ACC Football: Week 11 Power Rankings

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Atlantic Coast Conference saw some upsets among its top teams. But their losses were minimal in moving their rank in this week’s power rankings.

Week 10 saw some of the ACC’s ranked teams lose but their path to the ACC Title game is still safe, for now. It was a week full of upsets as three ranked teams in the conference took losses.

In this past week’s Friday games, the 17th-ranked Tar Heels dropped their matchup with Duke 28-27. In Saturday’s matchups, 14th-ranked Virginia Tech lost 30-20 to Georgia Tech, then second-ranked Clemson lost to Pittsburgh 43-42 on a last-second field goal.

The losses didn’t hurt these team’s in the power rankings, but Week 11 and beyond comes with some added pressure. Clemson and Virginia Tech still need one more victory to clinch their respective divisions.

This week, the Hokies take a break from conference play until their final game against the Virginia Cavaliers. While the Clemson Tigers will play their final conference game this week against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Nov 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Michael Walker (3) picks up a fourth quarter first down against the Florida State Seminoles before being tackled at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Boston College Golden Eagles

(4-6)

Last week: L 45-7 Florida StateLast rank: 13th

The Boston College Golden Eagles continue to be the ACC’s worst team after their 45-7 loss to the Florida State Seminoles. In this week’s power rankings, their drop comes due to their poor offensive performance.

The Golden Eagles offense was again a sight fore sore eyes. They managed just eight first downs, 50 passing yards and 96 rushing yards in the game. Boston College was 1-for-12 on third down conversions. They punted 10 times in the game.

The offense did not score until the fourth quarter, when the game was decidedly over. Sophomore running back Richard Wilson ran the ball in for a one-yard touchdown to prevent a Seminoles shutout.

They’ve lost four of their last five games and are now 1-6 in ACC play. The good news: They’ve got two games left and four victories. If they can win their final two games, they’ll avoid not qualifying for a bowl game for the second straight season.

This Week: Connecticut

The Golden Eagles play their lost non-conference game of the season next week against the Connecticut Huskies. Boston College is 10-0 against the Huskies since the series began back in 1908. They have tied twice. The Huskies are 3-7 this season.

Virginia Cavaliers

(2-8)

Last week: L 34-14 MiamiLast rank: 12th

The Virginia Cavaliers played things competitive in the first half, but ran out of gas in the second half this past week. Their 34-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes come as a humbling experience. Bronco Mendenhall’s first season as head coach continues to be full of growth and experience.

The Cavaliers trailed 17-14 to the Miami Hurricanes at halftime. In the second half, the Cavaliers fumbled the ball four times. The Hurricanes scored 14 points off the Cavaliers four turnovers in the game. Virginia is now 1-5 in ACC play.

Quarterback Kurt Benkert fumbled once in the game and was sacked five times in the game. He did go 16-for-27 through the air for 143 passing yards and a touchdown. Running Taquan Mizzell ran for 89 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.

This Week: @Georgia Tech

The Cavaliers have lost five ACC games in a row since beating Duke on October 1. They’ll look to break the losing streak on the road this week against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. They defeated the Yellow Jackets last season 27-21.

Nov 12, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo (7) reacts following his touchdown catch and run against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina State defeated Syracuse 35-20. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse Orange

(4-6)

Last week: L 35-20 NC StateLast rank: 8th

The Syracuse Orangemen were unsuccessful in quarterback Zack Mahoney’s first start of the season. Starting quarterback Eric Dungey is still out with a head injury. Their 35-20 loss to the North Carolina State Wolfpack shows there is still work to be done, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Syracuse defense gave up over 400 yards of offense for the second straight week. They have allowed 400 yards or more on defense in seven games this season. Not a good formula for success as they surrender 34.2 points per game.

The Orange offense did help matters either. They held the ball for just 18:42 in the game and earned just 10 first downs. Wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo did catch three passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. But the team rushed for just 28 total yards in the game.

This Week: Florida State

The Syracuse Orange are 2-4 in ACC play. They have lost two straight games and this week, they face the Florida State Seminoles. They have lost the last seven meetings to the Florida State Seminoles but they usually play well at home.

Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Bryon Fields (14) and Duke Blue Devils linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (44) signal the turnover after Duke Blue Devils safety Alonzo Saxton II (21) intercepted a North Carolina Tar Heels pass late in the second half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Blue Devils

(4-6)

Last week: W 28-27 UNCLast rank: 13th

The Duke Blue Devils got their first victory in ACC play of the season. It took a last-minute interception to seal the 28-27 victory but it was enough to get the win over 17th-ranked North Carolina. The Blue Devils are now 1-5 in conference play.

Junior safety Alonzo Saxton II intercepted Tar Heels’ quarterback Mitch Trubisky with 1:08 to play, pulling through for the Blue Devils defense. It was the the Blue Devils second interception of the game. The Duke defense held the Tar Heels offense to just two field goals in the second half.

Quarterback Daniel Jones completed a two-yard pass to tight end Davis Koppenhaver in the third quarter which was the game-winning score for the Blue Devils. Neither team scored a point in the fourth quarter.

Running back Shaun Wilson ran the ball 24 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. Jones ran ball for 94 yards and two touchdowns as well. Through the air, Jones threw for 240 passing yards and a touchdown.

This Week: @Pittsburgh

The Duke Blue Devils still can qualify for a bowl but they’ll need to win their next two games. First up, a road trip to Heinz Field to play the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Blue Devils have won one of the last six meetings between the teams.

Nov 12, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matthew Dayes (21) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina State defeated Syracuse 35-20. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

NC State Wolfpack

(5-5)

Last week: W 35-20 SyracuseLast rank: 11th

The North Carolina State Wolfpack snapped a four-game losing streak with their 35-20 victory over the Syracuse Orange. The Wolfpack had their best game of the season on offense, gaining 546 yards as a unit. The offense threw for a season-high 360 passing yards against Syracuse.

Running back Matt Dayes found the endzone three times and ran for 108 yards to lead the Wolfpack offense. Quarterback Ryan Finley threw for 340 yards and a touchdown in the game. Receiver Kelvin Harmon had a career-high 101 receiving yards with four catches.

It was a successful week for the Wolfpack as they got their second win in ACC play this season. The road ahead will prove to be tough but they have the pieces on offense to keep up with most conference foes.

This Week: Miami

The North Carolina Wolfpack have qualified for bowl season in their last two seasons. This week and next week will be tough for the Wolfpack as they look for that elusive sixth win. They haven’t play the Hurricanes since 2012, but they lost that meeting 44-37.

Nov 12, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Matthew Jordan (11) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

(6-4)

Last week: W 30-20 Virginia TechLast rank: 10th

The Georgia Tech pulled off an upset over 14th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies with 30-20 road win last week. Despite playing the game without starting quarterback Justin Thomas, there was no fear from the Yellow Jacket offense. And it showed.

Backup quarterback Matthew Jordan ran the ball 32 times for 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns to lead the way for the Georgia Tech offense. Jordan was unstoppable on the ground, he only threw seven times in the game.

Running back Marcus Marshall also ran the ball 19 times for a team-high 143 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Yellow Jackets made the Hokies defense look average, rushing for 309 yards and three touchdowns.

Georgia Tech is now bowl eligible for after missing a bowl going 3-9 last season. A step in the right direction for head coach Paul Johnson as depth showed as key positions against a good team. The team’s leading rusher running back Dedrick Mills was suspended for the game.

This Week: Virginia

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets look to up their win total next week against the Virginia Cavaliers. The Yellow Jackets lost last season’s meeting 27-21 but have won five of the last seven meetings.

Nov 12, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver Tabari Hines (1) escapes the tackle of Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) during the second half at Papa John

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

(6-4)

Last week: L 44-12 LouisvilleLast rank: 7th

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons had a victory within reach entering the fourth quarter with the score at 12-10. But the Louisville Cardinals put up 34-straight points in the final quarter of the game, winning it easily 44-12.

The Demon Deacons were held to just 75 rushing yards in the game and did not score a rushing touchdown in the game. It is just the fourth time this season they were held under 100 rushing yards.

Quarterback John Wolford was sacked seven times in the game. He was unable to score a rushing touchdown. Wolford has five rushing touchdowns in the games he’s started. It was a rough day for him and the Demon Deacons offense.

They were held scoreless in the second half after scoring four field goals and leading for three quarters of the game. They proved to be too much but they put up a pretty good fight considering.

This Week: Clemson

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons face another big challenge next week when they host the Clemson Tigers. Field goals may not cut it against this team, especially after losing at home last week.

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Dorian O

Pittsburgh Panthers

(6-4)

Last week: W 43-42 ClemsonLast rank: 9th

The Pittsburgh Panthers upset the second-ranked Clemson Tigers last week 43-42 on the road. Proving that anything is possible in conference play. It was the Panthers highest ranked win since 2007, as they handed the Tigers their first loss of the season.

Running back James Conner ran for 132 rushing yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Nathan Peterman threw for a career-high 308 passing yards and five touchdown passes. Kicker Chris Blewitt nailed a 48-yard field goals with six seconds left in the game to put Pittsburgh up for good.

Blewitt had a field goal blocked earlier in the game. But the Panthers defense simply never gave up. They intercepted Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson three times in the game.

The Panthers defense forced Clemson to turn the ball over on downs when they failed on a fourth-down conversion. Pittsburgh then drove the ball down the field to get within field goal range to win it.

This Week: Duke

The Pittsburgh Panthers snapped a two-game losing streak and now sit at 3-3 in the ACC Coastal division. With two games left on the conference schedule, they can still finish things strong. They have beaten the Duke Blue Devils in five of the last six meetings.

Nov 12, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Walton (1) celebrates with Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hurricanes won 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Hurricanes

(6-4)

Last week: W 34-14 VirginiaLast rank: 9th

The Miami Hurricanes have strung together two ACC victories in a row, but they’ll need to win out to make a bit more noise. Their 34-14 victory over Virginia showed that they may be peaking at the right time.

The Hurricanes ran the ball for 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a team. The rushing attack was led by Mark Walton, who rushed for 111 rushing yards and a touchdown in the game. It was the second week in a row Walton ran for over 100 rushing yards.

Quarterback Brad Kaaya threw for 228 passing yards and two touchdowns to lead the Hurricanes passing attack. It was just the fourth game of the season the offense gained over 400 yards of offense in a game.

Miami hopes to keep the offensive success going while they’re 3-3 in ACC play. They lost four games in a row after starting the season 4-0. Three of the games the Hurricanes lost by a combined total of 11 points.

This Week: @NC State

The Miami Hurricanes face the NC State Wolfpack this week. It is their first meeting since 2012. The Hurricanes won that meeting 44-37.

Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) is sacked for a loss by Duke Blue Devils linebacker Ben Humphreys (34) in the first half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina Tar Heels

(7-3)

Last week: L 28-27 DukeLast rank: 4th

The North Carolina Tar Heels gave the Duke Blue Devils their first conference victory of the season 28-27. They drop out of the AP Top 25 but at 7-3 they’re still in good shape to finish strong.

The Tar Heels didn’t play a terrible game, they just didn’t do enough to beat a well-coached Blue Devils’ squad. With one game left in conference play, they can still bounce back.

Quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw two interceptions after the Tar Heels offense went without a turnover all game the week before. Running back Elijah Hood had just 13 carries for 75 rushing yards. Hood ran for a season-high 168 rushing yards and three touchdowns the week before as well.

It was a day to forget for the Tar Heels on both sides of the ball. They gave up 21 points in the second quarter. They failed to score a point in the fourth quarter. At 5-2 in ACC play,

This Week: Citadel

North Carolina takes a break from ACC play this week when they play the Citadel Bulldogs. Citadel is 10-0 this season but they’re an FCS team. We’ll see if they can hang with the Tar Heels.

Nov 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) dives for a third quarter touchdown against the Boston College Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Florida State Seminoles

(7-3)

Last week: W 45-7 BCLast rank: 5th

The Florida State Seminoles continue to roll in ACC play. They have won four of their last five conference games and are now 4-3 in conference play.

The Seminoles made easy work of the Boston College Golden Eagles in a 45-7 route. Quarterback Deondre Francois threw for 183 passing yards and three touchdowns. Running back Dalvin Cook had 18 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.

The Florida State defense held Boston College to eight first downs and forced 10 punts in the game. It was the first game all season the defense held an opponent under 150 total yards of offense.

With three losses, the Seminoles have done enough to win two games in a row. As they close out the season, any other losses would add more insult to what was a promising season for them.

This Week: @Syracuse

The Florida State Seminoles travel to Syracuse for an ACC road game. They have not lost a football game to the Orange since 1966. They’ll look to extend their winning streak to three games this week against Syracuse.

Nov 12, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) rushes the ball against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Francis Kallon (92) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech Hokies

(7-3)

Last week: L 30-20 Georgia TechLast rank: 3rd

The Virginia Tech Hokies lost a tough one at home 30-20 to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. But the Hokies are still 5-2 in ACC play. One more victory, and they’ll clinch their first ACC Coastal division title since 2011.

The Hokies came out flat and it showed. They turned the ball over four times in the game, including one on the first kickoff return of the game. Quarterback Jerod Evans threw two interceptions and was sacked five times in the game.

It was another uncharacteristic game for the Hokies and another bad loss. The Hokies have 11 turnovers in their four losses this season. They had zero turnovers in their last three games.

They still lead in the Coastal division at 5-2 but they’ll need to win their last conference game in a few weeks. Preparation will be key and a non-conference game may just be what Virginia Tech needs.

This Week: Notre Dame

The Hokies face the 4-6 Fighting Irish this week but it’s not a game they can take too lightly. They are a good offensive team with a defense still trying to figure things out. They beat Army 44-6 last week.

Nov 12, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Jeremy Smith (34) runs the ball against Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Josh Okonye (24) during the second half at Papa John

Louisville Cardinals

(9-1)

Last week: W 44-12 Wake ForestLast rank: 2nd

The Louisville Cardinals made things interesting for three quarters last week, then they woke up. They scored 34 points in the fourth quarter to win 44-12 running away against Wake Forest.

The Cardinals trailed 12-10 entering the fourth quarter at home but they came roaring back in the final quarter. Running back Brandon Radcliff scored two rushing touchdowns on two straight drives to put the Cardinals up for good.

Radcliff ran the ball 11 times for 141 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for 145 passing yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 153 yards. It was the second game of the season Jackson didn’t rush for a touchdown.

The Cardinals have won five games in a row since their loss to the Clemson Tigers. But they still trail in the Atlantic division lead due to that loss.

This Week: @Houston

The Louisville Cardinals cold strengthen their College Football Playoff resume this week depending on how you look at it. They lost last season to the Cougars 34-31 at home. The Cardinals should be on upset alert.

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson Tigers

(9-1)

Last week: L 43-42 PittsburghLast rank: 1st

The Clemson Tigers lost 43-42 at home to Pittsburgh and it stopped a number of streaks. It ended the Tigers’ bid at an undefeated season. The loss snaps a 44-game winning streak against unranked opponents 15-straight wins over ACC opponents.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for an ACC record 580 passing yards along with three passing touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. They gave up nine points in the final quarter. Running back Wayne Gallman had 18 carries for 36 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

It was another rough game for Gallman, who has just three games with over 100 rushing yards this season. Far removed from the 1,514 rushing yards he gained last season. This season, he has just 670 rushing yards along with 11 rushing touchdowns.

This Week: @Wake Forest

The Clemson Tigers can still clinch the Atlantic division title, they’ll just need to beat Wake Forest this week. The Demon Deacons are young but a very good defensive team. They hung around last week with Louisville until the end. Look for them to do the same against Clemson, or better.