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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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September 24, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10) throws a touchdown pass as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mandy Alonso (91) defends during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
September 24, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10) throws a touchdown pass as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mandy Alonso (91) defends during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. NC State Wolfpack (3-1, 1-0)

The North Carolina State Wolfpack are not ranked this high because they beat Clemson in overtime this weekend. Who are we kidding? Yes, they are. These rankings are about how teams are playing right now.

After an early-season loss to Mississippi State, the ‘Pack laid into Furman and upset the Tigers. Head coach Dave Doeren has to be pleased with how well the Wolfpack executed their game plan. N.C. State ran the football and got the ball into the hands of their best wide receiver, Emeka Emezie.

The defense smothered Clemson’s offense and found a way to win in overtime. After a non-conference game against Louisiana Tech, the Pack gets Boston College and Miami on the road.  Check that ‘Tech game for a post-Clemson hangover.

1. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-0, 2-0)

The Demon Deacons are playing the best football in the ACC right now. Wake Forest handled Virginia pretty handily last Friday night 37-17. What’s been most impressive in Wake’s two conference wins has been the defense.

The Deacons are nearly +2 in turnovers this season and have three players with at least two sacks. Neither Virginia nor Florida State could run the football against the Demon Deacons. Wake hosts Louisville this weekend in what should be an exciting game.

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