ACC Football Power Rankings: Week Nine

Florida State is the last remaining unbeaten in the ACC

Jackson Caudell | Oct 22, 2023

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

After yesterday, Florida State is now the last remaining unbeaten team in the ACC and they might be the only team in the conference with legitimate playoff hopes.

Despite having a scare against Duke, the Seminoles came out on top and reached 7-0. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, that is a big loss for them in the ACC Championship race.

North Carolina looked like a darkhorse playoff contender last Saturday and then lost as a 24-point favorite against Virginia last night in one of the biggest upsets of the season. The Tar Heels still have a path to the ACC title game, but that loss put a damper on their bigger aspirations this season.

So moved up and who moved down this week in the ACC Power Rankings?

14. Pittsburgh (2-5). Last week: 11

For the first time all season, Virginia is not the lowest-ranked team in the power rankings. That honor belongs to Pitt, who lost to Wake Forest, and their third-string quarterback. The Panthers could not keep their momentum going after beating Louisville and it is starting to look like the Panthers may not make a bowl game. The Panthers travel to Notre Dame next week.

13. Virginia (2-5). Last week: 14

UVA only moves up one spot after their big upset win, but they have a lot to feel good about following that game. Quarterback Anthony Muskett played well and running back Mike Hollins scored three touchdowns. It has been a tough season for the Cavaliers, but they played an inspired game last night and they will have to bring another great effort against Miami next week.

12. Syracuse (4-3). Last week: 10

Syracuse was off this week and return to action against Virginia Tech on Thursday

11. Wake Forest (4-3). Last week: 13

Wake Forest scored their first ACC win of the year yesterday, despite missing their top two quarterbacks. It was a great coaching performance by Dave Clawson and the Demon Deacons kept their bowl dreams alive with their touchdown pass with seven seconds remaining. A huge challenge awaits Wake this week against Florida State.

10. Georgia Tech (3-4). Last week: 6

Georgia Tech was coming off of a bye week and needing a win against Boston College at home, but the Yellow Jackets allowed the Eagles to outscore them 21-0 in the fourth quarter and the Yellow Jackets lost. Quarterback Haynes King threw three interceptions and the defense did not do a good enough job of containing Thomas Castellanos. Georgia Tech faces North Carolina at home next week in their homecoming game.

9. Virginia Tech (3-4). Last week: 9

Virginia Tech was off this week and returns to action this Thursday against Syracuse.

8. NC State (4-3). Last week: 8

NC State was off this week and return to action against Clemson on Saturday.

7. Boston College (4-3). Last week: 12

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos ran for over 100 yards against Georgia Tech / Nathaniel Caudell

Boston College jumps up five spots this week after beating Georgia Tech on the road. After a tough start to the season, head coach Jeff Hafley has been able to guide his team to a three-game winning streak and a possible bowl game. The offense ran through Georgia Tech yesterday and the defense forced three turnovers from Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King. The Eagles have a great opportunity for their fourth win in a row next week when they host UConn.

6. Clemson (4-3). Last week: 5

What a disappointing effort from Clemson. Facing Miami on the road after the Hurricanes lost two straight games and playing their backup quarterback with Tyler Van Dyke out, the Tigers allowed Miami to run right at them and the offense could not get it done in the double overtime loss. This has been a massively disappointing season for the Tigers, as they are likely out of ACC contention now and could be heading for their worst record in years.

5. Miami (5-2). Last week: 7

What a win for Mario Cristobal and Miami. After two tough weeks, the Hurricanes were able to defeat Clemson, a team that has tortured them for the past several seasons. It was a great performance by the Hurricanes defense and a good enough game from true freshman Emory Williams to defeat Clemson and keep the Hurricanes alive in the ACC race. Miami faces Virginia next week, a team that is feeling good after beating North Carolina.

4. Louisville (6-1). Last week: 4

Louisville was off this week and returns to action against Duke on Saturday.

3. North Carolina (6-1). Last week: 2

North Carolina followed their great win over Miami with a horrible performance against Virginia. The defense was unable to get stops against a bad Virginia offense and quarterback Drake Maye was very inconsistent. Their playoff hopes are likely finished, but this team can still get to the ACC title game. Up next is a road trip to face Georgia Tech.

2. Duke (5-2). Last week: 3

Duke gave their best performance, but it was not enough against Florida State on Saturday. Duke is still alive in the ACC race, but they have a tough road ahead with Louisville on deck for next Saturday and North Carolina later in the season. It might seem weird to move a team up after a loss, but losing to Virginia will allow me to do that.

1. Florida State (7-0). Last week: 1

The Seminoles are not going to be giving up the top spot this week. Despite a rocky start against Duke, the Seminoles found a way to win. Jordan Travis had a solid game and the defense played well against a limited Duke offense. Florida State still has its playoff hopes intact and travels to Wake Forest next week.