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ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 6: Hurricanes downgraded to rain shower

By Dante Pryor

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: The Clemson Tigers offense lines up against the Miami Hurricanes defense in the second quarter during the ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: The Clemson Tigers offense lines up against the Miami Hurricanes defense in the second quarter during the ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Oct 10, 2020; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs for a first down against the Miami Hurricanes during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs for a first down against the Miami Hurricanes during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Miami Hurricanes (3-1, 2-1)

Miami had been playing solid football this season. The running game had been the catalyst for the offense. D’Eriq King had been the steady hand the ‘Canes needed this season. King had yet to throw an interception and was outstanding at putting guys in the right position to make plays. The defense was playing well. It started up front with bookends Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips were playing in the back field most games.

Then the Hurricanes played Clemson. This game was not about Miami winning. We all knew they were not going to win the game, but we were all so desperate for a contender to the throne  that the thought was, “if they could just hang.” Unfortunately, the Hurricanes were, “outgunned  outmanned, outnumbered, outplanned” to borrow from the musical Hamilton. Clemson reminded everyone the gap int he ACC despite Miami’s improvement.

This week’s game is as important to the Hurricanes’ turnaround project as Clemson. Will there be hangover from such a devastating loss? Teams that begin to shift culture can lose a big game, right the ship and win a game they are supposed to win.

One of the many issues with the Hurricanes recently is their inability to win games with no buzz around them. The Georgia Tech game from last season comes to mind.  That’s what makes this Pitt game so important.

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