ACC Basketball Power Rankings: Miami, Clemson falls after tough losses

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - DECEMBER 09: Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers drives past Marcus Evans #2 of the VCU Rams in the second half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on December 9, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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3. Florida State Seminoles (8-1)

Last rank: 3rd (↔)

The worst of the non-conference schedule is over for the Florida State Seminoles although the St. Louis Billikens should still pose a challenge on Dec. 22. Their record is 7-2. Outside of them, though, the Seminoles have survived all their early challenges.

They own two victories over ranked opponents and there’s nothing for them to hang their head about losing to the Villanova Wildcats, 66-60, in the Advocare Invitational on Nov. 25.

It helps their next four games are confidence boosts, the Seminoles open conference play against the Virginia Cavaliers on the road on Jan. 5. Their scoring attack is led by Terance Mann and Trent Forrest with Mfiondu Kabengele averaging 11.4 points and 4.1 rebounds off the bench. Mann leads the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and rebounds per game (7.4). Forrest is right behind him with 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

While Mann and Forrest do their thing, M.J. Walker and P.J. Savoy are seeing a big basket behind the 3-point line. Walker is shooting 45.7 percent from 3-point land. Savoy is shooting 34.7 percent from behind the arc. They’ll need to finish their non-conference slate strong as January approaches. When they do, consider them a favorite to win the ACC.