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ACC football power rankings: Clemson hangs on to top spot again

By Dante Pryor

Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown reacts with the official in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
September 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown reacts with the official in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Miami Hurricanes (2-2)

Were the Miami Hurricanes overrated coming into this year? It is entirely possible that losing Rhett Lashlee to SMU is a much more significant loss than first thought. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is in an entirely new offense after hitting his stride in Lashlee’s violation late last season. While that is understandable, losing to Middle Tennessee State is inexcusable.

Blue Raiders head coach Rick Stockstill was right when he told reporters the game was not a fluke. Miami got whipped, pure, and straightforward. These are also the types of games as to why the Hurricanes need an on-campus stadium instead of playing in a stadium nearly an hour away.

9. Louisville Cardinals (2-2, 0-2)

The Louisville Cardinals had the opportunity to rebound with a 41-3 rout of the South Florida Bulls last weekend. The much-needed win got the Cardinals back to .500 and cooled Scott Satterfield’s hot seat for another week or two. Louisville has some winnable games on the slate against Boston College and Virginia.

The Cardinals need both games to draw even in conference play and keep any talk of Satterfield losing his job.

8. North Carolina Tar Heels (3-1)

Was the North Carolina Tar Heels that lost 45-32 to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish the honest North Carolina? Mack Brown and his staff must answer this question. The Tar Heels’ defense is atrocious. That defense made Chris Pine look like the second coming of Joe Theismann. In addition, the Irish ran for a season-high 287 yards.

The Tar Heels have an opportunity to fix the defense against Virginia Tech, whose offense is woeful.

7. No. 22 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-1, 0-1)

Everything that Clemson did to Wake Forest last season, the Deacons corrected. Wake Forest blocked a healthy Tigers’ defensive line. The Deacons did an excellent job of confusing Clemson’s offensive line with their stunts, twists, and movement. They also did an excellent job of taking advantage of Clemson’s injured secondary.

Yet, they still lost. Wake Forest’s defense could not hold off Clemson late in the game. Dave Clawson and his staff must determine the defense as they travel to Florida State next weekend.

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