Clemson Football: ACC Power Rankings headed into Week 7
By Casey Cregan
9. Duke Blue Devils – Last Week: 7 – (4-2) – Duke did lose to Georgia Tech, and are still ahead of them in the power rankings. I am not usually a fan of doing that, but I believe Duke is in a better spot on their season than GT therefore the position. The offense seemed to struggle for the Blue Devils against the Jackets on Saturday, only mustering 278 total yards of offense. Quarterback Riley Leonard completed less than 50% of his throws. A big match-up with rival North Carolina awaits. Next up: vs. North Carolina
8. Louisville Cardinals – Last Week: 11 – (3-3) – The Cards were down 10-0 after one quarter and Virginia fans were hoping that Brennan Armstrong’s woes were fixed. Fast forward to the end of the game, and the Cardinals pulled out a 34-17 victory, doubling up the Hoos. Brock Domann was extremely serviceable in relief of Malik Cunningham throwing for 275 yards and a score through the air and added 71 yards and touchdown on the ground. Maybe not as electric as Cunningham, but plenty good enough to beat Virginia. Next up: vs. Pitt (10/22)
7. Florida State Seminoles – Last Week: 6 – (4-2) – The Noles dropped a heart-breaker on the road. While some would say they blew it, myself being one of them, the team is still 4-2 on the season and Jordan Travis is still playing (surprisingly) well. He threw two interceptions this weekend, one at the end of the game to seal the loss, but was a load with 181 through the air and 108 with his feet. The defense was solid as it’s been all season thus far. Next up: vs. Clemson
6. Pittsburgh Panthers – Last Week: 8 – (4-2) – How good was Israel Abanikanda?! Well, I’ll tell you. The Junior Running Back toted the rock 36 times for 320 yards and 6!!! Touchdowns. Whoa. With an average of 8.9 yards per carry. Just eye-popping statistics. Pitt ran away with a convincing win over Virginia Tech, 45-29 in a score that was not as close at it looks. Next up: @ Louisville (10/22)
5. North Carolina Tar Heels – Last Week: 5 – (5-1) – The defense gave up nearly 500 yards through the air to Miami last week, and somehow were still able to hold on for the 3 point victory. Drake Maye continued his torrid start to his young career with 309 yards through the air and another 53 on the ground. He was uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball at times though with 2 interceptions that both led to Miami points. Next up: @ Duke