ACC Power Rankings: Week Eight

Florida State, North Carolina, and Duke remain undefeated in ACC play

Jackson Caudell | Oct 15, 2023

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Another week, another undefeated ACC team biting the dust.

Louisville surged to No. 2 in our power rankings after their win over Notre Dam, but fell flat against 1-4 Pittsburgh and now the Cardinals are no longer undefeated. They still have a shot at the ACC title, but the loss to the Panthers hurts.

There are now three undefeated teams left in the conference. Florida State kept rolling yesterday against Syracuse, North Carolina used a strong second half to roll past Miami, and Duke beat NC State without starting quarterback Riley Leonard.

So how do the ACC power rankings shift after this weekend?

14. Virginia (1-5). Last week's ranking: 14

Virginia was off this week and takes on North Carolina this upcoming Saturday.

13. Wake Forest (3-3). Last week's ranking: 10

This season has been a struggle for Dave Clawson and Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons defense could not contain Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones, who rushed for nearly 60 yards while throwing for over 300 and Wake could not keep up with the Hokies. That is now three straight losses for the Demon Deacons since starting 3-0 and they will hope to snap that streak this upcoming weekend against Pitt.

12. Boston College (3-3). Last week's ranking: 11

Boston College was off this week and returns to action against Georgia Tech on Saturday.

11. Pittsburgh (2-4). Last week's ranking: 13

Christian Veilleux — Pittsburgh pulled a massive upset against Louisville on Saturday / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Leave it to Pat Narduzzi to pull a big upset against an undefeated ACC team when nobody expects him to. He did it to Miami in 2017 and last night, he took down Louisville after the Cardinals had surged into the top 15 of the AP Poll after their win over Notre Dame. That does not mean everything is fixed, as Louisville outgained Pitt 450-288 and the Panthers could not run the ball. Pitt has a chance for another win on Saturday against Wake Forest.

10. Syracuse (4-3). Last week's ranking: 9

It is just tough sledding for Syracuse, especially on the offensive side of the football. The Orange only managed to score three points on the road at Florida State yesterday and they go into their bye week limping with three straight losses. There are still winnable games for Dino Babers and Syracuse and they could still get to a bowl game, but they have a lot to figure out.

9. Virginia Tech (3-4). Last week's ranking: 12

The bottom of the ACC picture is muddled, but Virginia Tech has been playing well for two of their last three games and now Brent Pry's team is 3-3 after their win over Wake Forest. Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones put together a solid performance, throwing for over 300 yards and rushing for nearly 60. Virginia Tech held Wake Forest to 13 points and now Virginia Tech has momentum going into their bye week.

8. NC State (4-3). Last week's ranking: 7

It was a very disappointing effort last night from NC State. The Wolfpack had to face Duke without quarterback Riley Leonard and NC State managed to score only three points in a blowout loss. NC State is now 1-1 with MJ Morris as the starting quarterback. NC State is off next week.

7. Miami (4-2). Last week's ranking: 6

Miami followed up their shocking loss to Georgia Tech with a good effort on the road against North Carolina. The Hurricanes led the Tar Heels at halftime, but a poor second half from the defense blew the game open and Miami did not have an answer for UNC running back Omarion Hampton or wide receiver Tez Walker. Miami is still an improved team over last year, but they are likely out of the ACC title race now. Clemson awaits Miami next week.

6. Georgia Tech (3-3). Last week's ranking: 8

Georgia Tech was off this week and returns to action at home against Boston College.

5. Clemson (4-2). Last week's ranking: 6

Clemson was off this week and returns to action next Saturday against Miami.

4. Louisville (6-1). Last week's ranking: 2

The Cardinals were the talk of the conference after their win over Notre Dame, but they could not go on the road and survive the upset against Pitt. Quarterback Jack Plummer threw for 350 yards and wide receiver Jamari Thrash had 120 yards. Louisville is still in the thick of the ACC race, but they have games against Duke and Miami left and can't afford another loss to fall further behind Florida State and North Carolina.

3. Duke (5-1). Last week's ranking: 4

Riley Leonard did not suit up for the Blue Devils, but they still got the victory at home against NC State. Mike Elko's defense held the Wolfpack to only three points and running back Jordan Waters ran for over 120 yards. Duke faces a big test on the road this weekend against Florida State and they will likely need Leonard if they want to have a chance in that game.

2. North Carolina (6-0). Last week's ranking: 3

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye — Drake Maye threw for four touchdowns against Miami / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

You can now see why UNC wanted to have Tez Walker eligible this season. Walker caught three touchdowns against Miami yesterday and looked like one of the best receivers in the country. Running back Omarion Hampton ran for 197 yards and the defense forced timely turnovers against the Hurricanes on their way to a win. The path to the ACC title is clear for North Carolina and the Tar Heels face 1-5 Virginia next week.

1. Florida State (6-0). Last week's ranking: 1

Nobody has been able to dethrone the Seminoles in the power rankings this year and Florida State remains undefeated after their blowout win over Syracuse. Jordan Travis did get shaken up in the win yesterday, but played fine in the second half and the defense for Florida State was fantastic, not to mention wide receiver Keon Coleman showing why he is one of the best athletes in the country. FSU faces another ranked opponent this week at home against Duke.