Week 5 had some major ups and downs for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Here are the power rankings going into the sixth week of the college football season.
1. No. 6 Clemson (4-0, 1-0 ACC)
The Tigers almost let their game against the then-No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish get away from them in the fourth quarter, but had a major defensive stop against the Irish on what would have been the game-tying two-point conversion late. The potential to be a playoff team is there for Clemson. It needs to prove that it’s worthy of the consideration.
2. No. 12 Florida State (4-0, 2-0 ACC)
Even though the Seminoles eased through the first third of their schedule, they looked anemic doing so, especially in their first two conference games. The arrow seems to be pointing down on the Seminoles, especially with running back Dalvin Cook listed as day-to-day with a leg injury.
3. (rv) Duke (4-1, 2-0 ACC)
The offense for the Blue Devils struggled against Boston College’s top-tier defense, but luckily the defense for Duke shouldered the load, holding the Eagles to just seven points. Senior safety Jeremy Cash has made an early case for All-American status, recording eight tackles on Saturday, giving him 42 totals this season.
4. North Carolina (4-1, 1-0 ACC)
Marquise Williams silenced any notion of a quarterback controversy against Georgia Tech this weekend, registering 282 yards of total offense and two rushing touchdowns against Georgia Tech to win 38-31. The Tar Heels have a bye to rest up and prepare for Wake Forest Oct. 17.
5. Pittsburgh (3-1, 1-0 ACC)
The Panthers harassed Brenden Motley and the Hokies offense all day, holding the offense to 100 yards of total offense. While Qadree Ollison has filled in well for James Connor at running back, the Panthers need to get solid and consistent quarterback play, regardless of whether it’s Chad Voytik or Nathan Peterman.
6. Syracuse (3-1, 1-0 ACC)
The Orange didn’t help itself with a bye, but more importantly, it didn’t hurt itself either. Syracuse looks to continue its 2015 campaign against South Florida Oct. 10.
7. Miami (3-1, 0-0 ACC)
Miami led in the second half but still lost to the Cincinnati Bearcats, and not because it was looking toward a matchup with Florida State. Head coach Al Golden mismanaged the game, and officially put himself on the hot seat for the first time this season.
8. NC State (4-1, 0-1 ACC)
The Wolfpack struggled against the Cardinals running attack Saturday. Louisville true freshman quarterback Lamar Jackson had 121 rushing yards, including a 68-yard sprint for the first touchdown of the game. Meanwhile, the NC State rushing offense sputtered without Shadrach Thornton, registering just 45 yards rushing as a team.
9. Louisville (2-3, 1-1 ACC)
The Cardinals seem to have found their quarterback with Lamar Jackson, who has led the Cardinals to two straight wins. Bobby Petrino looks to continue his hot streak after the bye week, when he and the Cardinals challenge Florida State in Tallahassee Oct. 17.
10. Boston College (3-2, 0-2 ACC)
The offense still looks pathetic in comparison to the team’s stout defense, scoring seven points per game in their two conference losses to Florida State and Duke. The offensive woes for the Eagles will have an opportunity to improve with an easier matchup against Wake Forest looming.
11. Wake Forest (2-3, 0-2 ACC)
One of the rare cases where a team looks really good in a loss; Wake Forest played Indiana very well just one week ago and almost upset the Seminoles this past weekend. The improved Deacs will have their chance to get their first conference win against the offensively inept Boston College this weekend.
12. Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-2 ACC)
The Yellow Jackets are turning into a dumpster fire, losing three straight games to teams with winning records. Paul Johnson’s team just does not look anything like the 2014 Coastal Division champion team and will need to find itself soon if it wants any shot to beat the No. 6 Clemson Tigers Oct. 10.
13. Virginia Tech (2-3, 0-1 ACC)
Virginia Tech is currently on a low right now. After rocketing to a 2-1 record, The Hokies are currently on a two-game losing streak. Virginia Tech will look to get things back in order as it takes on a NC State team that got exposed defensively over the weekend.
14. Virginia (1-3, 0-0 ACC)
The Cavs are the only team besides Miami in the ACC that has yet to play a conference game this year. Coach Mike London needs a win, but it won’t be easy this week against the Pittsburgh Panthers Oct. 10.
