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ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 8: Clemson leaves no doubt as No. 1

By Dante Pryor

Oct 10, 2020; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; at Memorial Stadium. Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and other quarterbacks walk onto the field for warmups before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; at Memorial Stadium. Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and other quarterbacks walk onto the field for warmups before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State Seminoles defensive back Asante Samuel Jr. (26) after Clemson does not complete the pass as the Florida State Seminoles take on the Clemson Tigers in college football at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.Fsu Vs. Clemson1011a
Florida State Seminoles defensive back Asante Samuel Jr. (26) after Clemson does not complete the pass as the Florida State Seminoles take on the Clemson Tigers in college football at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.Fsu Vs. Clemson1011a /

12. Louisville Cardinals (1-4, 0-4)

The Louisville Cardinals have been exposed by this conference only, plus one schedule. Their offensive line woes and lack of defensive depth have all contributed to their current four-game losing streak. In their defense, the Cardinals have played a couple of teams close.

Louisville lost to Pitt by three and Notre Dame by five. What’s encouraging about the loss to the Irish was how well the defense played. With Virginia Tech as the only ranked team left on their schedule, the back end of their schedule should be kinder to them than the front.

11. Florida State Seminoles (2-3, 1-3)

Break out the Seminoles. Florida State earned their first conference win of the season with a 31-28 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels. It was not at all the prettiest of victories, but head coach Mike Norvell will take it. Quarterback Jordan Travis might not be the future, but he has provided a much-needed spark.

Travis and the Seminoles offense flashed in the first half against Notre Dame before the Irish offense adjusted and the offense awoke. This week against UNC, the Seminoles offense jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead and held on for the victory. If the Seminoles can figure out a way to put an entire game together, FSU might pull off another win or two.

10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-2, 1-2)

The Demon Deacons are an enigma this season. They were outclassed by a superior Clemson team and lost to an NC State squad better than anyone thought. After squashing FCS Campbell, they defeated Virginia minus their starting quarterback Brennan Armstong.

So, how good is Wake Forest?

This season could be a case of the Deacons losing to every ranked team the play and beating every unranked team they play. Quarterback Sam Hartman has command of the offense that lacks playmakers. No one will mistake the Wake Forest defense for a good one. Looking at the remainder of their schedule, 3-3 is not out of the question.

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