As Week 12 of the 2024 ACC football season kicks off, there’s plenty to discuss—and some big-time controversy. The latest ACC power rankings have stirred up a major debate among fans, with the Louisville Cardinals securing the No. 3 spot. Although their strong performance has silenced some critics, many still wonder: did the Cardinals deserve this high of a ranking?
Louisville Cardinals: Resilience and Surprising Dominance
Louisville’s 2024 season has been one for the books. Coach Jeff Brohm has led the Cardinals to an impressive series of wins, showcasing both offensive versatility and a solid defense. Their strategic mix of aggressive passing and grinding ground game has propelled them to an enviable position in the ACC. However, their recent loss to Pittsburgh raised eyebrows, bringing up the question of consistency and readiness for the final stretch of the season.
With key victories against prominent teams like Notre Dame and Duke, Louisville has proven they can hang with top-tier programs. Quarterback Brock Domann has continued to impress, delivering solid performances week after week, and the defense has stepped up in critical moments. Still, Louisville’s overall success has been somewhat polarizing. Critics argue that the Cards haven’t faced as tough of a schedule as some of their ACC counterparts, while fans insist that wins are wins.
Who Should Hold the No. 3 Spot?
The ACC standings have been volatile all season, making it hard to gauge who truly deserves the top spots. Louisville’s placement at No. 3 comes as a shock to fans of teams like the UNC Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers, who have put up significant wins despite inconsistent stretches.
1. UNC Tar Heels: Some fans argue that North Carolina deserves to be in Louisville’s place. Despite some recent hiccups, the Tar Heels boast an electric offense led by quarterback Drake Maye, who’s widely seen as a Heisman contender. Their schedule has been arguably tougher than Louisville’s, with matchups against teams like Miami and Clemson. Should UNC, with its slightly tougher schedule and explosive offense, be ranked above Louisville? Many think so.
2. Clemson Tigers: While Clemson started the season with unexpected struggles, they’ve since recovered, displaying a more cohesive team in recent games. Dabo Swinney’s Tigers have shown they can win under pressure, particularly with a strong defense that’s shut down some of the ACC’s best offenses. Clemson’s high-profile name and turnaround in the latter half of the season make their exclusion from the top three a contentious decision.
The Strength of Schedule Debate
One of the primary criticisms of Louisville’s No. 3 ranking is the strength of their schedule. Critics argue that their impressive record lacks the substance of some other top ACC teams. The Cardinals haven’t faced Florida State, for example, who holds the top spot and has had to battle it out with high-caliber opponents throughout the season. While Louisville’s big wins have come against solid teams, their path to success appears, to some, relatively easy compared to UNC or Clemson.
The metrics backing Louisville’s rankings, including points per game and defensive stops, indicate strong overall performance. But for many, stats aren’t enough. College football has always rewarded strength of schedule and “quality wins,” and Louisville’s resume lacks a truly marquee victory over a title-contending opponent. If the Cardinals end the season without facing teams like Florida State, should their record hold as much weight?
Looking Ahead: Louisville’s Path to the Championship
Louisville may have locked in the No. 3 ranking this week, but they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. With the season winding down, every game becomes critical. Their next game against Miami will serve as a litmus test—win convincingly, and critics might be silenced. But if Louisville falters, the noise around their ranking will only grow louder.
The real question is, can Louisville maintain its momentum and earn a spot in the ACC Championship? Florida State and UNC are still fighting for dominance, and both present formidable obstacles. Louisville’s ranking will mean little if they can’t rise to the challenge when the stakes are at their highest.
Final Take: Has Louisville Really Earned the No. 3 Spot?
Louisville’s third-place ranking has become a flashpoint for debate among ACC fans. Supporters argue the Cardinals have earned their place through consistent play and resilience. Critics, however, feel that Louisville’s season hasn’t truly been tested against the elite, and their ranking feels inflated.
So, does Louisville belong at No. 3 in the Week 12 ACC power rankings? The numbers might say yes, but for many fans and analysts, the answer is a resounding maybe.