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

8 of 16

Oct 3, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary (13) and linebacker Drake Thomas (32) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. The Wolfpack won 30-29. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

9. North Carolina State Wolfpack (2-1, 2-1)

The North Carolina State Wolfpack seem to be morphing as a team in front of our very eyes. The program that produced defensive end Bradley Chubb and Mario Williams is turning into a team who wins shootouts. Both of NC State’s wins — Wake Forest and Pitt — were both high scoring affairs. Between those two games is the usual head-scratcher the ‘Pack play every season.

Their loss to Virginia Tech given how they defeated Wake Forest and Pitt is a bit confusing. NC State was solid offensively in their two wins and inept in their loss to the Hokies. Although, it seems head coach Dave Doeren and his offensive staff have finally settled on Devin Leary as their full-time starting quarterback.

The one-two punch of Ricky Pearson and Zonovan “Bam” Knight has been solid running the football and helped take the pressure off of a passing game that lacks dynamic playmakers on the perimeter. The Wolfpack’s defense is what sticks out like a sore thumb. The Wolfpack are giving up almost 40 points per game. That is not going to get it done against the top teams left on their schedule.

The Wolfpack defense will be tested against an improved Virginia team this week, and the Cavaliers will not be easy to score on either.

Home/ACC