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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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November 5, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Drake Thomas (32) sacks Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10)during the second half at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolf Pack won 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
November 5, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Drake Thomas (32) sacks Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10)during the second half at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolf Pack won 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Louisville Cardinals (6-3, 3-3)

The Cardinals have won four straight games, primarily due to the resurgence of quarterback Malik Cunningham. He’s thrown five touchdowns and just one interception in three of Louisvilles’ four games (he did not play against Virginia). Clemson had better not allow Notre Dame to beat them twice because the Cardinals will be ready to play.

5. North Carolina State Wolfpack (7-2, 3-2)

The Wolfpack have found their quarterback. MJ Morris threw three touchdown passes against Wake Forest last Saturday, which was just enough offense for the Wolfpack to pull off the 30-21 win. Enough offense is all North Carolina State needs to win. Their defense is championship caliber; NC State could be a spoiler if the offense can score as it did on Saturday.

4. Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 3-2)

If Mike Elko can continue to coach like he has this season, he’ll have a statue next to the David Cutcliffe memorial trophy. The former Texas A&M defensive coordinator has the Blue Devils bowl eligible for the first time since 2018. Quarterback Riley Leonard has been outstanding both throwing and running; the defense has also been stout.

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