TNIAAM ACC Football 2014 Season Power Rankings: Week 12

Each week, the TNIAAM football staff ranks all 14 ACC teams in a completely subjective manner, just like everyone else on the internet. Feel like we're completely off base? Chime in with your own ACC power rankings below.

Welp, no bowl game for Syracuse. You probably expected it, but it doesn't make it hurt less, y'know? Other teams are in similar spots, though, so if you want to change your mindset when reading through these rankings, perhaps you focus on that? Otherwise, not sure what else to say. This sucks, though the conference at least has a few quality teams (hooray for them). And if you're at all curious about who's a #disloyalidiot? Here's the voting breakdown.

1. Florida State Seminoles (9-0) (7-0) (LW: 1)

Last Week: L, 34-20 to Florida State; Next Week: at Miami

Highest Position: 1; Lowest Position: 1

It's impossible to get a read on this Florida State team. Obviously they're unbeaten, and obviously they've done all that was asked of them given the schedule they've faced. BUT this a squad that hasn't looked impressive for much of 2014 and is unlikely to get another chance to prove themselves (truly) until the College Football Playoff. Is that bad? If your goal is to get to the Playoff, no. Can this team win it all, though? That's the goal, and no one seems to know whether or not the 'Noles can achieve it.

2. Clemson Tigers (6-2) (5-1) (LW: 2)

Last Week: W, 34-20 over Wake Forest; Next Week: at Georgia Tech

Highest Position: 2; Lowest Position: 3

For over three quarters, Clemson was tested by the Demon Deacons on Thursday night. The Tigers' tough defense was getting pushed around a bit, while Wake's defense also managed to cause some turnovers. Clemson's concern going into that (and every) game was offensive execution, and while this win was ugly against a bad Deacs squad, it also proved they could score points when tasked to do so. So, nice job, Clemson... I guess?

3. Duke Blue Devils (8-1) (4-1) (LW: 3)

Last Week: W, 27-10 over Syracuse; Next Week: vs. Virginia Tech

Highest Position: 2; Lowest Position: 4

Duke meandered around the Carrier Dome for three quarters on Saturday, and then spent the fourth quarter getting around to beating Syracuse. For Orange fans, it was heart-breaking to watch. And it might have been equally heart-breaking for Blue Devils fans too, to watch a sleep-walking effort. This team is 8-1, yet has no respect from national media, little shot at a playoff bid and no discernible strength compared to other top teams. I don't get it.

4. Louisville Cardinals (7-3) (5-3) (LW: 4)

Last Week: W, 38-19 over Boston College; Next Week: Bye

Highest Position: 3; Lowest Position: 5

That Louisville defense just takes over games, as SU fans can attest -- and now BC fans can also agree. The Cardinals are a year away from being a lethal group and a national force, and we're already seeing glimpses of what that could entail. As a reminder, nearly this entire D is returning. Be very scared of the Cardinals, and very concerned about the Orange's lot in the ACC right  now.

5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-2) (5-2) (LW: T-5)

Last Week: W, 56-23 over NC State; Next Week: vs. Clemson

Highest Position: 4; Lowest Position: 6

The rout was on for Georgia Tech by late in the second quarter vs. NC State, gaining an eighth win in impressive and dominating fashion. Synjyn Days was electric in the backfield and was just one of many Tech players who put on quite a show in another big win. It's unlikely that this team wins the Coastal division, sure. But should they beat Clemson and win out somehow, don't be shocked to find them in a major bowl game -- or even the Orange Bowl.

6. Miami Hurricanes (6-3) (3-2) (LW: T-5)

Last Week: Bye; Next Week: vs. Florida State

Highest Position: 5; Lowest Position: 6

Is Miami the last team on FSU's schedule who could legitimately pull off an upset and kill the Seminoles' dreams of a second-straight unbeaten season? Based on the way the 'Canes have been playing, it sort of seems that way. As long as Duke Johnson is running well, Miami is a threat to win any game. Don't be surprised to see a very close game (especially closer than last year's) come Saturday night in Tallahassee between these two rivals.

7. Boston College Eagles (6-4) (3-3) (LW: 7)

Last Week: L, 38-19 to Louisville; Next Week: Bye

Highest Position: 7; Lowest Position:7

The Eagles are a very good football team, but they're just not "there"... yet. That's not to take anything away from BC or the incredible job Steve Addazio has done in less than two years on the job. But right now, with a predictable QB in Tyler Murphy and an offense that still needs a bit more time to mature, there's a ceiling. That won't always be the case for Boston College, though. This season's a success no matter what happens from here.

8. North Carolina Tar Heels (4-5) (2-3) (LW: 9)

Last Week: Bye; Next Week: vs. Pittsburgh

Highest Position: 8; Lowest Position: 10

There's no telling which North Carolina team shows up against Pittsburgh this weekend. But if the "good" one appears (the one that offensively runs opponents right off the field), the Heels will earn themselves a fifth win and nearly another startling mid-season turnaround. The team that wins in Chapel Hill on Saturday will be going bowling. The one that loses will not -- you can mark that down.

9. Pittsburgh Panthers (4-5) (2-3) (LW: 10)

Last Week: Bye; Next Week: at North Carolina

Highest Position: 8; Lowest Position: 10

See above. If Pitt loses this game, they are simply not going bowling. Whether or not they can pull off the victory, though, once again relies on Jame Conner and how well the busy running back can carry the football against the Heels. The bye week might have been a blessing after their previous shootout with Duke. But after UNC also enjoyed their own break last week, those benefits may be nullified.

10. Virginia Cavaliers (4-6) (2-4) (LW: 8)

Last Week: L, 34-20 to Florida State; Next Week: Bye

Highest Position: 8; Lowest Position: 12

No shame in how well Virginia played vs. Florida State for awhile on Saturday, but moral victories just can't cut it after awhile, and now the Hoos' season is on the brink of disaster. Early gains against quality opponents have given way to disappointing losses and a lack of offense later. Again: Is Mike London losing his job at the end of this season? I'd be willing to bet that yes, he will.

11. NC State Wolfpack (5-5) (1-5) (LW: 11)

Last Week: L, 56-23 to Georgia Tech; Next Week: vs. Wake Forest

Highest Position: 8; Lowest Position: 12

If you weren't sold that NC State's win over Syracuse was a total fluke, this weekend's blowout loss to Georgia Tech should've helped seal the deal. State's defense can't stop anyone (especially the triple-option) and the Wolfpack experienced its 12th double-digit ACC loss since Dave Doeren took over. Despite all that, they'll go bowling with a win over Wake Forest this weekend...

12. Virginia Tech Hokies (4-5) (1-4) (LW: 11)

Last Week: Bye; Next Week: at Duke

Highest Position: 11; Lowest Position: 13

Virginia Tech has played in a bowl game every season since 1993, yet that streak is very much in jeopardy this year entering the final three games. That's not to say they can't get past two of Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest (it seems sort of likely, actually). But anyone who's witnessed the three straight losses the Hokies have suffered here in the season's second half could attest that nothing is guaranteed for this group.

13. Syracuse Orange (3-7) (1-5) (LW: 13)

Last Week: L, 27-10 to Duke; Next Week: Bye

Highest Position: 11; Lowest Position: 13

And that's the season. Syracuse has been running on fumes since September and limping to the finish line, we all know how disappointing this campaign has been. Is this the new expectation for Syracuse, or just a product of a terrible bit of injury luck? I'm scared to answer that, and I'm sure you are too. In the meantime, let's hope SU saves some face by ruining a season or two. Or doesn't... because 5-7 may be more depressing than 3-9.

14. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-7) (0-5) (LW: 14)

Last Week: L, 34-20 to Clemson; Next Week: at NC State

Highest Position: 14; Lowest Position: 14

For a little while on Thursday, there was worry that Wake would do it; that they'd upset Clemson and officially relegate Syracuse to the league basement as the ACC's sorriest team. It didn't happen, but now you're wondering about it, no? As mentioned, Wake Forest has had a rough season, and this entire year must be looked at as a building block to better things. But please, Wake, can you beat the Pack and stop them from getting to six wins? Thanks.