ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 12: Notre Dame holds at No. 1

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Nov 14, 2020; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham (3) stiff arms Virginia Cavaliers defensive back D’Angelo Amos (30) en route a touchdown in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Syracuse Orange (1-7, 1-6)

The Syracuse Orange were off this week. That allowed head coach Dino Babers and his staff to work on some things. Last week, the Orange dropped their fifth game in a row to Boston College but showed life signs. The defense allowed just 16 points against BC despite giving up 399 yards of offense.

It is the offense that requires repair. The Orange started true freshman JaCobian Morgan against Boston College, and it seems as if he gets the start once again. Morgan needs the skill players to step up and play better in the ACC pillow fight of the week.

14. Florida State Seminoles (2-6, 1-6)

The Seminoles dropped their third game in a row against the North Carolina State Wolfpack on the road this week. After scoring 31 points against North Carolina, the Seminoles’ 22 points this weekend were the most scored since their upset of the Tar Heels.

Chuba Purdy got the most action at quarterback in this game, and he was not bad, throwing for 181 yards and two touchdowns, adding 54 rushing yards. It will be interesting to see what Florida State does moving forward with four players leaving the program. Sixteen players have left since Mike Norvell took the job. A purging of the roster or something else? Time will tell.

13. Louisville Cardinals (2-6, 1-6)

The Cardinals came into their game extremely short-handed against the Virginia Cavaliers. Louisville was short seven players due to COVID-19-related issues. Two of those players were Javian Hawkins and Tutu Atwell. It showed as the offense struggled to throw the ball against the Cavaliers, losing 31-17.

This season has been a series of unfortunate events for the Cardinals, who have struggled to find wins. The Cardinals will try to notch their second ACC win next week against Syracuse.

12. Duke Blue Devils (2-6, 1-6)

Duke was off this week before hosting Wake Forest at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. This week was an opportunity for the Blue Devils to get back to the drawing board after being shellacked by North Carolina 56-24. The Tar Heels were up 42-7 before Duke realized they were in a game.

There are two questions head coach David Cutcliffe needs to answer. First, whether or not it is time to scrap the Chase Brice experience and determine whether the quarterback of the future is on the roster and second, whether or not he should relinquish play-calling duties.

11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-5, 2-4)

Georgia Tech was off this week after their 31-13 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The 13 points the Yellow Jackets scored was the fourth time they’ve scored less than 20 points and the second-lowest point total this season. This was going to be a work in progress in year two of the Geoff Collins experience.

COVID-19 took away what Georgia Tech needed, spring and summer practice. Though they have flashed and shown progress, there is a long way to go in Atlanta.

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