ACC power rankings after Week 8: Florida State maintains lead while North Carolina stumbles

The ACC has been among the best conferences in college football, with four teams ranked in the latest AP Poll. However, two of those teams slid in the rankings. Take a look at the updated power rankings following Week 8 of the 2023 season.

#1. Florida State Seminoles

The No. 4-ranked Florida State Seminoles picked up a 38-20 win over the Duke Blue Devils in Week 8. The Seminoles are the only undefeated team remaining in the ACC and have a strong chance to run the table and reach the College Football Playoff. They do not have any ranked opponents remaining on their schedule and appear to be a lock for the ACC Championship Game.

#2. Duke Blue Devils

The No. 20-ranked Duke Blue Devils fell to the Florida State Seminoles by 38-20. However, they moved up to the second spot. Their matchup with the undefeated powerhouse was much closer than the final score.

The Blue Devils were leading and driving with the chance to make it a two-score game before starting quarterback Riley Leonard was knocked out of action. They were unable to score for the rest of the game. While they have two losses and the ACC has two one-loss programs, both teams lost to very poor opponents, while Duke's losses have come against ranked opponents.

#3. Louisville Cardinals

The No.18-ranked Lousiville Cardinals had an open week in Week 8. However, they hold on to the third spot in the rankings. Their only loss came against the Pittsburgh Panthers, who have just one other win against a non-major opponent. The Cardinals will have an opportunity to rise in the rankings when they face the Duke Blue Devils this weekend.

#4. North Carolina Tar Heels

The No. 17-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels suffered an embarrassing 31-27 home loss to the Virginia Cavaliers. The Tar Heels, undefeated entering the matchup, likely had their College Football Playoff hopes ended. The poor showing dropped North Carolina two spots while they were previously second in these rankings.

#5. Miami (FL) Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes picked up a 28-20 double-overtime victory over the Clemson Tigers in Week 8 to claim the fifth spot in the rankings. While they entered the matchup coming off of back-to-back losses, Miami was able to right the ship against Clemson. They will face the Virginia Cavaliers in Week 9 as they look to enter the AP Poll rankings.

The rest of the ACC power rankings

6. Clemson Tigers

7. NC State Wolfpack

8. Boston College Eagles

9. Syracuse Orange

10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

12. Virginia Tech Hokies

13. Virginia Cavaliers

14. Pittsburgh Panthers