ACC Football Power Rankings: A Week of Big Statement Wins

Week 8 ACC Power Rankings

1. Miami Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0 ACC) The Hurricanes maintained the top spot by having a bye week while their rival FSU self-destructed. With five straight wins and a road victory over the Seminoles already in the bank, Miami is the clear team to beat. Next Week (Friday, Oct 17): vs. Louisville
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-0, 3-0 ACC) The Yellow Jackets just keep winning, defeating Virginia Tech 35-20. Haynes King and the offense look unstoppable, and Georgia Tech is now one of only two 3-0 conference teams. They are legit. Next Week: at Duke (The battle of the 3-0 teams!)
3. Duke Blue Devils (4-2, 3-0 ACC) Duke had a much-needed bye and now faces its biggest challenge yet. They are 3-0 in ACC play, relying on a sharp passing attack and a disciplined defense. This week’s game against Georgia Tech is for sole possession of the top conference record. Next Week: vs. #12 Georgia Tech
4. SMU Mustangs (4-2, 2-0 ACC) The Mustangs look much better than their overall record suggests. They dominated Stanford 34-10 to move to 2-0 in league play. SMU is quietly rising and has a major opportunity this week to prove their mettle against a familiar opponent. Next Week: vs. Clemson
5. Pittsburgh Panthers (4-2, 2-1 ACC) Pitt is the story of the week. After benching their QB in Week 6 and winning big, they went into Tallahassee and beat FSU 34-31. The Panthers are now 2-1 in conference and look like a major spoiler in the conference race. Next Week: at Syracuse
6. Virginia Cavaliers (5-1, 3-0 ACC) The Cavaliers took care of business in their non-conference game, beating Oregon State 39-14. Virginia is now 5-1 and remains one of the ACC’s surprise stories, but they have a bye week before diving back into conference action. Next Week: vs. Washington State (Non-Conference, Saturday, Oct 18)
7. Louisville Cardinals (4-1, 1-1 ACC) The Cardinals had a bye week after their heartbreaking loss to Virginia. They need a strong showing this week to prove they still belong in the elite tier of the conference. Next Week (Friday, Oct 17): at #2 Miami
8. Clemson Tigers (3-3, 2-2 ACC) The Tigers may finally be back. They earned a decisive 41-10 road victory over Boston College to move to 2-2 in conference play. The win streak continues, but they face a much tougher challenge this week against SMU. Next Week: at SMU
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-2, 2-2 ACC) The Demon Deacons handled their non-conference road game with ease, beating Oregon State 39-14. At 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the conference, they are in a great position to secure bowl eligibility early. Next Week: Bye
10. California Golden Bears (4-2, 1-1 ACC) Cal had a much-needed bye week after the humbling loss to Duke. They are 4-2 and still competitive, but they need to prove they can win big conference games. Next Week (Friday, Oct 17): vs. North Carolina
11. Syracuse Orange (3-3, 1-2 ACC) Syracuse had a bye week to regroup after two tough losses. They now face a must-win situation against Pitt to keep pace in the conference. Next Week: vs. Pitt
12. NC State Wolfpack (4-3, 1-3 ACC) The Wolfpack were dominated by Notre Dame, losing 36-7. NC State is now 1-3 in conference play, and their season is rapidly spiraling downward. Next Week: Bye
13. Florida State Seminoles (3-3, 0-3 ACC) The Seminoles are in a crisis. Losing 34-31 at home to an unranked Pitt team gives FSU an 0-3 conference record and hands them their third straight loss. Their preseason aspirations are officially dead. Next Week: vs. Stanford
14. Stanford Cardinal (2-4, 1-2 ACC) The Cardinal lost to SMU 34-10, moving them to 2-4 overall. They have a tough road ahead, but their lone ACC win over FSU holds weight. Next Week: at Florida State
15. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3, 0-1 ACC) The Tar Heels had a bye week after the blowout loss to Clemson. UNC is desperately searching for answers as they resume their conference schedule. Next Week (Friday, Oct 17): at California
16. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-5, 1-3 ACC) The Hokies fought hard but lost to Georgia Tech 35-20, dropping their conference record to 1-3. They have a bye this week to heal and prepare for the second half. Next Week: Bye
17. Boston College Eagles (1-5, 0-4 ACC) The Eagles are now 0-4 in conference after the 41-10 loss to Clemson. The program is sinking, and they are firmly cemented at the bottom of the rankings. Next Week: vs. UConn (Non-Conference)

Week 8: The ACC Championship Preview

Week 8 features two massive head-to-head showdowns between teams vying for the top spot, setting the stage for the rest of the season.

• Louisville at #2 Miami (Friday, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN): Can the Cardinals bounce back, or will Miami solidify their position as the ACC favorite?
• #12 Georgia Tech at Duke (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, ESPN): Battle of the undefeated (in conference) teams! The winner controls their destiny in the ACC race.
• Clemson at SMU (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ACC Network)
• Pitt at Syracuse (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ACC Network)
• Florida State at Stanford (Saturday, 10:30 PM ET, ESPN)
• UConn at Boston College (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, ACC Network)
• Washington State at #18 Virginia (Saturday, 6:30 PM ET, The CW)
• North Carolina at California (Friday, 10:30 PM ET, ESPN)