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

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Sep 26, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham (3) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Rashad Weaver (17) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Louisville Cardinals (1-2, 0-2)

The Louisville Cardinals were one of the more interesting teams to watch in the ACC this season after a 7-6 campaign in Scott Satterfield’s first season at Louisville. There was a lot to like in year one of the Satterfield experience. He found his quarterback in Malik Cunningham and Cunningham has dynamic skill players to complement him.

There were question marks as well, however. The defense was paper thin and not super talented. The offensive line was poor and their best lineman, Mehki Becton was off to the NFL. That is all in addition to their depth issues.

After a win in their opener against Western Kentucky, the Cardinals biggest weakness was exposed against Miami and Pitt. Their offensive line allowed 10 sacks in those two games, both losses. The defense was overmatched against Miami, but played better against Pitt.

The Cardinals get Georgia Tech in Atlanta Oct. 9. That game might not tell much about how good the Cardinals are unless they lose. The Jackets are a team the Cardinals should beat. However, the game that will tell a lot about where the Cardinals are as a program is the matchup against Notre Dame. That game will tell a lot about where the Cardinals are and how far they have to go.

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