ACC power rankings after Week 11: Miami Hurricanes remain atop despite loss while FSU get crushed again
Even in the upset-heavy ACC, one thing in the league seemed secure. But even Miami has now lost, so there's nothing certain. With the loss to Miami, the ACC's chances of getting two CFP teams took a significant hit.
Here's how the league stacks up coming off Week 11:
ACC Power Rankings after Week 11
#17 Florida State (1-9)
To go from league favorite to clear last-place team is certainly something. This FSU team just never got untracked in 2024. 2025 will certainly tell a tale as to which of the last two seasons was the fluke.
#16 Stanford (2-7)
The Cardinal were off this week and look pretty clearly stuck in the cellar with Florida State. The good news is they should be able to stay in 16th anyway.
#15 Wake Forest (4-5)
Wake's loss to Cal all but finishes their season. ESPN gives them just a 7.9% chance to get six wins and reach bowl eligibility.
#14 NC State (5-5)
The Wolfpack took a bad loss to Duke and now are more likely than not to miss a bowl bid per ESPN's FPI. State isn't quite on the Florida State level of disaster, but it's still been a brutal season.
#13 Virginia (5-4)
Taking down Pitt was probably a welcome surprise for the Cavailiers. ESPN gives UVA just about a 3 in 7 shot at reaching six wins and a bowl.
#12 Virginia Tech (5-5)
A tough loss to Clemson does set back Tech, which probably cemented its status in the back half of the ACC. Tech seems to be one of the teams most impacted by the added power in the ACC, as they slide down a notch in the league.
#11 Boston College (5-4)
The win over Syracuse kept BC's season hopes alive. It's been an up and down run, but their power rushing day jumps them to an over 3-to-1 chance to win six games and play in a bowl.
#10 Syracuse (6-3)
Yes, BC beat Syracuse, but both teams are probably set around their limits. Syracuse could still climb a few spots, and BC is hanging on to 11th. Still, Syracuse had a chance to claim a spot in the top half of the league and failed.
#9 California (5-4)
The Bears picked up their first league win and that jumps them up. But if they've got to score 46 points to do it, there won't be many more. Still, they all but cinched a bowl and hopefully can use the extra time to work up some better defense.
#8 North Carolina (5-4)
The Tar Heels were off and stay in place, reliably in the middle of the ACC. Many are wondering if this will be Mack Brown's swan song.
#7 Georgia Tech (6-4)
Tech has been a wonderful story this year. Beating Notre Dame and Miami certainly should land Brent Key in the Coach of the Year discussion. The Yellowjackets are officially bowl eligible and given their giant-killing ways, should be in demand in the postseason.
#6 Duke (7-2)
If Duke had upset SMU, they'd be right there in the playoff hunt. It's still been a positive season for Duke and Manny Diaz, but it's hard for them not to ponder what might have been.
#5 Pittsburgh (7-2)
With a second straight ugly loss, Pitt is now completely out of the playoff hunt. ESPN gives them identical 0.3% chances of both winning the league and making the playoff, because that would be the path. But with three one-loss teams ahead of them, it's just not going to happen.
#4 Louisville (6-3)
The Cardinals were off and saw a boost in their fortunes with the Miami loss. Granted, it's all a long shot, but UofL now has a 4.5% chance at a playoff spot. Frankly, they'd have to win out and get some real league chaos in other games... but a slim chance is better than none.
#3 Clemson (7-2)
Clemson did avoid another bad loss, but the damage is probably already done. They've got a 10.3% chance to win the league and just a 17.9% chance at a playoff spot. With only one league loss, Clemson does still have some control, but they've got to win and get a little lucky.
#2 SMU (8-1)
The Mustangs were off, but their MO basically remains the same in view of the Miami loss. They've got to win out, but ESPN's FPI gives them a 35.2% shot at winning the league.
#1 Miami (9-1)
The Hurricanes had escaped potential defeat several times, but finally ran out of juice against Georgia Tech. The real impact of the loss is that it destroys the chance that SMU or Clemson beat a 12-0 Miami team and both teams go to the playoff. Off the Miami loss, the CFP picture for the ACC is pretty much the league title winner and nothing else.
What do you think of our ACC Power Rankings? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!