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ACC football power rankings: Syracuse continues to shock the league

By Dante Pryor

Sep 17, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers reacts to a play against the Purdue Boilermakers in the third quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers reacts to a play against the Purdue Boilermakers in the third quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Lucious Stanley (24) runs between Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Dax Hollifield (back) and defensive back Nyke Johnson (29) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Lucious Stanley (24) runs between Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Dax Hollifield (back) and defensive back Nyke Johnson (29) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Duke Blue Devils (4-3, 1-2)

Duke has taken several steps back after winning three of its first four games. Its two consecutive losses have each been by a field goal, including an upset loss to Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils have not misplayed in its two losses. First-year head coach Mike Elko has learned quickly just how narrow the margins are for the Blue Devils to succeed in the ACC.

9. Miami Hurricanes (3-3, 1-1)

Everyone needs to pump the breaks on Miami. Mario Cristobal has been the head coach of the Hurricanes for six games. The Hurricanes were changing offenses and lost 136 receptions from last season’s team, hoping that Clemson transfer Frank Ladson would have similar success; he has not. The Hurricanes have two winnable games against Duke and Virginia over the next two weeks.

8. No. 23 North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-2, 1-2)

The Wolfpack losing quarterback Devin Leary is a bad beat. The Wolfpack has a championship-level defense; the offense won’t be able to score enough points without Leary. The running game has not blossomed, and the passing game misses Emeka Emezie more than anyone figured they would. NC State is off this week’s game against Virginia Tech on the 27th.

7. Florida State Seminoles (4-3, 2-3)

The Seminoles are playing the better football but have not yet turned the corner. FSU let that game against NC State slip away. There is no way the ‘Noles should have lost that game when Devin Leary went out with an injury. The Clemson game showed them how far they have to go in recruiting better talent.

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