An epic comeback by Syracuse against NC State was just the tip of the iceberg in ACC football this weekend. Once again, the conference didn’t fail to entertain with compelling games. We’re also getting closer to figuring out what the postseason will look like. Let’s look at what we learned about the ACC in Week 11.
Wake Up
What a statement win by Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons went on the road to play a talented SMU team and utterly demolished them 49-7. The game was over after the first quarter, as Wake dominated from start to finish. While the Demon Deacons don’t have the most impressive resume, this win has to have a positive impact on Wake’s standing with the College Football Playoff committee.
One Step Closer
Speaking of the CFP, Miami is close to locking up a spot after taking care of a feisty Duke team 36-25. The Hurricanes are 7-0 in conference play and have all but locked up a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Barring a late-season disaster, Miami will likely be in the Playoff, whether the Hurricanes win the ACC Championship Game or not.
One Survivor
There were four two-loss teams in the ACC heading into the weekend, but Louisville is the only team that still has two losses. SMU, Duke and Clemson all lost their games, giving each three losses in conference play. Clemson’s loss to Georgia Tech was the most disappointing. The Tigers fell 20-6 at home to a team most believe is the worst in the ACC. On top of that, Clemson failed to score an offensive touchdown for the second straight game, which is a bad look for Dabo Swinney and company. As for Louisville, the Cardinals are technically still alive for a spot in the ACC Championship Game, but they have no margin for error and will need Wake Forest to lose its final two games.
Almost There
A quartet of ACC teams moved within one game of a bowl bid this week. Florida State earned an ugly road win over Pitt on Friday, meaning the Seminoles can go to a bowl by beating NC State next week. Syracuse came from behind to beat NC State and can clinch a bowl spot with a road win over Boston College next week. Virginia took care of business with a 36-7 win over Cal, getting the Cavs to 5-5 with games against North Carolina and Virginia Tech. Most surprisingly, Stanford impressed with a 40-22 road win over Virginia Tech, meaning a win over Cal next week can send the Cardinal to a bowl.
Syracuse wins ANOTHER wild game as they beat NC State 34-31 in Raleigh 🍊
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) November 14, 2026
The Orange trailed by two possessions with under 6 minutes left, but came back to win in the final minute. pic.twitter.com/fluPO7ht1f
Still Alive
North Carolina’s two-point loss to Louisville means the Tar Heels are stuck on five wins, with games against Virginia and NC State remaining. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, needs road wins over both Florida State and North Carolina to qualify for a bowl game. Of course, the future figures to be a lot more exciting than the present for the Wolfpack, who are set to introduce Philip Rivers as the team’s new head coach on Monday.
Add us as a preferred source on Google