The Wolfpacker's ACC Power Rankings: Week 14

Clemson‘s record-setting home winning streak snapped, NC State picked up a thrilling win in Chapel Hill and Pittsburgh blew out the Hurricanes in Miami. Every Tuesday, The Wolfpacker will rank each of the 14 ACC football programs using the past week’s results, the momentum around the respective programs and what we are hearing from around the conference to inform our decisions. 

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Here are our ACC Power rankings for week 14 of the college football season:

T-1) Clemson (10-2)

Last week’s result: A 31-30 loss to South Carolina

Clemson held the longest home winning streak in ACC history until last weekend when the Tigers lost to bitter rival South Carolina. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei went 8 for 29 passing for 99 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Running back Will Shipley finished the game with 132 rushing yards, but that was not enough to hold off the Gamecocks.

T-1)  Florida State (9-3)

Last week’s result: A 45-38 win over Florida

Florida State shares the top spot of the power rankings for the first time this season after picking up a big rivalry win at home against Florida. The Seminoles are on 5-game winning streak to end the regular season, and 5 combined rushing touchdowns from running back Trey Benson and quarterback Jordan Travis helped them get there last weekend.

3) NC State (8-4)

Last week’s result: A 30-27 win over UNC

NC State won its rivalry matchup one the road at North Carolina in maybe the most exciting way possible, slowing down the explosive Tar Heel offense and winning the game in double overtime. Wide receiver Devin Carter had his best game of the season, starting the first quarter with a long reception on the second play from scrimmage, hauling in a go-ahead touchdown and finishing the day with 130 receiving yards.

4) North Carolina (9-3)

Last week’s result: A 30-27 loss to NC State

North Carolina lost its second-consecutive game to end the regular season. After an elite offense carried the Tar Heels to the top of these power rankings, it looks like Drake Maye and the rest of the team might be slowing down a bit. With that said, their offense is still the best in the conference, and UNC is still a top-4 team.

5) Louisville (7-5)

Last week’s result: A 26-13 loss to Kentucky

After picking up a great win over NC State, Louisville lost by two scores to an underachieving Kentucky team. Running back Jawhar Jordan had another great game with 145 rushing yards, but the Cardinals could not get anything going through the air.

6) Pittsburgh (8-4)

Last week’s result: A 42-16 win over Miami

Pittsburgh dominated from start to finish against Miami, taking a 28-0 lead into halftime and ending the game with a great win on the road. Despite a shaky offense at times this year, the Panthers and All-ACC running back Israel Abanikanda finished the regular season with a solid 8-win record.

7) Duke (8-4)

Last week’s result: A 34-31 win over Wake Forest

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard out-dueled Sam Hartman at home, throwing for 391 yards and 4 touchdowns against Wake Forest. A pass to Sahmir Hagans in the final minutes of the fourth quarter sealed the win for the Blue Devils.

8)  Wake Forest (7-5)

Last week’s result: A 34-31 loss to Duke

Wake Forest finished off a disappointing regular season with a loss to Duke. The Demon Deacons could not slow down their opponents, allowing 507 yards of offense.

9) Syracuse (7-5)

Last week’s result: A 32-23 win over Boston College

After falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter, Syracuse rallied and pulled off the come-from-behind win thanks to a quartet of fourth quarter touchdowns. Quarterback Garrett Shrader and running back Sean Tucker both had great days. Shrader threw for 285 yards, Tucker racked up 125 yards on the ground and they each scored a pair of touchdowns.

10) Georgia Tech (5-7)

Last week’s result: A 37-14 loss to Georgia

Georgia Tech scored first and held a 7-3 lead after the first quarter, but then Georgia scored 37 unanswered points to defend its home stadium. The Yellow Jackets only managed 40 rushing yards.

11) Miami (5-7)

Last week’s result: A 42-16 loss to Pittsburgh

Miami was shut out in the first half, and the Hurricanes finished the game with 3 turnovers. The offense could not get much going until the end of the game, wrapping up the season on a sad note.

12) Boston College (3-9)

Last week’s result: A 32-23 loss to Syracuse

Boston College squandered its early lead against Syracuse and lost on senior day. All-ACC wide receiver Zay Flowers finished his career with 2 more touchdown receptions and 110 yards against the Orange.

T-13) Virginia Tech (3-8)

Last week’s result: N/A

Virginia Tech’s game against UVA was canceled.

T-13) Virginia (3-7)

Last week’s result: N/A

 UVA will not play the rest of the season following the tragic shooting on its campus.