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ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 5: Clemson spirals out of control

By Dante Pryor

Clemson safety R.J. Mickens (9) tackles NC State receiver Devin Carter (88) during the first quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Nc State
Clemson safety R.J. Mickens (9) tackles NC State receiver Devin Carter (88) during the first quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Nc State /
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On September 18, 2021, in Durham, North Carolina, USA, Duke Blue Devils running back Mataeo Durant (21) runs the ball during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
On September 18, 2021, in Durham, North Carolina, USA, Duke Blue Devils running back Mataeo Durant (21) runs the ball during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Duke Blue Devils (3-1)

This is a critical season for the Blue Devils. Not that head coach David Cutcliffe was on the hot seat, but after consecutive losing seasons for the first time in nearly a decade, one had to wonder if he was losing his touch in Durham.

After an opening season loss against Charlotte, the Blue Devils have won three straight games, including a 50-point thrashing of Kansas. The offense seems to be in good hands with Gunnar Holmberg. The defense does need to find a pass rush, however.

4. Syracuse Orange (3-1)

The Rolling Stones sang, “you can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.” Head coach Dino Babers wanted the offense to look a certain way, but it is productive with Garret Schrader and Sean Tucker in the backfield.

The main reason for their turnaround is the defense. The Orange limited Malik Willis to just 205 passing yards and 2.9 yards per rush on the ground. Syracuse also had six sacks. Look for ‘Cuse to turn their game against Florida State into a rock fight as well.

3. Boston College Eagles (4-0)

No Phil Jurkovec, no problem. The Boston College Eagles found a running game in their overtime victory against the Missouri Tigers at home this past weekend. The question is whether or not it is sustainable when conference play begins.

The Eagles will get their first test when they play Clemson this weekend. It does not get any easier when they play N.C. State, Syracuse, and Louisville in the following weeks.

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