ACC Power Rankings: Clemson survives thriller; Miami plummets

3. #14 Syracuse Orange (6-1, 3-1)

The Orange had every opportunity to win their 27-21 loss to Clemson last Saturday. Syracuse did not score in the second half. The most confusing part of the game was that Sean Tucker had just five carries and just 10 touches during the entire game. Garrett Schrader played well, but Tucker is the best offensive player on the team and needed to get the ball. Head coach Dino Babers also had some clock management issues at the end of the game.

2. #22 North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1, 3-0)

Don’t look now; the Tar Heels are undefeated in the ACC and ranked in the top 25. UNC was off this week after winning the Victory Bell against the Blue Devils 38-35. The Tar Heels are playing better defense in the conference and have an opportunity to put a stranglehold on the conference when they host the Pitt Panthers in Chapel Hill.

1. #5 Clemson Tigers (8-0, 6-0)

The Tigers survive and advance against the #14 Syracuse Orange. DJ Uiagalelei was pulled in the second half of the game after committing three turnovers. Quarterback Cade Klubnik came into the game and did not precisely set the world on fire. Will Shipley ran for 172 yards, and the defense shut out Syracuse’s offense in the second half.

According to head coach Dabo Swinney, there is no quarterback controversy, and Uiagalelei will start against Notre Dame after the off-week.