The latest ACC Power Rankings are here following Week 12 of college football, and the excitement is palpable! With a full slate of action, we turn to the On3 Massey Ratings to see how teams stack up as the season approaches its climax.
Understanding the Rankings
The On3 Massey Ratings have a rich history, having been officially used during the BCS era and generating high school sports team rankings since 1995. These ratings evaluate teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. This analytical approach gives fans a clearer picture of where their favorite teams stand as the season progresses.
Miami’s Dominance
After a week off, Miami remains at the top of the ACC standings as they head into the final two games of the season. The Hurricanes are set to face Wake Forest and Syracuse, and they control their own destiny regarding the ACC title and the College Football Playoff. However, the pressure is on—Miami must avoid any slip-ups to secure their coveted spot.
Clemson’s Path to the Championship
Meanwhile, Clemson has wrapped up its ACC games and is now waiting to see if they will make the conference championship. With an overall record of 8-2, the Tigers know their only path to the playoff is through winning the conference. They edged out Pittsburgh in a thrilling matchup, keeping their hopes alive. For Clemson to face Miami in the title game, Miami must win at least one of its remaining games, and SMU must lose out.
SMU’s Undefeated Streak
Speaking of SMU, the Mustangs are undefeated in conference play and hold their fate in their hands for the ACC Championship game. They recently defeated Boston College with a score of 38-28 and have the chance to play either Miami or Clemson for the conference crown. As long as SMU wins one of its final two games, they will secure a spot in the championship matchup.
Louisville’s Struggles
Despite a disappointing loss to Stanford (38-25), Louisville has not shifted in the ACC rankings, according to Massey. The Cardinals now sit at 6-4 for the season, while Stanford languishes at the bottom of the conference with a record of 3-7. Louisville’s remaining games against Pittsburgh at home and a rivalry clash against Kentucky will be crucial for their bowl positioning.
Pittsburgh’s Rollercoaster Ride
Once riding high with a 7-0 start, Pittsburgh has now lost three consecutive games but still finds itself in the top five of the ACC rankings. Quarterback Nate Yarnell threw for 350 yards and a touchdown in their recent game, but a late-game interception proved costly. The Panthers are now in a precarious position, showcasing just how competitive and unpredictable the ACC can be.
Georgia Tech’s Bid for Bowl Eligibility
Georgia Tech enjoyed a bye week after their stunning upset over Miami. Now sitting at 6-4, the Yellow Jackets are bowl eligible and will look to secure a favorable bowl spot. They have one more ACC game against NC State this weekend before facing their rival Georgia. Can they clinch another win and bolster their postseason chances?
Duke’s Strong Season
Duke also had a week off after a solid victory over NC State. With a record of 7-3, the Blue Devils have two ACC games remaining against Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. Under the guidance of coach Manny Diaz, Duke has had a successful campaign, raising questions about how high they can climb in the rankings as they prepare for 2025.
The Tar Heels’ Momentum
The North Carolina Tar Heels became bowl eligible with a hard-fought 31-24 win over Wake Forest. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell contributed with 132 passing yards and a touchdown, but it was running back Omarion Hampton who stole the show with an impressive 244 rushing yards and a touchdown. With two ACC games left against Boston College and NC State, UNC is looking to build on their momentum.
Syracuse’s Winning Streak
Syracuse continues to impress, winning another ACC game under head coach Fran Brown. Now at 7-3, the Orange are in a strong position to secure a higher-quality bowl game. Quarterback Kyle McCord threw for 323 yards and a touchdown, while running back LeQuint Allen rushed for 109 yards and two scores in their latest victory.
Virginia Tech’s Quest for Bowl Eligibility
After a week off following their loss to Clemson, Virginia Tech finds itself at 5-5. With two ACC games left against Duke and Virginia, the Hokies need just one win to secure bowl eligibility. However, the upcoming matchup against Duke will be a tough test right out of the gate.
ACC Power Rankings after Week 12
- California (-3)
- Virginia (-1)
- Boston College
- NC State
- Wake Forest
- Florida State
- Stanford
In the latest rankings, Cal has fallen out of the top 10 following their loss to Syracuse, while Virginia also dropped a spot. The remaining teams have held steady, showcasing the competitive nature of the ACC as we head toward the postseason.
As the season winds down, the stakes are higher than ever. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? The anticipation is electric, and college football fans are in for a thrilling finish!
