ACC Power Ranking: Terrapins and Hokies on the rise

It took awhile -- in the season and the game -- but the Hokies had reason to celebrate Saturday. (US Presswire)

Here's CBSSports.com Rapid Reports ACC power ranking:

1. Florida State (6-1): The Seminoles bounced back from last week's loss to NC State with a blowout of Boston College that got them bowl eligible. This week is the rivalry game against Miami. Last week's power ranking: 1. Next up: at Miami, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC).

2. Clemson (5-1): The Tigers had a week off to prepare for a showdown with Virginia Tech. Clemson can't afford another ACC loss if it wants to catch Florida State. Last week's power ranking: 2. Next up: vs. Virginia Tech, Saturday, noon ET (ABC/ESPN2).

3. North Carolina (5-2): The Tar Heels didn't light up the scoreboard against Miami, but Giovani Bernard had another huge day. The Heels need to clean up their act -- they've been flagged 30 times in the last two weeks. Last week's power ranking: 4. Next up: at Duke, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU).

4. NC State (4-2): The Wolfpack had a week to bask in the glow of the Florida State win. Now NC State needs to avoid the inexplicable loss that tends to follow big wins in the Tom O'Brien era. Last week's power ranking: 5. Next up: at Maryland, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU).

5. Duke (5-2): The Blue Devils have left the state of North Carolina twice this season and given up 91 points. That's 11 fewer than they've allowed in five games in the state. The North Carolina game is always huge because of the rivalry, but this week's game will have a big impact on the divisional standings as well. Last week's power ranking: 3. Next up: vs. North Carolina, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU).

6. Maryland (4-2): The Terrapins keep finding ways to win and are almost to the point that they can start thinking about bowl eligibility. They still have to play the meat of their conference schedule, however. Last week's power ranking: 7. Next up: vs. NC State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, (ESPNU).

7. Virginia Tech (4-3): The Hokies got an important win, both for the standings and for the team's psyche, after falling behind by 20 against Duke. This week's trip to Clemson is a season-maker for them. Last week's power ranking: 9. Next up: at Clemson, Saturday, noon ET, (ABC/ESPN2).

8. Miami (4-3): The Hurricanes lost a game that was within reach, at home against North Carolina. More importantly, they may have lost starting quarterback Stephen Morris, who left the game with an ankle injury. Last week's power ranking: 6. Next up: vs. Florida State, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, (ABC).

9. Wake Forest (3-3): The Demon Deacons suffered another loss during their off week. Coach Jim Grobe announced two more suspensions on Saturday for violations of team rules -- safety Duran Lowe and tackle Devin Bolling are out indefinitely. Last week's power ranking: 8. Next up: at Virginia, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, (ACC Network).

10. Georgia Tech (2-4): The Yellow Jackets had a week off to make changes on defense. They should be able to ease back into things against Boston College, but after the Middle Tennessee State loss, Tech can't overlook anyone. Last week's power ranking: 10. Next up: vs. Boston College, Saturday, 3 p.m. ET, (RSN).

11. Virginia (2-5): Things are going from bad to worse for the Cavaliers. Virginia lost its fifth straight game, and Phillip Sims was replaced by former starter Michael Rocco. Sophomore David Watford probably deserves a look, but at this point, it might not be worth burning a year of eligibility. Last week's power ranking: 11. Next up: vs. Wake Forest, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network).

12. Boston College (1-5): Boston College was no match for a Florida State team that had something to prove, coming off a loss. Things don't look good again this week, as the Eagles face a Georgia Tech team that desperately needs a win. Last week's power ranking: 12. Next up: at Georgia Tech, Saturday, 3 p.m. ET, (RSN).

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.