Syracuse’s impressive 34-21 win over Clemson on the road highlighted the league’s Week 4 slate and turned the conference on its head a little. The Tigers' hopes of winning the ACC essentially evaporated, leaving major questions about both teams.
Could the Orange be a true ACC contender without their starting quarterback? Does Clemson respond to the worst start in the Dabo Swinney era, or will the Tigers simply fade away?
There are a lot of teams left on Clemson’s schedule that have a say. Some of them look impressive. Others are fading as well. Let’s dive into the power rankings heading into Week 5:
Brad Senkiw
1. Miami Hurricanes
The best team in the league rolled through the Florida Gators and looks like the ACC’s best chance at a national title run.
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets got a week to catch their breath after the emotional win over Clemson with an easy victory over Temple, but there are some issues with a defense that gave up 24 points.
3. Florida State Seminoles
They handled a weak MAC opponent the way they were supposed to, so now let’s see how FSU handles a short week with a trip to Charlottesville.
4. Louisville Cardinals
The Cardinals avoided any drama against Bowling Green, winning 40-17. Let’s see how they look with ACC play beginning against a feisty Pitt team.
5. Syracuse Orange
With the biggest riser this week, it’s time to put some respect on Fran Brown’s name, but there are major concerns moving forward with QB Steve Angeli out for the season.
6. Pittsburgh Panthers
PItt got the week off, but moved up because others disappointed.
7. NC State Wolfpack
Speaking of disappointment, C.J. Bailey threw three interceptions against Duke, ruining a 500-yard offensive day and giving the Wolfpack its first ACC loss.
8. Virginia Cavaliers
Tony Elliott’s squad has moxy and offensive firepower, making them extremely intriguing right now.
9. SMU Mustangs
SMU lost to a TCU team that's 2-0 vs. the ACC, and the Ponies continue to be a team that does nothing impressive.
10. Duke Blue Devils
Manny Diaz bounced back from the Tulane loss to get it done against the Wolfpack, so a move back to the top 10 is warranted.
11. Cal Bears
Cal’s youthful offense was going to catch up to it at some point, but still, a 34-0 loss to San Diego State is unacceptable.
12. Boston College Eagles
A Saturday off to prepare for Cal has me thinking the Eagles could move up next week.
13. Clemson Tigers
As bad as Clemson’s looked, and boy has this team looked bad, there are worse schools in this league, but the margin is thin.
14. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Thanks to a bye, the Deacs get to stay out of the bottom three.
15. North Carolina Tar Heels
The fact that UCF is THAT much better than Chapel Bill should really frighten Heels fans in what’s already looking like a lost Year 1.
16. Stanford Cardinal
A week after getting a win over BC, the Cardinal defense allowed 48 points at UVA.
17. Virginia Tech Hokies
A win over Wofford the week after firing the head coach just isn’t enough to pull the Hokies out of the cellar.