Clemson Football: ACC Power Rankings – Week 5

4. Wake Forest Demon Deacons –  Last Week: 4 – (3-1) – Sam Hartman was as advertised in last weeks game versus the Tigers.  Throwing for a school-record 6 touchdowns in the losing effort.  The question that arose was is their defense bad?  Or did Clemson finally put some of the pieces together on that side of the ball?  Either way, Wake is a good squad, and needs some help on the defensive side.  Next up: @ Florida State

3. Florida State – Last Week: 3 – (4-0) – Florida State is Back!!!  Ok, maybe jumping the gun, but an extremely convincing win versus Boston College on Saturday keeps FSU at #3.  Jordan Travis continued his rise with 321 yards and a touchdown.  Running back Trey Benson averaged 7.8 yards per carry along with 2 touchdowns.  Mike Norvell has this team playing very hard and they are starting to believe.  Wake Forest comes to Doak Campbell Stadium in a highly-anticipated battle of Beef’s ACC Power Rankings #4 v. #3.  Next up: vs. Wake Forest

2. Clemson Tigers – Last Week: 2 – (4-0) – Clemson’s place in the Power Rankings was in trouble with a struggle win versus a very good Wake Forest team.  The defensive backfield was an extreme liability in week 4, however the offense was nearly unstoppable.  After last season, I was unsure if we’d ever see a dominant offense again.  Ok, maybe that’s dramatic, but this past weekend, the offense carried the day and really looked sharp.  Especially nice getting the highly-talented Tight Ends involved.  Next up: vs. NC State

1. NC State Wolfpack – Last Week: 1 (4-0) – I don’t like Dave Doeren.  I don’t like NC State.  I don’t like people that think NC State are better than Clemson.  However, QB Devin Leary is having a very solid season and what we saw this past weekend (vs. UConn) was an all-around victory from the Pack.  They continue to take care of business, but this week should be the biggest challenge for the leaders of my ACC Power Rankings.  Even when the offense isn’t running on all cylinders, the defense is highly capable.  The marquee matchup of the weekend in the conference.  Next up: @ Clemson