ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East?
By Dante Pryor
Can UNC contend for the ACC?
6. Syracuse (3-0): The Orange are off to another good start. The transition has been seamless, with Jason Beck taking over for Robert Anae. Garrett Schrader takes a lot of hits, which is cause for concern, so his health is paramount. They play FSU, Clemson, and UNC, but the rest of the schedule is manageable. They need a wide receiver to step up since Orande Gadsen is out of the year.
5. Louisville (3-0, 1-0): New head coach Jeff Brohm and the Cardinals won their ACC opener and survived against a scrappy Indiana team. Their schedule is set up nicely, avoiding Clemson, FSU, and #17 North Carolina. However, they drew #9 Notre Dame, #20 Miami, and #18 Duke. The Cardinals’ game against the Irish will test their offense and defense.
4. #17 North Carolina (3-0): The Tar Heels have had an exciting start to the 2023 season. They outclassed South Carolina to open the season, survived against Appalachian State (again), and beat up a Minnesota team that couldn’t throw the football. That leads to one question, “Can the real UNC please stand up?” Their schedule is manageable, with the most challenging games against #20 Miami, #18 Duke, and Clemson.