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ACC Power Rankings: Are the Tar Heels a dark horse Playoff team?

By Dante Pryor

Oct 15, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throw the ball during the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throw the ball during the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 5: C’Bo Flemister #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers flips as he goes into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during the game against the Syracuse Orange at Acrisure Stadium on November 5, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 5: C’Bo Flemister #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers flips as he goes into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during the game against the Syracuse Orange at Acrisure Stadium on November 5, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-3, 2-3)

When quarterback Sam Hartman turns the football over, he turns it in bunches. Hartman has thrown six interceptions and lost two fumbles in his last two games, both losses. The Demon Deacons’ fortunes have always rested on the play of Hartman, and he’s not played well the previous two weeks. As a result, they’ve lost both games.

9. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-5, 3-3)

The Yellow Jackets have three games left on its schedule; unfortunately, one is against North Carolina and the other against Georgia. However, the Yellow Jackets have shown life and fight under interim head coach Brent Key. The Jackets returned with a backup quarterback to defeat Virginia Tech this Saturday. Key has to be a candidate for the Georiga Tech job.

8. Syracuse (6-3, 2-3)

Both Notre Dame and Clemson unlocked the secret to besting Syracuse’s defense, lining up and running against the Orange’s three-man front. That is exactly what the Pitt Panthers did on Saturday. The Pitt defense also rendered Sean Tucker ineffective, limiting him to 19 yards on ten carries. It did not help that quarterback Garrett Schrader was also out for this game.

7. Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4, 2-3)

Speaking of the Pitt Panthers, head coach Pat Narduzzi is winning the way he wants, power offense coupled with a strong defense. Unfortunately, they struggle against more explosive teams. The Panthers have a legitimate chance at eight wins with games against Virginia, Miami, and North Carolina.

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