ACC Football Power Rankings - Week 12

Chaos has run rampant throughout college football and it turns out that the ACC isn’t immune to it. I wonder how commissioner Swofford is feeling three weeks out from the final playoff reveal.

Here’s this weeks power rankings:

---

1. Clemson (9- overall, 6-0 ACC)

Turnovers and sluggish play finally caught up to the Tigers on Saturday afternoon when a Chris Blewitt 48-yard game-winning field goal handed Dabo Swinney’s team their first loss. The Tigers still need a win over Wake Forest on Saturday to clinch the Atlantic Division for a shot at another ACC title.

Next: at Wake Forest

2. Louisville (9-1 overall, 7-1 ACC)

The Cardinals are in the clubhouse after scoring 41 unanswered against Wake Forest Saturday. Bobby Petrino’s team will be focused on the latest College Football Playoff reveal to see how this past weekend’s shake-up potentially benefits a one-loss Cardinals team. A Clemson loss in Winston-Salem would assuredly aid their ability to qualify for the playoff.

Next: at Houston

3. Virginia Tech (8-2 overall, 6-1 ACC)

The Hokies had a chance to clinch the Coastal Division after North Carolina’s excruciating loss at Duke. Paul Johnson and Co. had other plans, forcing four turnovers and dominating in Blacksburg without Justin Thomas. Virginia Tech will get another shot at clinching the Coastal when Virginia comes to town after Thanksgiving. By the way, its been 13 years since the Cavaliers beat the Hokies.

Next: at Notre Dame

4. Florida State (7-3 overall, 4-3 ACC)

The Seminoles haven’t had the season many expected them to have, but they still continue to dominate lesser opponents.

Next: at Syracuse

5. North Carolina (7-3 overall, 5-2 ACC)

Tar Heel fans shared in frustration Thursday evening as they watched the Blue Devils walk away with the Victory Bell. The loss added to the growing bank of head-scratching wins during the Larry Fedora era. The pain only intensified after scoreboard watching in Blacksburg revealed that the Heels had missed an opportunity to take back control of the Coastal. I wouldn’t count on UVa winning in two weeks. Hello, Belk Bowl!

Next: vs Citadel

6. Miami (6-4 overall, 3-3 ACC)

Mark Richt has his alma mater bowl-eligible in his first year and the Canes are back on track after back-to-back wins.

Next: at NC State

7. Pittsburgh (6-4 overall, 3-3 ACC)

Pat Narduzzi’s team picked up their second win of the season against a currently ranked Top 10 team. The Panthers have had their moments this year, but overall they have been competitive and will be a program to watch in the future.

Next: vs. Duke

8. Georgia Tech (6-4 overall, 3-4 ACC)

Just face the reality that Paul Johnson and the triple-option are bound to haunt the ACC for all of eternity. I’m okay with that because Paul Johnson probably is the best character of all the ACC coaches. Sorry, Dabo.

Next: vs Virginia

9. Wake Forest (6-4 overall, 3-3 ACC)

Dave Clawson and Wake held Lamar Jackson in check for the better part of 40 minutes Saturday night. Jackson is more than likely going to win the Heisman trophy and Clawson should still be ACC Coach of they Year.

Next: vs. Clemson

10. NC State (5-5 overall, 2-4 ACC)

Dave Doeren needs a win against either Miami or North Carolina to get the Pack to a bowl and potentially save his job in Raleigh. Lets see if he can do it.

Next: vs. Miami

11. Syracuse (4-6 overall, 2-3 ACC)

‘Cuse played without quarterback Eric Dungey Saturday and it showed. Pitt and Florida State remain, making it a difficult proposition for the Orange to make a bowl in Dino Babers first season.

Next: vs. Florida State

12. Duke (4-6 overall, 0-5 ACC)

Never doubt David Cutcliffe and the character of his program. The Blue Devils got down early against Carolina, but stayed true to knock off their hated rivals. Daniel Jones has the makings of the next great quarterback in the ACC.

Next: at Pittsburgh

13. Virginia (2-8 overall, 1-5 ACC)

What were you thinking Bronco Mendenhall? Seriously...

Next: at Georgia Tech

14. Boston College (4-6 overall, 1-6 ACC)

Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer suggested that the ACC needs to “do something about Boston College.” Definitely one of the more asinine suggestions to potentially kick out BC, even if the athletic program isn’t performing well at the two revenue sports.

Next: UCONN