ACC Power Rankings: Week 6

This past weekend nearly was a monumental one in the ACC. If you’re reading this website, you’re probably well aware of why, but if you somehow missed it, UNC lost to Clemson by just one point after failing to score on a two-point conversion that would have given them a late lead.

As Clemson managed to pull out the game, there’s no major shakeup at the top of the conference, but there was some interesting results elsewhere in the league. Let’s check in on where things stand with this week’s edition of out ACC Power Rankings

1. #2 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 3-0 ACC)

They may have slipped from number one in the country, but the Tigers stay at number one in the ACC. They probably would have stayed there had they even lost to UNC on Saturday, too.

Next: 10/12 vs. Florida State

2. #22 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-0, 1-0 ACC)

Narrowly winning over a team that got crushed by Kansas isn’t the best result, but Wake came away with the win and remain undefeated. With the ACC a middle-heavy conference. it wouldn’t be the craziest thing if both teams were undefeated when Wake takes on Clemson in mid-November.

Next: 10/12 vs. Louisville

3. #23 Virginia Cavaliers (4-1, 2-0)

Leading a good Notre Dame team at halftime before eventually losing is nothing to be ashamed of. Their next four games will likely determine just how good they are and how high this Virginia team can rise in the rankings.

Next: 10/11 at Miami

4. Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 2-1 ACC)

Since the 1-2 start where the one was an overtime win against UL Monroe, FSU has looked better. That uptick also coincides with a move to Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook at quarterback, who thew for 316 yards and three touchdowns in their win over NC State this weekend. They’re still a talented team, so if the solid play from Hornibrook continues, FSU’s outlook is going to be a lot higher than it was a couple weeks ago.

Next: 10/12 at Clemson

5. Duke Blue Devils (3-1, 1-0 ACC)

Virginia Tech appears to be an on-fire garbage right now, but it is impressive that David Cutcliffe has gotten Duke to a point where they can take advantage of that and win by 35.

Next: Saturday vs. Pitt

6. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3, 1-1 ACC)

Getting within a two-point conversion of upsetting Clemson single-handedly moved UNC up several spots. However, it can only vault them so far as they do have a losing record, even if we are high on them. Their next couple games represent a chance to get back in the win column in a big way.

Next: Saturday at Georgia Tech

7. Miami Hurricanes (2-2, 0-1 ACC)

Miami hasn’t exactly been tested since their loss in Chapel Hill, and then had this past weekend off.

Next: Saturday vs. Virginia Tech

8. NC State Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1 ACC)

Against non-Power Five competition, the Wolfpack are 3-0, winning games by an average of 26.7 points. Against Power Five competition, they are 0-2, losing by an average of 17.5 points.

Next: 10/10 vs. Syracuse

9. Pitt Panthers (3-2, 0-1 ACC)

Oh wow, I know Michigan seems pretty bad this year, but that’s a good 17-14 win for Pitt. zooms in on helmets Oh, that’s Delaware. Never mind.

Next: at Duke

10. Boston College Eagles (3-2, 1-1 ACC)

Good news is they looked decent in another game since the Kansas loss. Bad news is the Kansas loss is still on their résumé.

Next: Saturday at Louisville

11. Syracuse Orange (3-2, 0-1 ACC)

Hey, remember when they gave up 63 points to Maryland? Since that game, Maryland has scored 17 combined points in two games. Syracuse has won two of their three games since then, but the competition level in those wins wasn’t exactly great. We’ll know whether they’ve straightened things out soon.

Next: 10/10 at NC State

12. Louisville Cardinals (2-2, 0-1 ACC)

The Cardinals had this past weekend off.

Next: Saturday vs. Boston College

13. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2, 0-2 ACC)

This was the highlight of their loss to Duke:

14. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-3, 0-1 ACC)

Scoring only two points a game is very fun, but also very bad.

Next: Saturday vs. North Carolina