ACC Football Power Rankings: Week 5

Week four in the ACC saw everyone back in action after several hurricane-related cancellations. It also saw UNC’s first win, Virginia Tech inexplicably losing, and...whatever UVA-Louisville was.

With another week in the books, let’s check in on the ACC.

1. Clemson (4-0, 1-0 ACC)

Last week: def. Georgia Tech 49-21

Okay, so moving on to number two.

Next week: vs. Syracuse (9/29)

2. Miami (3-1)

Last week: def. Florida International 31-17

Since dropping their opener to LSU, the Hurricans have been pretty solid, adding a 31-17 win over Florida International last weekend. It should be noted, FIU got those 17 points in garbage time in the fourth quarter, as Miami had gone up 31-0.

There was one major things to come out of this game that will appear to have an impact for Miami’s upcoming game against UNC. Signs seem to be pointing to N’Kosi Perry taking over at quarterback. Perry went 17/25 for 224 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception after taking over for Malik Rosier.

Next week: vs. UNC (9/27)

3. Duke (4-0)

Last week: def. NC Central 55-13

Look, I don’t want to do it either. Blame other teams for losing dumb games. Duke did about what you would think against Central, but another game that happened on Saturday made them look a bit better as well. Army, who was beaten by Duke earlier this year, took #6 Oklahoma to overtime in Norman. The transitive property thing can only take you so far, but that Army win looks a bit better now.

Next week: vs. Virginia Tech (9/29)

4. Syracuse (4-0, 1-0 ACC)

Last week: def. UConn 51-21

The Orange have now scored 198 points this s6eason. That’s a higher total than what five FBS teams scored in the entire 2017 season.

Next week: @ Clemson (9/29)

5. NC State (3-0)

Last week: def. Marshall 37-20

Because of the hurricane cancellation that wiped out their West Virginia game, State still hasn’t played anyone particularly tough. However, they’re still unbeaten, and went on the road and handled a previously undefeated Marshall team.

Next week: vs. Virginia (9/29)

6. Boston College (3-1)

Last week: lost to Purdue 30-13

On paper losing to a previously win-less Purdue team looks bad. However, considering that Purdue’s prior losses were by a combined eight points, we’ll cut the Eagles some slack. It was still a road game against a team that went to a bowl last season.

Next week: vs. Temple (9/29)

7. Virginia (3-1, 1-0 ACC)

Last week: def. Louisville 27-3

I guess they go here?

Next week: @ NC State (9/29)

8. Virginia Tech (2-1, 1-0 ACC)

Last week: lost to Old Dominion 49-35

Oh no Hokies, what is you doing?

Next week: @ Duke (9/29)

9 Florida State (2-2, 0-2 ACC)

Last week: def. Northern Illinois 37-19

Their win over NIU is genuinely pretty solid, but you can’t quite move them up that much for it. FSU is still a team that messed around against Samford.

Next week: @ Louisville (9/29)

10. Wake Forest (2-2, 0-1 ACC)

Last week: lost to Notre Dame 56-27

This week: vs. Rice (9/29)

11. Louisville (2-2, 0-1 ACC)

Last week: lost to Virginia 27-3

The Cardinals still really haven’t done a ton good this season, and now lost to a Virginia team that most people thought was bad. So, that’s not great.

Next week: vs. Florida State (9/29)

12. Georgia Tech (1-3, 0-2 ACC)

Last week: lost to Clemson 49-21

The Yellow Jackets get a slight break compared to the remaining two teams. Two of their losses have come to teams that appear to be good.

Next week: vs. Bowling Green (9/29)

13. North Carolina (1-2, 1-0 ACC)

Last week: def. Pitt 38-35

Hey, look at you Tar Heels. Made it out of the basement an onto the ground floor. Congrats.

Next week: @ Miami (9/27)

14. Pitt (2-2, 1-1 ACC)

Last week: lost to North Carolina 38-35

Look, Pitt, you just lost to a team that’s most recent game was getting boatraced by ECU. I don’t make the rules here, you’re now last.

Next week: @ UCF (9/29)