ACC Football Power Rankings: Georgia Tech has found life, Clemson dominates

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (5-1, 2-0)

The Tar Heels might have played two of the worst offenses in the ACC in Virginia Tech and Miami. That said, take the small victories. North Carolina is allowing 17 points per game in conference play this season. As dynamic as quarterback Drake Maye has been, the defense needs to be average.

The ‘Heels play Duke for the Bell in prime time on the ACC network. Duke has lost two of three, and this is an opportunity for UNC to take control of the Coastal in the first half of the season.

2. #18 Syracuse Orange (5-0, 2-0)

Syracuse gets its first big season test when they play #15 North Carolina State in the Carrier Dome (yes, we call it that here at headquarters) this weekend. The Wolfpack will likely be without starting quarterback Devin Leary. However, NC State does boast one of the best defenses in college football.

The Orange need to get running back Sean Tucker back on track. Tucker had 60 yards against Virginia and 42 yards against Purdue. Quarterback Garrett Schrader is not a burner at the mesh point, so the offensive line needs to open holes for Tucker if the Orange want to pull the upset against the Wolfpack.

1. #4 Clemson Tigers (6-0, 4-0)

The Tigers look far and away like the best team in the conference. After a slugfest against #14 Wake Forest, Clemson put the boa constrictor on both #15 NC State and Boston College. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei continues to improve every game, and so does the offensive line. The offense hasn’t been electric, but it has been effective.

That’s all the Clemson defense needs. The secondary and defensive line continue to get healthy. If Clemson finds a consistent vertical threat, they could be dangerous postseason.