ACC power rankings entering Week 13: Florida State has been wounded, but still No. 1 for now
Week 12 of ACC action is in the books.
The big story of the week was the season-ending injury to Jordan Travis against North Alabama. That’s a devastating blow for the Noles — and for Travis, whose collegiate career is now over. Still, the Noles remain at No. 1 this week as Tate Rodemaker prepares to lead them into Gainesville.
Clemson is the big mover of the week as the Tigers picked up their third straight win in Week 12. The Tigers have started to play some great football down the stretch.
Here’s an updated look at Saturday Road’s ACC power rankings entering Week 13:
14. Wake Forest (Last week: 13)
Wake Forest was blown out by Notre Dame in Week 12. The Demon Deacons have been largely uncompetitive this season.
13. Pitt (Last week: 14)
Pitt moves up this week after beating Boston College at home in Week 12. It’s the Panthers’ second FBS win of the season.
12. Syracuse (Last week: 12)
Syracuse lost to Georgia Tech last weekend, and that was evidently the last straw for the Dino Babers era. Babers was fired on Sunday after nearly 8 seasons with the program. Syracuse can still get to the postseason with a win on Saturday vs. Wake Forest.
11. Boston College (Last week: 8)
Boston College looked like it was cruising as recently as a couple of weeks ago. Back-to-back losses to Virginia Tech and Pitt have the Eagles reeling.
10. Miami (Last week: 10)
Once again, it was a valiant effort from Miami, but the Canes fell short vs. Louisville. Miami just isn’t at the level where it can compete with the best teams in the conference. However, the Canes may be closer to being there than many realize. There’s still work to be done, but they’ve made legitimate strides this season on both sides of the ball.
9. Virginia (Last week: 11)
Virginia has played well over the second half of the season. Anthony Colandrea has solidified himself as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the ACC.
8. Virginia Tech (Last week: 7)
Virginia Tech is limping to the finish line a bit. The Hokies lost to NC State in Week 12 and have been struggling over the past couple of weeks.
7. Duke (Last week: 4)
Duke’s magic seems to be finally running out. The Blue Devils fell to Virginia in a close game this past weekend. They will host Pitt in Week 13.
6. Georgia Tech (Last week: 9)
Georgia Tech rises up three spots this week after beating Syracuse. Really, it has more to do with other teams losing in Week 12, but the Yellow Jackets have been steadily rising in recent weeks.
5. North Carolina (Last week: 3)
North Carolina had its chances vs. Clemson, but a pair of red zone fumbles doomed the Tar Heels in Death Valley. Carolina will need to win on Saturday to keep hope alive for its first 10-win campaign since 2015.
4. NC State (Last week: 5)
NC State looked like it was having a nightmare season in early October. Now, the Wolfpack have a chance to be even better than they were a year ago. A 10-win season remains a possibility for NC State. The program hasn’t accomplished that feat since 2002.
3. Clemson (Last week: 6)
Clemson is playing its best ball of the season — it’s just too late for it to matter. Three straight double-digit wins for the Tigers.
2. Louisville (Last week: 2)
Louisville got out of Miami Gardens with a win in Week 12. The Cardinals offense looked great as Jack Plummer threw for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. Louisville is absolutely a threat to win the ACC.
1. Florida State (Last week: 1)
Florida State keeps the top spot despite losing Jordan Travis for the season. We’ll see how Tate Rodemaker plays this weekend against Florida. He’s been good so far in limited chances with the Noles in his career, but going to the Swamp will be a new test.