Nick Faulkner
Freshman wide receiver Nyheim Hines carries the ball for extra yardage after the catch against Virginia Tech. Hines had one reception for 17 yards and 2 kick returns for 54 yards. Everything seemed to go wrong for the Wolfpack who lost the game 28-13 to VT on October 9th in Lane Stadium.
In a week that had some upsets and exciting games throughout college football, it’s time to break down the ACC power rankings going into week seven of the season.
1. No. 5 Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC)
Clemson followed up its thrilling victory against Notre Dame with a dominating win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 43-24. Clemson looks to follow up its stellar performance against a struggling Boston College team.
2. No. 11 Florida State (5-0, 3-0 ACC)
The Seminoles helped reinvigorate a rivalry that needed a jump start as the Hurricanes were defeated in thrilling fashion 29-24. Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook is continuing to impress Heisman voters as he tacked on 222 rushing yards with an average of 10 yards per carry during the game.
3. No. 25 Duke (5-1, 2-0 ACC)
With five wins under its belt, Duke now finds itself atop the Coastal division. The Blue Devils throttled Army 44-3 this past weekend and will now get a bye week to prepare for their matchup against Virginia Tech Oct. 24.
4. Pittsburgh (4-1, 2-0 ACC)
The Panthers jumped out to an early 17-3 lead in the first quarter against Virginia, which put the game plenty out of reach for the offensively struggling Cavaliers. The Panthers will look to continue their hot start Oct. 17 in a matchup with the struggling Yellow Jackets.
5. (rv) UNC-Chapel Hill (4-1, 1-0 ACC)
The Tar Heels had a bye week to rest up and prepare for their matchup against Wake Forest that is improving as the season continues. The Tar Heels have come a long way from the team that looked sloppy against South Carolina, winning four straight after the loss.
T-6. Miami (3-2, 0-1 ACC)
The Hurricanes tested the Seminoles this weekend but came up short in 29-24 loss, and it could mean more. The Canes are 2-6 over the last two years in the games following losses to FSU, and that could become problematic if the “Fire Al Golden” campaign gets louder.
T-6 Louisville (2-3, 1-1 ACC)
Louisville has won two games in a row following three straight losses this year, proving that its early season woes were nothing to be concerned with. They didn’t have a game this past weekend, giving the Cards plenty of time to prepare for a much needed win against Florida State Oct. 17.
8. Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1 ACC)
Quarterback Brenden Motley shook off his dreadful performance against Pitt in the conference opener and threw three touchdowns to lead the Hokies to a 28-13 win over NC State. The Hokies got much needed good news after quarterback Michael Brewer was cleared to practice one month after breaking his collarbone, but his status against Miami Oct. 17 will remain uncertain until the weekend.
9. Syracuse (3-2, 1-0 ACC)
The Orange got beaten down this weekend as it lost to South Florida 45-24 in the team’s first road game of the year. With its matchup against Virginia on tap, the Orange will looking to get its surprising season back on track after losing two straight games to FBS schools.
10. Wake Forest (3-3, 1-2 ACC)
The Deacs had to work extra hard in a defensive slugfest against Boston College and came away with a 3-0 win this past weekend. Despite holding the Eagles to no points, the Deacs have given up double digits to their opponents in four of their first five games, which could be a problem against the Tar Heels this weekend.
11. Boston College (3-3, 0-3 ACC)
The Eagles offense has struggled against FBS competition, averaging six points per game in their last four games, including two shutouts in ACC play. Things might get ugly this weekend as the Eagles will travel to Clemson to survive a matchup with the No. 5 Tigers.
12. NC State (4-2, 0-2 ACC)
Head coach Dave Doeren’s October struggles have continued for the third straight season, as he is now an abysmal 0-8 in conference games in the month of October since his arrival in 2013. The Pack offense will have a bye week before a matchup with Wake Forest to do some much needed soul-searching if it still want to contend in the ACC.
13.Georgia Tech (2-4, 0-3 ACC)
By far the biggest disappointment in the conference. After Georgia Tech was ranked as high as No. 14 the season, the team has lost four straight games, including three-straight conference games. Paul Johnson needs to get his defense refocused, as the unit has given up over 30 points to opposing teams in each of the last four weeks.
14. Virginia (1-4, 0-1 ACC)
The Cavs have looked much better against Pitt than they have the past few weeks. Virginia had a tough opening slate, with matchups with top-tier programs their first two weeks against UCLA and Notre Dame. If the Cavs can turn it around with a much easier second half schedule, there is still slim hope for a bowl berth.