Another ACC coach bites the dust this week as Mike Norvell’s time at Florida State comes to an end. Syracuse upsets their second opponent in two weeks, this time storming the field after beating No. 19 SMU. These are just a few of the headlines throughout this week’s ACC power rankings.

1. Miami

WIN 38-35 @ North Carolina

Another upset chance was thwarted by Miami as a late surge won them the game. The defense remains a concern after allowing over 400 yards to North Carolina. Miami’s next test is against No. 4 Notre Dame in South Bend. While this will have major national implications, it has no effect on Miami’s route to the ACC title game.

Next Matchup: SAT 7:30 p.m. @ Notre Dame

2. Wake Forest

WIN 51-7 vs Virginia

Nobody has been able to stop Wake Forest recently. They had 538 yards of offense against Virginia in yet another dominating performance. It appears more and more likely that we will get a Wake Forest vs. Miami rematch in Charlotte for the ACC championship.

Next Matchup: SAT 3:30 p.m. vs Merrimack

3. Louisville

WIN 52-24 vs Stanford

Louisville scored 28 unanswered points in the second half and dominated Stanford through an elite defensive performance and a huge game by Isaac Brown. He ran for 139 yards and scored 4 touchdowns in the blowout victory. That is now three straight wins for Louisville during their impressive turnaround and are one win away from securing bowl eligibility.

Next Matchup: 7:30 p.m. @ Georgia Tech

4. SMU

LOSS 30-27 @ Syracuse

SMU was not able to put away Syracuse when they had the opportunity and ended up allowing the game winning touchdown within the last minute. While Kevin Jennings was 29 for 36 passing for 351 yards and 2 touchdowns, SMU turned the ball over twice which ended up costing them in the one possession game. The Mustangs fall out of the AP Poll and have a much more difficult path in getting to the ACC title game.

Next Matchup: FRI 7:00 p.m. vs Virginia Tech

5. Virginia Tech

BYE

Next Matchup: FRI 7:00 p.m. @ SMU

6. Clemson

WIN 36-24 @ Florida State

The Clemson offense exploded for the first time this season and scored their highest point total against an FBS team this season. Their defense forced 4 turnovers to shut down the Florida State offense. When momentum was starting to flip towards the end of the game, Tait Reynolds ran for a 79 yard touchdown on third down. This is the momentum Clemson needs heading to Syracuse next week.

Next Week: SAT noon @ Syracuse

7. Syracuse

WIN 30-27 vs SMU

Steve Angeli is a difference maker for Syracuse. This is their second straight win with Angeli back at quarterback. The offense being functional has relieved a lot of pressure off of the defense and makes Syracuse a threat to beat anyone in the conference.

Next Matchup: SAT noon vs Clemson

8. North Carolina

LOSS 38-35 vs Miami

North Carolina came very close to securing the upset over the No. 1 team in the country. A Billy Edwards Jr fumble late in the game ended these hopes, along with three failed attempts at converting an onside kick. North Carolina’s offense was able to keep up with Miami’s offense all game until the crucial turnover, headlined by Edwards going 28 for 34 passing for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Tar Heels are now 4-4.

Next Matchup: SAT noon @ UConn

9. Duke

WIN 47-2 vs Boston College

Duke did something that has not been done since 2005. They allowed Boston College to block and return a PAT for 2 points, which was their only score of the game. Illinois was the last team to score their only points in a game this way. Nate Sheppard had 5 total touchdowns, adding to his impressive Heisman hopeful resume.

Next Matchup: SAT 12:30 p.m. @ NC State

10. Florida State

LOSS 36-24 vs Clemson

Ashton Daniels had 4 turnovers against Clemson in a disappointing all-around performance for Florida State. Despite two explosive plays for touchdowns, the offense was not able to move the ball down the field consistently. The punting game, which is usually a non factor in the bigger picture of football games, also hurt Florida State as Daniels Hughes averaged only 31.8 yards on 5 punts. Also, star receiver Duce Robinson sat for the entire second half, which proves to be a bad omen for what is to come for the Seminoles. This proved to be the last straw for Mike Norvell’s tenure at Florida State, as he was fired Sunday afternoon.

Next Matchup: SAT noon @ Boston College

11. Pittsburgh

WIN 34-11 vs Georgia Tech

A 281 yard rushing attack was a major factor in Pittsburgh’s blowout win over Georgia Tech. Damon Ferguson Jr had 185 of these yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Three turnovers offensively did not hurt Pittsburgh, as Georgia Tech was not able to capitalize on these mistakes.

Next Matchup: Nov. 13 vs Florida State

12. Boston College

LOSS 47-2 @ Duke

Everything that was going right for Boston College these past few weeks went wrong against Duke. Nothing clicked offensively and the only good thing that happened was the blocked PAT returned for their only points of the game.

Next Matchup: SAT noon vs Florida State

13. NC State

WIN 31-10 vs California

NC State wins the first game in the post-Dave Doeren era in convincing fashion. CJ Bailey was able to hit on a few explosive plays and Davion Gause had a 107 yard performance on the ground. The possibility of making a bowl game is still in play for the Wolfpack.

Next Matchup: SAT 12:30 p.m. vs Duke

14. Virginia

LOSS 51-7 @ Wake Forest

Both Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein saw action at quarterback in what became Virginia’s third straight loss. For an offense that feeds off of success in the running game, Virginia had only 16 rushing yards with their starting back Jekail Middlebrook out for this game. It might be time to start looking forward to the transfer portal season for Virginia fans.

Next Matchup: Nov. 14 vs California

15. Stanford

LOSS 52-24 @ Louisville

After scoring a tying touchdown to begin the second half, Stanford’s offense was dormant for the rest of the game and turned the ball over twice. Playing at a consistent level will be an area of focus during their bye week. However, Micah Ford continues to play well as he had 120 total yards and a touchdown.

Next Matchup: Nov. 14 @ Virginia Tech

16. California

LOSS 31-10 @ NC State

The struggles continue for California as they suffer their third consecutive loss. Only 269 yards of offense were recorded for the Golden Bears and they punted 7 times. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has not taken the leap this season as many thought he would, which looms the question of his departure through the transfer portal.

Next Matchup: Nov. 13 @ Virginia

17. Georgia Tech

LOSS 34-11 @ Pittsburgh

Georgia Tech has not done anything to rationalize a move up from the bottom spot in the ACC power rankings. Out of 18 third down attempts, the Yellow Jackets only converted 2 of them. Stats like this have defined Georgia Tech’s season to this point. One more loss seals the fate of missing a bowl game.

Next Matchup: SAT 7:30 p.m. vs Louisville

Sansom Sports Media will have weekly recaps every single week! Subscribe below!

Links

Use code SSM25 at https://statelineco.shop/ for a great discount on some awesome apparel!

SSM is now an ambassador for Bucked Up! Use the code SSM2026 for a discount at https://www.buckedup.com