4. Wake Forest Demon Deacons – (3-0) – The Deacons struggled a bit with Liberty this past weekend, but do not believe all you read on the social media. The slow-mesh was highly successful and Sam Hartman connected with AT Perry and the very talented receiver group when he needed to lead the Deacs to victory. A big, early season contest with the Clemson Tigers comes early on Saturday (noon on ABC).
3. Syracuse Orange – (3-0) – Purdue was figured to contend for a B1G West title this season. Syracuse was figured to contend…for the bottom of the ACC. Neither seems to be true through 3 weeks of the season as Cuse shocked Purdue in Week 3. Garrett Shrader and Orande Gadsden II (son of former Miami Dolphins WR) led the Orange to the victory. Even when Sean Tucker has a down week, Syracuse found a way to win, and therefore a move upward in this week’s rankings. Up next UVA travels to the Dome on Friday night.
2. Clemson Tigers – (3-0) – 13-6 at halftime had some feeling a bit of angst versus an upstart Louisiana Tech squad. The halftime speech must have been a good one, because Clemson pulled away in the second half and beat the Bulldogs by 4 touchdowns. DJ Uiagalelei looked really good outside of only a few throws. Receivers were making nice catches and the running backs were outstanding, especially Will Shipley. Need to get the defensive backfield in order, but injuries led to most overlooking that. A huge week 4 game at Wake Forest starts at noon on Saturday. It will go a long way in upcoming power rankings.
1. NC State Wolfpack – (3-0) – This past weekend, the defense led the Woofies to a big victory versus Texas Tech of the Big XII. In a game that the offense did not look nearly as prolific as it has been written to be, the very good defensive side of the ball took the reins and got the victory. Dave Doeren has been linked to the Nebraska job. Will this lead to any distractions for the team? We shall see. But for now, they remain at the #1 spot in the conference power rankings. UConn comes calling to Carter-Finley stadium this weekend, and I do not see them losing that one.