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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; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive tackle Alim McNeill (29) celebrates with Wolfpack linebacker Isaiah Moore (1) and Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive tackle Alim McNeill (29) celebrates with Wolfpack linebacker Isaiah Moore (1) and Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

4. North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-1, 3-1)

It seems as if the debacle against the Virginia Tech Hokies was the anomaly in the North Carolina State season. Let’s be clear here, the Wolfpack could just as easily be 1-3 with close wins against Wake Forest and Pitt. The running game has been solid most of the season; it was the quarterback position that needed settling.

Devin Leary finally took the bull by the horns and took control of the quarterback position. Where the Wolfpack need to improve is the defense. It is hard to believe a Dave Doeren coached team having issues on defense. The Wolfpack prided themselves on being a solid defensive team. This season, however, the ‘Pack are giving up 34 points per game.

The pass rush has been fairly absent and the Wolfpack secondary has gotten torched all season long. The positive to the season for NC State is they miss both Clemson and Notre Dame. That makes their schedule fairly manageable. This week, the Wolfpack get Duke who finally got their first win of the season against Syracuse.

After NC State plays Duke, their two toughest contests — North Carolina and Miami — are up next. Both games will test their offensive line and defense. That will let us know about the Wolfpack.

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