The Wolfpacker's ACC Power Rankings: Week 5

Only four ACC teams remain undefeated headed into conference play. NC State, Florida State, Syracuse and Clemson are 4-0 and ready to compete in what looks like a challenging Atlantic Division. The Wolfpack plays each of the latter three programs in the next few weeks, setting up for an exciting start to the conference schedule.

Every Tuesday, The Wolfpacker will rank each of the 14 ACC football programs using the past week’s results, the momentum around the respective programs and what we are hearing from around the conference to inform our decisions. 

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Here are our ACC Power rankings for week three of the college football season:

1) Clemson (4-0)

Last week’s result: A 51-45 win over Wake Forest

Clemson‘s offense looked great against Wake Forest. The Tigers picked up their second ACC win of the year behind the arm of DJ Uiagalelei, who threw for 371 yards and 5 touchdowns in the overtime win, and 104 rushing yards by Will Shipley.

Last Saturday might have been the best game of the quarterback’s career as a full-time starter, and now he can carry that momentum into a matchup against NC State’s defense. This will be a fascinating matchup and, while their defense gave up a lot of points, Wake Forest might have the best offense in the conference, and the Tigers were missing multiple contributors on defense.

With the Wolfpack traveling to Clemson this weekend, the outcome of that game will determine who is in the top spot of these power rankings next week.

T-2) Florida State (4-0)

Last week’s result: A 44-14 win over Boston College

 Florida State defeated Boston College in dominant fashion Saturday, continuing its impressive start to the year. Jordan Travis returned for the Seminoles and threw for 321 yards. With its quarterback playing as well as he has to start the year, Florida State has a chance to make some noise in the conference this year and belongs in the top tier of these power rankings.

T-2) NC State (4-0)

Last week’s result: A 41-10 win over UConn

NC State took care of business against Connecticut, starting the blowout with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Thayer Thomas on the first play from scrimmage. Devin Leary tossed 4 touchdowns, the running game was solid and the defense remained stout. The Wolfpack will spend this weekend preparing for a drastic jump in competition level— an ACC matchup against Clemson.

4) Wake Forest (3-1)

Last week’s result: A 51-45 loss to Clemson

Wake Forest came super close to upsetting No. 5 Clemson. Sam Hartman looked like the superstar from last season, throwing for 337 yards and 6 touchdowns on just 29 attempts. With Hartman playing like a Heisman Trophy contender, it covers up a defense that has been below average so far this year.

The Demon Deacons will likely have to improve on defense to compete for the ACC title, but Hartman’s arm, and some really impressive talent and depth at receiver, will likely keep them in every game this year.

T-5) Pittsburgh (3-1)

Last week’s result: A 45-24 win over Rhode Island

Pittsburgh is the only preseason Coastal Division contender that has not disappointed so far this season. The Panthers’ only loss was a close defeat to a red-hot Tennessee program with their starting and backup quarterback both injured. Quarterback Kedon Slovis returned last weekend, but the star of the game was running back Israel Abanikanda, who carried the ball 19 times for 177 yards and 4 touchdowns. Pittsburgh is definitely the favorite to win its division right now.

T-5) Syracuse (4-0)

Last week’s result: A 22-20 win over Virginia

Syracuse almost gave up a second-half comeback to UVA but held on to remain undefeated. Running back Sean Tucker was quiet for the Orange, only averaging 2.9 yards-per-carry. After a matchup with Wagner and a bye week, it will be very interesting to see how a likely-undefeated and solid Syracuse defense and streaky offense fare against NC State.

7) Louisville (2-2)

Last week’s result: A 41-3 win over South Florida

Louisville took care of business against a bad USF team, and quarterback Malik Cunningham continued to dominate, scoring 4 total touchdowns. Disappointing efforts by Miami and North Carolina are significant reasons why the Cardinals climbed in the rankings this week, but that does not take away from the program’s impressive run of form over the past few weeks.

8) Miami (2-2)

Last week’s result: A 45-31 loss to Middle Tennessee State

After a really impressive defensive performance in a loss to Texas A&M, Miami responded with one of the worst losses of the season by an ACC team, getting blown out by Middle Tennessee State at home. The Hurricanes gave up 408 passing yards to quarterback Chase Cunningham. For now, Miami remains in the middle of the power rankings but has the potential to rise or fall drastically based on how it recovers on its bye week.

9) North Carolina (3-1)

Last week’s result: A 45-32 loss to Notre Dame

Every North Carolina opponent has scored at least 24 points against the Tar Heels this year, and they gave up 45 to a struggling Notre Dame offense missing its starting quarterback. This was a blowout loss at home that followed close wins over Appalachian State and Georgia State. Drake Maye is a phenomenal quarterback, and Omarion Hampton looks like a future start at running back, but they need help from the defense in ACC play.

10) Duke (3-1)

Last week’s result: A 35-27 loss to Kansas

In a matchup of undefeated teams, Duke lost a close matchup to Kansas. The Blue Devils are still ahead of schedule this season and could have a solid finish in the conference considering how some of their peers are playing so far this year.

11) Virginia (2-2)

Last week’s result: A 22-20 loss to Syracuse

UVA made a valiant comeback effort in the second half after falling behind 16-0, but the Cavaliers fell just short. This was an encouraging performance by their defense, but the program needs to get quarterback Brennan Armstrong in a better rhythm.

12) Virginia Tech (2-2)

Last week’s result: A 33-10 loss to West Virginia

Virginia Tech was in this game for more than a half, but penalties doomed the Hokies. They just do not have much explosiveness on offense, and the rushing attack was nonexistent against West Virginia. The Hokies are 1-0 in the ACC thanks to a win over Boston College earlier in the season, but conference victories will likely be hard to come by this fall.

13) Boston College (1-3)

Last week’s result: A 44-14 loss to Florida State

Boston College is in a tough spot right now. The offensive line is below average, and the defense is not strong enough to stop good offenses. Going up against the elite quarterbacks in the Atlantic Division, the Eagles will likely struggle tremendously in conference play.

14) Georgia Tech (1-3)

Last week’s result: A 27-10 loss to Central Florida

Georgia Tech dropped to 1-3 over the weekend and then proceeded to fire head coach Geoff Collins. The Yellow Jackets are preparing for another program overhaul going into ACC play after moving on from their athletic director as well.