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ACC Football: Power Rankings for the 2022 season

By Dante Pryor

Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /
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These are the final ACC Power Rankings for the 2022 season. 

… Don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone
Don’t know what it is I did so wrong
Now I know what I got
Just this song
And it ain’t easy to get back
Takes so long

Don’t know what you got (’till it’s gone ) by Cinderella

Welcome to the final installment of the ACC Power Rankings of the 2022 season. We are still here on the corner of Tobacco Road and the future site of the David Cutcliffe Memorial Statue, hoping for a Commander-In-Chief style trophy for the Florida State, Miami, and Florida rivalry. It’s been fun, and we thank every reader of these power rankings.

Many ACC fans are sore about being shut out of the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year. That said, there were some great stories in the conference this season.

Clemson is back on the throne: 

The Clemson Tigers regained its place atop the ACC with a fourth undefeated conference record in six seasons and a win against North Carolina 39-10 in the conference title game. Freshman Cade Klubnik was stellar, driving incumbent quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei to the transfer portal. Time will tell whether or not Florida State is back, but the ‘Noles had its best season since 2016.

Head coach Mike Norvell’s transfer signees all turned up aces. The coaching staff raided the Pac-12, with Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, and Mycah Pittman contributing significantly to the offense (Benson led the Seminoles in rushing). North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren is not a self-promoter, but his job this season was amazing.

The Wolfpack won eight games this season, including a win against interstate rival North Carolina with a backup quarterback and other significant injuries.

You cashed big time if you put money on the over for Duke’s win total. Former head coach David Cutcliffe did not leave the cupboard bare, and first-year head coach Mike Elko proved that to be true. The Blue Devils were competitive most every game and played solid football all season.

Jordan Travis took a huge step forward:

Florida State’s success or failure depended on the progress of Jordan Travis as a complete quarterback. Travis is dangerous as a runner but needs to improve as a passer. Norvell and his staff signed some good receivers from the portal, and Travis showed he could take that next step, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for over 2700 yards and 22 touchdowns.

This success is why he’s on everyone’s way-to-early Heisman watchlist.

Drake Maye was on everyone’s Heisman ballot until the last two weeks of the season. Maye was electric this year, finishing fourth in the nation in total passing. He was also named the ACC Player of the Year. Maye will also be atop everyone’s 2024 Big Board for the NFL Draft next season.

Israel Abanikanda woke the echoes of Tony Dorsett and Curtis Martin with the season he had. Abanikanda broke Tony Dorsett’s single-season rushing record and tied Norman “Bill” Budd’s single-game rushing touchdowns record. He also led the nation in rushing touchdowns (20).

So for the final time this season:
To the rivalry that really ain’t, getting an on-campus stadium, and removing the interim tag from your name, here are your last ACC Power Rankings for the 2022 season.

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