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.
Could things get any worse for Tony Elliot and Virginia?
14. Virginia Cavaliers (0-3): Can things get any worse for the V-men? The short answer is yes. The Cavaliers might be favored in just one game this year, against William and Mary. The offense showed up against James Madison, but the defense did not. Is Tony Elliot on the hot seat? That depends on how the administration views the football program.
13. Virginia Tech (1-2): The Hokies did get its win back against Old Dominion to start the season. However, injuries have been much of the narrative for the Hokies. Grant Wells and Ali Jennings were two of many players who were out against Rutgers. However, the Fighting Gobblers play hard for Pry, so he hasn’t lost the locker room. It’s hard to win with a thin roster that can’t stay healthy.
12. Pittsburgh Panthers (1-2): Karma can be a cruel misstress. Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi is finding that out the hard way. After some snarky comments about former offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, the longtime Pitt headman has seen his offense struggle. Without a running back like Israel Abanikanda, the Panthers are struggling to find their way. With a run of games that includes UNC, Notre Dame, and Wake Forest, it could get ugly for the Panthers.
11. Boston College (1-2, 0-1): Asking whether or not Jeff Hafley is on the hot seat is fair. The Eagles have struggled during his tenure in Chestnut Hill. BC is 4-11 in its last 15 games. They did play hard in the Red Bandana Game against Florida State. However, they are a couple of plays away from being 0-3. With just two winnable games on the schedule (UVA and VaTech), Hafley might not be back in 2024.
Can Clemson upset #4 Florida State?
10. Georgia Tech (1-2, 0-1): After losing a close game against Louisville to open the season, the Yellow Jackets won against FCS opponent South Carolina State. They lost to #17 Mississippi last weekend. The Rebels were the better team. Head coach Brent Pry seems to have his man at quarterback in Haynes King; can they stop anyone defensively?
9. North Carolina State (2-1): The Wolfpack never seems to punch above its weight. When they beat Clemson in 2021, they lost to Miami and Wake Forest. This season seems like a typical NC State team. Their first three games indicate this. It remains to be seen how much of a difference Brennan Armstrong and offensive coordinator Robert Anae make this year.
8. Clemson (2-1, 0-1): We’ll know a lot about who the Tigers are in 2023 over the next month. Duke dismantled them in week one and the Tigers got off to a slow start before dismantling Charleston Southern two weeks ago and Florida Atlantic last week. Florida State isn’t the Buccaneers or Owls, however. The Seminoles want to make a statement Saturday night.
7. Wake Forest (3-0): It’s easy to say that the Demon Deacons’ early schedule has been light. They have wins against Elon, Vanderbilt, and Old Dominion. Their home game against Georgia Tech to open ACC play is a nice test for Dave Clawson’s Deacons. The back half of the schedule is difficult, so if Wake wants to go bowling, they need to stack early wins.
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.
Are the Blue Devils for real?
3. #20 Miami Hurricanes (3-0): If the Aggies play well against Auburn this weekend, Miami’s win against them looks a lot better. The Hurricanes looked like a contender against the Aggies. They were fast, they were strong. Head coach Mario Cristobal’s ability as a recruiter is starting to show itself. Most importantly, the synergy between quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson is beginning to pay dividends.
2. #18 Duke Blue Devils (3-0, 1-0): Can the Blue Devils pull this off? Can they play this well for an entire season? They were supposed to win fewer games because of the schedule’s difficulty. Duke dismantled Clemson to start the season and dominated Northwestern last weekend. They can’t look ahead because UConn is feisty, but they have #9 Notre Dame in two weeks. We’ll know then how good they are.
1. #4 Florida State Seminoles (3-0, 1-0): Florida State had their clunker against Boston College last week. BC always plays hard in the Red Bandana Game. Quarterback Jordan Travis’ health is of some concern, but he shouldn’t miss any time. Saturday’s game against Clemson at Death Valley East is one they must have. They must have this one if they want to show everyone they’re a legitimate Playoff contender.