ACC football power rankings: Syracuse continues to shock the league

3. No. 22 North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1, 3-0)

The North Carolina Tar Heels are off this weekend ahead of hosting the Pittsburgh Panthers in prime time on the 29th. North Carolina has found some semblance of defense in conference play through its first three games. UNC giving up 40 points in the fourth quarter seems like years ago. The brightest spot for the Tar Heels has been quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye’s emergence is why the Tar Heels are first in the ACC Coastal. The thought was that the division was Miami’s to take. The Tar Heels are doing their best Lee Corso impression, “Not so fast, my friend.”

2. No. 14 Syracuse Orange (6-0, 3-0)

Everyone wants to find a reason why Syracuse is fraudulent. You can only play who is on your schedule, and you are what your record says you are. The Orange are undefeated and are in sole possession of second place in the ACC Atlantic division. Both will be tested this weekend against Clemson in Death Valley East.

The Oranges have two things that travel well, a running game and good defense. Do they have the horses to compete with Clemson? No, they don’t. However, if they can keep it close late, anything can happen.

1. No. 5 Clemson Tigers (7-0, 5-0)

Speaking of those Tigers, Clemson is playing well and getting healthy. KJ Henry, Bryan Bresee, and Xavier Thomas are expected to play. The Tigers are also getting more beneficial in the secondary. Running back Kobe Pace is still injured, but the Clemson running game is chugging along with Will Shipley and Phil Mafah.

This game is Clemson’s last test, and the rest of their games are winnable. The Tigers have a manageable schedule down the stretch and have every opportunity to return to the playoff.