Clemson Football: ACC Power Rankings headed into Week 8

4. North Carolina Tar Heels – Last Week: 5 – (6-1) – UNC won a game against a very motivated Duke squad on Saturday.  The back and forth affair was actually a fun watch (on a secondary screen) as the game was in the balance the entirety of the way.  UNC pulled out the victory late when Drake Maye found WR Antoine Green.  Duke was able to start building momentum before an interception helped seal the victory for the Tar Heels.  Maye continued his torrid start to his career with 380 yards and 3 TDs along with 70 yards on the ground.  He’s good.  Next up: vs. Pitt (10/29)

3. Syracuse Orange – Last Week: 3 – (6-0) – On paper, Saturday’s game with NC State was supposed to be the first true test for the Orange.  Yet, NC State QB was deemed out for the season and ‘Cuse was able to do what was necessary to pass their first test of the season.  Quarterback Garrett Shrader provided 210 yards through the air with 2 touchdowns.  141 of those passing yards went to Oronde Gadsden II.  Running back Sean Tucker added 98 yards on 14 carries for an average of 7 yards per carry.  And the defense was stingy against a short-handed Wolfpack squad.  Next up: @ Clemson

2. Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Last Week: 2 – (5-1) – Wake rested up in the off week and gets, seemingly another week off when BC comes to Winston-Salem.  Sam Hartman has thrown for 1442 yards and 16 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions.  Clearly the #2 team in the conference at this point in the year.   Next up: vs. Boston College

1. Clemson Tigers – Last Week: 1 – (7-0) – A rather convincing win against Florida State if the game ended with 4 minutes into the fourth quarter.  Unfortunately, they play the full 15 minutes each quarter and the game ended a lot closer than it should have been.  However you slice it, Clemson is now 7-0.  How good was Will Shipley?  121 yards on the ground, 48 receiving and a huge 65-yard return to open up the 2nd half.  DJ was steady as has been the norm in 2022.  The defense was stifling in the middle two quarters and the beginning of the fourth with 3 turnovers on downs and a goal-line stand.  Next up: vs. Syracuse