ACC Power Rankings: Week 6

Before we begin, for those of you who haven’t seen, there’s been some discussion in the comments of the Power Ranking articles about adding quasi-ACC member Notre Dame into the rankings. Naturally, my response was to paraphrase Grandpa Abe Simpson and say “I’ll be cold and dead in the ground before I recognize Notre Dame.” But, I’m also a man who gives the people what they want, so without further ado, I give you the new 15 team ACC power rankings!

#1 Clemson (6-0, 2-0) (LW:#1):

So after some tumultuous few weeks in TigerTown, everything seemed to finally click for Clemson as the Tigers shredded Wake Forest 63-3. This probably was the most complete performance we’ve seen from Clemson since the 2015 58-0 shutout of Miami. But, what should be even scarier for the ACC is that Clemson’s offense began the day sluggishly before deciding to feed ETN and establish the run game. If Clemson comes out firing on all cylinders early, we might be talking about breaking the 1981 record of 82 points in a game (by the way, that game was also against Wake). Clemson will get a well deserved off week, where hopefully the team will dig deep into their laptops to prepare for NC State.

#2 Notre Dame ( 6-0, 2-0 vs ACC teams) (LW: NR):

It appears that Notre Dame may be “back.” Or at least pretty good. The Irish went and picked up a 45-23 win over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. That’s nice and all, but let’s not forget that Old Dominion scored 49 on the Hokies, so maybe we should take our foot off the gas pedal with the ND hype. Regardless, Notre Dame may end up being a playoff contender. Saturday they’ll face notorious giant killer Pitt in South Bend.

#3 NC State (5-0, 2-0) (LW:#3):

The Pack knocked off BC 28-23 at home. It’s a shame that their game with West Virginia was cancelled due to weather, because that would give us a much better idea of what we’re dealing with in NC State. Regardless, the Pack will also have an off week before coming to Clemson, ensuring that the game will be a Top 25 matchup, and a possible Gameday destination.

#4 Miami (6-1, 2-0) (LW:#2):

Miami rallied from being down 20-7 to beat rival FSU in a game that, like all good FSU-Miami games, featured fighting.

The teams also got in a scrap during the game. And if you look on Twitter, you’ll find multiple videos of the fans throwing hands. Regardless, this game could mean a few things. Maybe FSU is starting to put things together under Taggart, maybe they just played at a different level for the rivalry game, or maybe Miami is who we thought they were after week 1. It’s probably a combination of all three. But Miami is still the favorite in the Coastal. The Canes go to UVA Saturday.

#5 Duke (4-1, 0-1) (LW:#7):

The Devils we’re off this past weekend. They’ll take on Coastal foe Georgia Tech in Atlanta Saturday.

#6 Syracuse (4-2, 1-2) (LW:#4):

Cuse fans have had an emotionally draining couple of weeks with the loss at Clemson and then falling to Pitt in overtime. Fortunately for SU fans, the Orange have a bye this week to regroup.

#7 Boston College (4-2, 1-1) (LW:#5):

The Eagles fell on the road to NC State 28-23. BC can get back on the winning track Saturday as they host downtrodden Louisville Saturday.

#8 Va Tech (3-2, 2-0) (LW:#6):

The Hokies lost to a red hot Notre Dame team in Blacksburg. VT has a chance to bounce back Saturday as they head to Chapel Hill to face UNC.

#9 Georgia Tech (3-3, 1-2) (LW:#11):

In back to back weeks, Paul Johnson’s team has scored more than 60 points in a game. Honestly wasn’t expecting that one, but, as a Falcons fan, anytime I can watch Bobby Petrino catch a huge L on national TV I’ll enjoy it. Jackets host Duke on Saturday.

#10 Pitt (3-3, 2-1) (LW:#13):

Pitt capitalized on Syracuse’s emotional hangover and knocked the Orange off in overtime. Now Pitt will head to South Bend for a date with #5 Notre Dame.

#11 Florida State (3-3, 1-3) (LW:#10):

Florida State put up a valiant effort against Miami but ultimately came up short. The Noles get an off week before hosting Wake Forest

#12 Virginia (3-2, 1-1) (LW#9):

The Cavs had a bye this past weekend, and will host Miami Saturday.

#13 Wake Forest (3-3, 0-2) (LW:#8):

Poor Wake Forest. They were the unfortunate team to be first to get the full brunt of a Trevor Lawrence led offense. The Deacs can lick their wounds this week as they have a bye before facing Florida State.

#14 UNC (1-3, 1-1) (LW:#14):

Congrats UNC. By not playing this last weekend and not further embarrassing yourself, you finally moved up from the last spot. The Tar Heels will host VT Saturday.

#15 Louisville (2-4, 0-3) (LW:#12):

Louisville followed their late game blunder against FSU by allowing Georgia Tech to put on an offensive clinic that would’ve made John Heisman smile. You’d think Petrino would be on the hot seat, but his absurdly large contract may save him....for now.

yep

I think if this Louisville team has shown us anything, it’s that we probably should’ve appreciated Lamar Jackson carrying that program more than we all did.