The Wolfpacker's ACC Power Rankings: Week 6
Clemson solidified its top spot in the ACC power rankings, Wake Forest bounced back in a big way and Louisville fell steeply after its loss to Boston College.
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 six of the college football season:
1) Clemson (5-0)
Last week’s result: A 30-20 win over NC State
After defeating NC State and Wake Forest in back-to-back weeks, it is clear that Clemson is once again the best team in the ACC. The Tigers’ defense stifled the Wolfpack offense and capitalized on mistakes that helped the program continue its home winning streak. If DJ Uiagalelei and Will Shipley continue to put up big numbers and lead a productive offense, Clemson will likely only improve as injured defensive starters return to the lineup.
2) Wake Forest (4-1)
Last week’s result: A 31-21 win over Florida State
Wake Forest responded to last week’s heartbreaking overtime loss to Clemson with an extremely impressive ACC road win over previously-undefeated Florida State. The Demon Deacon’s passing attack was impressive as usual, and 114 rushing yards on 18 carries for Justice Ellison is a great sign for the Wake Forest offense as well.
3) NC State (4-1)
Last week’s result: A 30-20 loss to Clemson
The stage in Death Valley was not too big for the Wolfpack, but the offense could not do enough against a stout Clemson defense to pull off the win. Quarterback Devin Leary played his best game of the season against an FBS opponent, an encouraging sign for NC State, but the team will have obviously have to be more balanced in ACC play after only recording 34 rushing yards against the Tigers.
4) Florida State (4-1)
Last week’s result: A 31-21 loss to Wake Forest
Wake Forest jumped out to a quick lead, but the Seminoles battled back behind the arm of quarterback Jordan Travis, who threw for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. Florida State still controls its destiny in the Atlantic Division, and this Saturday’s road test against NC State will be huge for the program’s ACC Championship hopes.
5) Syracuse (5-0)
Last week’s result: A 59-0 win over Wagner
Syracuse, one of the ACC’s surprise teams this year, continued to impress over the weekend with a shutout win heading into its bye week. All-ACC running back Sean Tucker had his best game of the year, racking up 232 yards on the ground and scoring 3 touchdowns. The Orange will have a chance to spend its off week preparing for a likely-ranked matchup with NC State
6) Duke (4-1)
Last week’s result: A 38-17 win over Virginia
First-year head coach Mike Elko won his first ACC game with Duke in authoritative fashion, shutting down the UVA offense. The Blue Devils are quite possibly the best team in an incredibly weak Coastal Division this year, and they will likely battle with UNC all fall for that top spot.
7) North Carolina (4-1)
Last week’s result: A 41-10 loss to Virginia Tech
North Carolina finally put together and impressive defensive performance, holding down its home turf and only allowing two scores to Virginia Tech. Drake Maye continues to prove himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country and, if the defense can carry the momentum from last week into the rest of the season, the Tar Hells could be a team to watch nationally.
T-8) Miami (2-2)
Last week’s result: Bye week
After losing to Middle Tennessee State, Miami spent last week regrouping on its bye week and preparing for a game against UNC.
T-8) Pittsburgh (3-2)
Last week’s result: A 26-21 loss to Georgia Tech
Pittsburgh picked up one of the more inexplicable losses of the 2022 season, losing to Georgia Tech at home after scoring only once in the first 3 quarters of the game. Kedon Slovis did throw for 305 passing yards, but that is one of the only positive takeaways from the game. The good news for the Panthers is that the Coastal is so weak that they can absolutely still contend for the division.
10) Boston College (2-3)
Last week’s result: A 34-33 win over Louisville
Phil Jurkovec had a fantastic day throwing the ball for the Eagles, tossing 21 passes for 304 yards. Wide receiver Zay Flowers caught 5 of them for 150 yards, and Boston College pulled off its first ACC win of the year after shutting out Louisville in the fourth quarter.
T-11) Louisville (2-3)
Last week’s result: A 34-33 loss to Boston College
Saturday’s loss is a disappointing setback for a Cardinals team that picked up some momentum towards the end of the non-conference schedule. Star quarterback Malik Cunningham left the game with an injury, and the Louisville offense struggled mightily without him. If he misses extended time, the Cardinals could be headed for a rough season.
T-11) Virginia Tech (2-3)
Last week’s result: A 41-10 loss to North Carolina
Virginia Tech‘s offense looks really bad right now. North Carolina gave up 61 points to Appalachian State and 45 to Notre Dame, but the Hokies could not find any rhythm on that side of the ball and suffered its second-consecutive blowout loss as a result. First-year head coach Brent Pry needs time, but the early returns are not encouraging.
13) Georgia Tech (2-3)
Last week’s result:
Georgia Tech shook off all of the news surrounding the team’s recent head coaching change and picked up a great win over Pittsburgh on the road. Running back Hassan Hall dominated, carrying the ball 20 times for 157 yards, and the Yellow Jacket defense held the Panthers to 7 points in the first 3 quarters.
14) Virginia (2-3)
Last week’s result: A 38-17 loss to Duke
Virginia has been unable to replicate the offensive success from last season, and quarterback Brennan Armstrong was contained once again against Duke. The Cavaliers need to find a way to get receiver Dontayvion Wicks more involved in the offense, or it could be a long season in the ACC.
