ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 8: Pitt pushing for No. 1 spot

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Sep 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre (5) and running back Todd Sibley Jr. (23) and head coach Pat Narduzzi (middle) and defensive lineman Keyshon Camp (10) and wide receiver Tre Tipton (6) lead the Panthers onto the field to play the New Hampshire Wildcats at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: . Panthers . 2. team. 866. . 5-1, 2-0

It is officially safe to begin a Kenny Pickett for the Heisman Trophy campaign. The fifth-year senior is having a Burrow-like season. Pickett’s 21 touchdown passes are only five less than his last two seasons combined (26). Contrary to popular opinion, Pitt can run the football this season.

The Panthers are 52 yards better on the ground this year versus last. Defensively, Pitt has pass rushers; what a surprise. Habakkuk Baldonado, Phil Campbell, and Calijah Kancey all have at least three sacks.

The story here, however, is Pickett. All of the offensive responsibility falls on him, and he’s responded in kine, leading an offense that is third in the country in scoring. Their game against Clemson will be their biggest test to date.

. 6-0, 4-0. Previous: . Demon Deacons . 1. team. 889

The Deacons were off last week ahead of their game against the Army. This game is tricky for Wake Forest for two reasons. It is always tough to defend the option because it is a special prep. Even with the preparation, most teams do not have the personnel to practice against the option.

The last time we saw Wake Forest, they were breaking Syracuse’s heart in the Carrier Dome. Those close wins might be cause for concern for the Demon Deacons. Wake’s last two games were one-possession games after dominating Florida State and Virginia.

The Deacons need to survive and advance with Clemson and North Carolina State still on the schedule.

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