ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East?
By Dante Pryor
Week 4 ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 Florida State solidify its position atop the ACC with a win against Clemson this weekend?
Started from the bottom, now we’re here
Started from the bottom, now the whole team here
I done kept it real from the jump
Livin’ at my momma’s house, we’d argue every month
I was tryna get it on my own
Workin’ all night, traffic on the way home
And my uncle callin’ me, like, “Where you at?
I gave you the keys, told you bring it right back”
I just think it’s funny how it goes
Now I’m on the road, half a million for a show, and we—
Started from the Botton—Drake
Welcome to ACC Power Rankings headquarters on the corner of Tobacco Road and the future site of the David Cutcliffe Memorial Trophy. We are set to get into conference and divisional play. Wait, what did you say? The ACC doesn’t have divisions anymore? Huh, conference realignment, what? Notre Dame still won’t join? Week four? Better late than never, I suppose.
If you are of a certain age, #4 Florida State was the school. They fell on hard times, but head coach Mike Norvell has them playing well and looking like a Playoff contender. The ‘Noles have an opportunity to solidify their position as one of the best in college football if they can defeat rival Clemson at Death Valley East this weekend.
Florida State isn’t the only team playing well in the ACC. #18 Duke already beat Clemson to open the season. Who was the last top-10 team Duke beat before its home opening victory against the Tigers? It was Clemson in 1989, the year it won the ACC. The Blue Demons look like contenders again in 2023.
Keep an eye on Virginia Tech traveling to Marshall. The Thundering Herd could win this game big. If so, the Hokies have genuinely reached the bottom. That said, the administration in Blacksburg and head coach Brent Pry know this was a long-term rebuild and will take time.
So, to rivalries that aren’t really rivalries, victory bells, and brawls that take place in one’s backyard, here are the ACC Power Rankings heading into week four.