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ACC Power Rankings: Louisville, Pitt, and Duke win thrillers this weekend

By Dante Pryor

Sep 18, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Hunter Johnson (15) is hit after the release by Duke Blue Devils defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (90) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Hunter Johnson (15) is hit after the release by Duke Blue Devils defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (90) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 10, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Duke Blue Devils Jordan Moore (8) receives a pass for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
September 10, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Duke Blue Devils Jordan Moore (8) receives a pass for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. #15 Miami Hurricanes: (2-0)

The Hurricanes sleep-walked through most of its 30-7 win against Southern Mississippi on Saturday. That said, it was a good win because those were the games Miami would sometimes lose under Manny Diaz and Mark Richt. It is possible that they were just trying to get through the game before traveling to College Station to take on Texas A&M this weekend.

The A&M game looks significantly more winnable than it did this time last week. Hurricanes’ running back, Jaylon Knighton, should be back for the Hurricanes. The game against A&M is an essential game for Miami. The ‘Canes need to win these games to return to the national stage.

2. Duke Blue Devils: (2-0)

The Blue Devils are not the second-best team in the ACC, but they are playing some outstanding football. After a 30-0 win against Temple, the Blue Devils travel to Evanston and defeat Northwestern 31-23.

Duke ran for  221 yards and three touchdowns against Northwestern, an encouraging sign for first-year head coach Mike Elko. After hosting North Carolina A&T, the Blue Devils play an equally surprising team in Kansas.

1. #5 Clemson Tigers: (2-0)

Any quarterback controversy was put to bed as incumbent quarterback DJ Uiagalelei started the game against the Furman Paladins on Saturday. Uiagalelei was solid, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns. The defense was dominant against an overmatched FCS opponent.

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However, Clemson did not dominate in the running game against an FCS team. This offensive line did not overwhelm Furman as they should. That was an issue against Georiga Tech, and it needs to be addressed. The Tigers have two challenging games against #23 Wake Forest and #18 North Carolina State back to back.

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