2020. That exemplary defensive performance, paired with another solid scoring day for the Wolfpack, helped the program leap back into the top 3.

3) North Carolina (8-1)

Last week’s result: A 31-28 win over Virginia

North Carolina barely escaped Charlottesville with a win over the weekend. UVA‘s defense played solid football, but the heroics of Drake Maye and Josh Downs were too much to overcome. The defense struggled, but UNC’s offense is good enough to win just about any football game.

4) Florida State (6-3)

Last week’s result: A 45-3 win over Miami

 This was probably the single most dominant performance of the weekend. Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis only needed 12 passes to carve up Miami for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns, while running back Trey Benson carried the ball 15 times for 128 yards. The Hurricanes played 3 quarterbacks who combined for 62 passing yards and 2 interceptions. That was an all-around dominant display by the Seminoles.

T-5) Wake Forest (6-3)

Last week’s result: A 30-21 loss to NC State

Wake Forest is on a poor, turnover-filled run of form lately. Sam Hartman threw three more interceptions against NC State after the Demon Deacons turned the ball over 8 times against Louisville. This team showed it has the talent to compete with the best programs in the ACC this year, but it is unraveling a little bit right now.

T-5) Louisville (6-3)

Last week’s result: A 34-10 win over James Madison

Louisville took care of business against James Madison and pitched a second-half shutout. Malik Cunningham threw for 3 touchdowns, and running backs Tiyon Evans and Jawhar Jordan both eclipsed 100 rushing yards. The Cardinals are red-hot heading into their showdown with Clemson.

7) Pittsburgh (5-4)

Last week’s result: A 19-9 win over Syracuse

Syracuse was missing its starting quarterback, and Pittsburgh did not allow the Orange’s offense to get any momentum going throughout the day, holding it to 145 total yards. Jared Wayne caught 6 passes for 102 yards to pace the Panthers.

8) Duke (6-3) 

Last week’s result: A 38-31 win over Boston College

This game looks a little closer than it really was thanks to a late field goal by the Eagles, but Duke pulled off the ACC road win behind a productive rushing attack that racked up 232 rushing yards against Boston College. A total of 5 sacks helped slow down the Eagles’ offense enough to pull off the win.

9) Syracuse (6-3)

Last week’s result: A 19-9 loss to Pittsburgh

Syracuse has lost three-straight matchups after defeating NC State. An injury to starting quarterback Garrett Shrader does not help the Orange, but this has been a concerning stretch for one of the most exciting teams in the nation during the first half of the fall.

T-10) Miami (4-5)

Last week’s result: A 45-3 win over Miami

Miami is in a tough spot right now. The Hurricanes can not get anything going on offense with a massive cloud of uncertainty surrounding its quarterback position, and the defense is not holding up well either. A bowl game might be a stretch for them at this point in the year.

T-10) Georgia Tech (4-5)

Last week’s result: A 28-27 win over Virginia Tech

 On the other side of the Coastal Division chaos, Georgia Tech bounced back after consecutive losses, puling off a comeback win over Virginia Tech. Freshman quarterback Zach Pyron was named ACC co-Rookie of the Week after his 253 yard day against the Hokies.

12) Virginia (3-6)

Last week’s result: A 31-28 loss to North Carolina

Virginia scored enough points to keep itself in the game thanks to 186 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, but the defense could not get stops when it needed to, sealing the defeat for the Cavaliers. Still, this was a positive step for head coach Tony Elliot’s offense.

13) Virginia Tech (2-7)

Last week’s result: A 28-27 loss to Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech is officially eliminated from bowl contention after blowing another second half lead against the Yellow Jackets. The Hokies have lost a few games by super narrow margins this fall, but they need to start executing better in the fourth quarter if they hope to have any chance at finishing the season strong.

14) Boston College (2-7)

Last week’s result: A 38-31 loss to Duke

Boston College’s offense showed promise against Duke, with backup quarterback Emmett Morehead racking up 330 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The defense still struggled, however, giving up 232 rushing yards.