Week 6 ACC Football Power Rankings: Seminoles Stumble

ACC Power Rankings

1. Miami Hurricanes (4-0, 0-0 ACC) Miami maintains the top spot by having a bye week while the rest of the conference took lumps. Their defense is strong, and their overall profile remains the cleanest. They face their biggest test next week, however. Next Week: at #18 Florida State
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-0, 2-0 ACC) The Yellow Jackets just keep finding ways to win, narrowly escaping Wake Forest 30-29 in overtime. Despite the controversy, their 5-0 start—and 2-0 in-conference record—is undeniable. They are one of only two ACC teams with multiple Power 4 wins. Next Week: Bye
3. Louisville Cardinals (4-0, 1-0 ACC) Louisville survives a tougher-than-expected test against Pitt, winning 34-27. The Cardinals are 4-0 and already have a crucial conference win under their belt. Next Week: vs. #24 Virginia
4. Virginia Cavaliers (4-1, 2-0 ACC) The Cavaliers move up again after cruising past Stanford 48-20. They are surprisingly 2-0 in ACC play and look incredibly confident on both sides of the ball right now. Next Week: at Louisville
5. Florida State Seminoles (3-1, 0-1 ACC) The Seminoles drop out after being stunned on the road by Virginia. They are still an extremely talented team, but they need a huge performance against Miami next week to reclaim their status. Next Week: vs. #3 Miami
6. Duke Blue Devils (3-2, 2-0 ACC) Duke absolutely demolished Syracuse in the Dome, 38-3. They now join Georgia Tech as the only two teams at 2-0 in conference play. The Blue Devils’ defense is quickly emerging as a force. Next Week: at California
7. California Golden Bears (4-1, 1-0 ACC) Cal’s new era is off to a scorching start. Their 28-24 road win over Boston College moves them to 4-1 overall. They’re a gritty, well-coached team who are making the most of their first year in the ACC. Next Week: vs. Duke
8. Syracuse Orange (3-2, 1-1 ACC) Syracuse falls hard after their shocking 38-3 loss to Duke. Losing their starting quarterback, Steve Angeli, to a Achilles tear, and now getting blown out shows just how precarious their early-season success was. Next Week: at SMU
9. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3, 1-0 ACC) A critical win for the Hokies! They upset NC State 23-21 on the road, giving them a huge confidence boost and a 1-0 start in conference play. This could be a turning point for their season. Next Week: vs. Wake Forest
10. NC State Wolfpack (3-2, 1-2 ACC) The Wolfpack can’t hold a lead, losing to Virginia Tech 23-21 after being up late. They now fall to 1-2 in conference play. C.J. Bailey and the offense need to play more consistently if they want to get back into the race. Next Week: vs. Campbell
11. Pittsburgh Panthers (2-2, 0-1 ACC) Pitt fought hard against Louisville but lost 34-27. They’re 0-1 in conference play and have yet to prove they can beat the ACC’s best. Next Week: vs. Boston College
12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-2, 0-2 ACC) A heartbreaking, controversial 30-29 loss in overtime to Georgia Tech drops the Demon Deacons to 0-2 in the ACC. They played well enough to win, but moral victories don’t count in the standings. Next Week: at Virginia Tech
13. SMU Mustangs (2-2, 0-0 ACC) The Mustangs had a bye week after their Week 4 loss to TCU. They have a good offense but need to get back on track against Syracuse next week to start their ACC schedule right. Next Week: vs. Syracuse
14. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-2, 0-0 ACC) The Tar Heels had a bye week. Their early-season struggles are still a concern, and they open their conference slate with one of the most unpredictable opponents. Next Week: vs. Clemson
15. Stanford Cardinal (2-3, 1-1 ACC) Stanford pulled out a close 30-29 win against San Jose State, which helps their overall record, but their prior loss to Virginia was tough. They are hanging in there but need much more consistency. Next Week: Bye
16. Boston College Eagles (1-3, 0-2 ACC) The Eagles drop to 0-2 in conference play after the 28-24 loss to Cal. They are struggling to find a rhythm on both sides of the ball. Next Week: at Pitt
17. Clemson Tigers (1-3, 0-2 ACC) Clemson had a bye week. They are still at the bottom of the ACC heap and desperately need a win against North Carolina next week to show any signs of life. Next Week: at North Carolina

The upcoming Week 6 schedule is absolutely loaded, featuring several massive matchups including Miami at Florida State, Virginia at Louisville, and Duke at Cal.