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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; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Michael Carter (8) scores a touchdown as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Nadir Thompson (12) and defensive back Tyler Matheny (30) defend in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Michael Carter (8) scores a touchdown as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Nadir Thompson (12) and defensive back Tyler Matheny (30) defend in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0, 3-0)

When a rookie pitcher in baseball takes the league by storm, always checked for their second run through the league. That will let you know if they are going to be good for the long-haul or eventually struggle a bit. After that first run, the opposition has tape. So it goes this season for Sam Howell.

So far so good for the Tar Heels. They are undefeated so far in the young season. Super sophomore Sam Howell has not played like the record setting freshman he was last season, but he’s been solid. The running game has been the catalyst for the offense so far this season. Defensively, the Tar Heels have some work to do.

After giving up 45 points to a depleted Virginia Tech team, there were some exposed weaknesses in the Tar Heels defense. Linebacker Chaz Surratt has been as advertised second on the team in both sacks and tackles. What hurt the Tar Heels against the Hokies were big plays. After being up 42-17, the Hokies scored on three possessions two of which were scoring plays of over 30 yards.

That is something the need to clean up against Florida State. Without Clemson or Notre Dame on the schedule, the test for the ‘Heels comes against interstate rival North Carolina State.

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