ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 6: Clemson shines, Pitt plummets

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Dec 27, 2019; Bronx, New York, USA; Wake Forest wide receiver Donavon Greene (24) reacts during the fourth quarter of the Pinstripe Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-2, 0-2)

The Demon Deacons’ schedule has been erratic. After opening the season with two losses against Clemson and North Carolina State respectively, the Deacons’ game against Notre Dame was postponed. After being outclassed by the Tigers and losing a track meet against NC State, Wake was staring at 0-3 having to play Notre Dame.

Instead, they do not have to face the Irish until December and they got a week off and played FCS Campbell this week. The offense and defense got back on track agains the Fighting Camels after a 66-14 romp. After playing an inferior opponent, the Deacons do’t play again until Oct. 17 when they face the Virginia Cavaliers on a Friday night.

Time will tell whether or not the gaps in play affect the Demon Deacons’ performance. Two things that have affected their performance are the transfer of quarterback Jamie Newman and wide receiver Sage Surratt opting out. Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson knows Wake Forest has to outscore everyone to have a chance to win and losing two fo their best players did not help matters.

Sam Hartman is a solid quarterback who knows the system, but he has a ceiling. Unfortunately for Hartman and the Deacons, it’s going to be another week before they get on the field.

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