ACC Power Rankings (Week 14): Miami on top of the rankings while FSU loses all hopes at bottom

The events of Week 13 of college football have given the ACC a boost. There are three ACC teams with realistic playoff hopes, but the path for two ACC bids is clearer that it has been in the past. That aside, poor Florida State can attest it's not all glory out there. Here's a rundown of the ACC's teams in our weekly power rankings.

ACC Power Rankings for Week 14

SMU has clinched a spot in the ACC title game and could make the CFP as well. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#17 Florida State (2-9)

FSU did get a win, but it took lowly FCS Charleston Southern to be the victim. The Seminoles are probably looking forward to getting past this week's rivalary game with Florida and moving on.

#16 Stanford (3-8)

The Stanford Cardinal looked like they could deliver an impressive win over California, but stumbled late and took another loss instead. Their spot near the bottom of the league is secure.

#15 Wake Forest (4-7)

Wake Forest is the third ACC team to get dumped from bowl consideration. Miami dominated the Demon Deacons and Duke seems likely to have little trouble in doing the same.

#14 Virginia (5-6)

A punchless effort against SMU puts the Cavs on the verge of bowl elimination. They face a Virginia Tech team on the road that's in an identical situation. Tech seems likely to prevail.

#13 NC State (5-6)

State went to the wire with Georgia Tech, but the 30-29 loss puts the Wolfpack on the verge of missing post-season play. They have their own in-state rivalry finale on the road but might have a bit better shot than UVA.

#12 Virginia Tech (5-6)

Tech tried to rally late on Duke, but couldn't quite grab the win. As noted above, their season now comes down to a home tilt with Virginia this week.

#11 California (6-5)

The Bears made things interesting but rallied late to get past Stanford. SMU this weekend looks like a much tougher task, but a bowl appearance is certainly a step in the right direction for Cal.

#10 North Carolina (6-5)

The Tar Heels were dominated by BC and now host an NC State team that has to win to reach bowl eligibility. It's a solid season, but not one that will burnish Mack Brown's coaching credentials.

#9 Boston College (6-5)

The Eagles grabbed their sixth win by scoring all over UNC. They next host Pitt in another chance to jump a notch in the bowl pecking order.

#8 Pittsburgh (7-4)

The Panthers were absolutely shredded by Louisville, and after a promising 7-0 start to the season, have a real chance of backing into a 7-5 result. Certainly, as the year went along, Pitt got exposed.

#7 Georgia Tech (7-4)

The Yellowjackets never make it easy, but a one-point win over NC State certainly still counts. Their rivalry game on the road at Georgia looks pretty near impossible.

#6 Louisville (7-4)

A thumping victory over Pittsburgh prepares Lousiville for a likely takedown of state rival Kentucky on the road. An 8-4 season isn't quite what the Cardinals wanted, but Jeff Brohm and company aren't far away from the top of the league.

#5 Syracuse (8-3)

The Orange played well to hold off a surprisingly solid UConn team. Unfortunately, they finish the regular season by hosting Miami. Their odds of winning might be better if they ripped the roof off their dome.

#4 Duke (8-3)

Duke held off Virginia Tech and now finishes against Wake Forest and will likely be 9-3. It's been an excellent first season for Manny Diaz. That said, some leagues will send 9-3 teams to the CFP, but the ACC isn't one of them.

#3 Clemson (9-2)

Clemson is reduced to wishing and hoping this week. They play a tough South Carolina team in a game that's basically a toss-up. If Clemson wins, it needs a Miami loss to advance to the ACC title game and face SMU. It's a tough path, but the path remains open. ESPN gives Clemson a 23.9% shot at the playoff in its FPI.

#2 SMU (10-1)

SMU is in the league title game and by continuing to win, they've opened a path for a second ACC team in the playoff. If 11-1 Miami and 11-1 SMU play for the league title, particularly if Miami loses a close game, there could be room for both teams. SMU is probably best suited to just continuing to win. They host California and shouldn't have much trouble.

#1 Miami (10-1)

Miami has to go to Syracuse, but the Hurricanes control their fate. Win and UM is in the ACC title game. As discussed above, Miami could reach the field even with an ACC title game loss. But the safe path remains the obvious one – just win.

What do you think of our Power Rankings? Share your impressions below in our comments section!