Week 12 ACC Football Power Rankings: Conference Chaos

1. Miami Hurricanes (7-2, 3-2 Conference) Miami got their house in order, dominating Syracuse 38-10 to rebound from their loss. Their two conference losses (to Louisville and SMU) hurt badly, but their talent is immense. They need chaos above them and a flawless finish. Next Week: vs. NC State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2)
2. Louisville Cardinals (7-2, 4-2 Conference) A devastating 29-26 overtime loss to Cal crushes the Cardinals’ title hopes. Their two conference losses mean they are out of the driver’s seat, but they are still a dangerous team with an elite overall record. Next Week: vs. Clemson (Friday, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN)
3. Virginia Cavaliers (8-2, 5-1 Conference) The Cavaliers suffered a shocking 16-9 loss to Wake Forest, knocking them out of the ranks of the unbeaten in conference play. With QB Chandler Morris injured, the immediate outlook is worrisome, but they remain tied for the best conference record. Next Week: at Duke (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2)
4. California Golden Bears (6-4, 3-3 Conference) Cal pulled off the upset of the week, beating Louisville 29-26 in overtime! This monumental win secures their bowl eligibility and keeps them in the crowded race for the second spot in Charlotte. Next Week: BYE
5. Duke Blue Devils (5-4, 4-2 Conference) The Blue Devils took a stunning loss to UConn, 37-34. This out-of-conference defeat drops them a spot, but they remain at 4-1 in the league and control their own path to the title game against both Georgia Tech and Virginia. Next Week: vs. #18 Virginia (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2)

Tier 3: The Bowl Contenders

1. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-3, 3-3 Conference) The Demon Deacons became bowl eligible with a gritty 16-9 win over Virginia. This team is tough and physical and is now focused on climbing the final rankings. Next Week: vs. North Carolina (Saturday, 4:30 PM ET, The CW)
2. NC State Wolfpack (5-4, 2-3 Conference) The Wolfpack had a bye week after their monumental upset of Georgia Tech. They are just one win away from bowl eligibility and are focused on pulling another upset this week. Next Week: at #18 Miami (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2)
3. North Carolina Tar Heels (4-5, 2-3 Conference) The Tar Heels secured their fourth win, beating Stanford 20-15. Bill Belichick’s team needs two more wins to reach bowl eligibility with three games left. Next Week: at Wake Forest (Saturday, 4:30 PM ET, The CW)
4. Clemson Tigers (4-5, 3-4 Conference) The Tigers won a crucial rivalry game against Florida State 24-10. They still need two more wins to reach bowl eligibility with three games remaining. Next Week (Friday Night): at #19 Louisville (Friday, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN)

Tier 4: Season Complete

1. Virginia Tech Hokies (3-6, 2-4 Conference) The Hokies were on a bye week. Next Week: at Florida State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ACC Network)
2. Florida State Seminoles (4-6, 1-5 Conference) FSU’s season is over after a 24-10 loss to Clemson. They have dropped to 1-5 in conference play. Next Week: vs. Virginia Tech (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ACC Network)
3. Stanford Cardinal (3-7, 2-5 Conference) The Cardinals lost to North Carolina 20-15 and are mathematically eliminated from bowl contention. Next Week: BYE
4. Syracuse Orange (3-7, 1-6 Conference) The Orange were easily handled by Miami, losing 38-10. They are mathematically eliminated from bowl contention. Next Week: BYE
5. Boston College Eagles (1-9, 0-6 Conference) The Eagles suffered a shocking loss to UConn 37-34 and are mathematically eliminated from bowl contention. Next Week: vs. #17 Georgia Tech (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ACC Network)

Week 12 Preview: The Last Chance

Week 12 features matchups that are critical for the ACC Championship race:

• Clemson at Louisville (Friday, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN) – Louisville tries to avoid another massive upset.
• Virginia at Duke (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2) – Winner remains squarely in the title conversation.
• NC State at Miami (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2) – Miami must win to keep its slim title hopes alive.
• Notre Dame at Pitt (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, ABC/ESPN) – Pitt attempts to solidify its spot in the top three against a fierce rival.