ACC football power rankings: Florida asserts dominance in Week 4

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September 16th, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina; Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) listens to Head Coach Dabo Swinney during the third quarter with Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK /

10. Wake Forest (3-1, 0-1)

Wake Forest traditionally struggles against teams they can’t block. That said, they can usually block Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets summoned their best Lee Corso voice and collectively said, “Not so fast, my friend.” Wake Forest allowed eight sacks and committed five turnovers against the Jackets.

Justice Ellison was tremendous for the Deacons with 137 rushing yards, but quarterback Mitch Griffis threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. It doesn’t get any easier for Wake. After an off week, they get a Clemson team in search of its first ACC win.

9. NC State (3-1, 1-0)

Raleigh should have two causes for concern. First, the Wolfpack averaged less than five yards per play. NC State always has a solid receiver; they don’t have that this year. Also, they can’t run the football. That could be cause for concern against more explosive teams.

They did win a close one against Virginia, but they needed Anthony Colandrea interceptions and some back-breaking penalties by the Cavaliers to win that game.

8. Georgia Tech (2-2, 1-1)

Break out the Yellow Jackets. New head coach Brent Key and the Jackets, led by their defense, defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 30-16 on the road last week. Pry has seemed to find his quarterback in Texas A&M transfer Haynes King.

Defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker has this defense playing salty. After hosting Bowling Green, they travel to Coral Gables to take on the Hurricanes, a team they’ve played tough the last couple of years.

7. Clemson (2-2, 0-2)

Close games always come down to a play or two. Their loss to No. 4 Florida State came down to two plays. What’s worse is Cade Klubnik was the lynchpin of both plays. On a third-and-1, Klubnik threw a swing pass instead of running or handing the ball to Will Shipley for one yard.

Head coach Dabo Swinney yelled, “One yard, one yard!” after the play. Klubnik was outstanding for the Tigers. They get a chance for their first ACC win against Syracuse on the road next weekend.

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