ACC Football: Week 6 Power Rankings

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Fall has finally arrived.

The leaves are changing, the weather is getting a bit colder and the contenders are beginning to separate themselves from the pretenders.

The ACC has been heated this season and teams like Clemson (Raise your hand if you thought these Tigers would be 5-0…That’s right, keep that hand down), Georgia Tech, and Florida State all vying for that top spot.

Let’s take a look at some power rankings of the Atlantic Coastal Conference, unless it gets dismantled by expansion before you read this...

1.) #8 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0 ACC)

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Dabo’s Tigers are for real folks, and it’s time to take notice.

Behind super sophomore QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson has rolled off wins against Auburn, Florida State, and most recently Virgina Tech to vault the Tigers to the national spotlight.

Andre Ellington and freshman sensation Sammy Watkins have helped lead this offense to new levels and if they continue their success, then a National Championship is truly not out of the picture.

Death Valley is in full force ladies and gents.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

2.) #13 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-0, 2-0 ACC)

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The Wramblin’ Wreck finally has began to hit on all cylinders.

A matchup nightmare because of their option attack, Paul Johnson’s Yellow Jackets are nowhere near as fun to play as they are to watch.

Many insiders have said that once Johnson gets the horses to run this option attack that he would be a force in the ACC…After a nice win over NC State where they almost put up 50 points, these Jackets could be ready to finally bust out.

3.) #22 Florida State Seminoles (2-2, 0-1 ACC)

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Before you jump to conclusions, remember E.J. Manuel did not play in the Clemson game, that’s a LARGE cog missing from the Seminoles offensive attack.

With Manuel slated to return this week, I see a big week from E.J. and don’t sleep on these guys just yet.

With a relatively easy schedule down the road, this team could still make some noise in the ACC.

4.) #17 Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1, 0-1 ACC)

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This was a tough one…

The Hokies obviously have the talent to hang with anyone in the country, but the lack of flow on the offensive side of the ball, particularly in the passing game, is holding this team back a lot.

David Wilson and this defense can only do so much.

5.) North Carolina Tar Heels (4-1, 1-1 ACC)

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The Heels got back to their winning ways against Eastern Carolina, but oh, how ironic was UNC’s loss on the 10-second-run-off rule that was implemented because of their game against Tennessee last year.

As a Tennessee fan, all I can say is that karma blows.

Butch Davis didn't fall short on the recruiting trail, and he left the cupboard stocked with future NFL talent.

This team is as talented as they come, and will upset some folks. Freshman Giovanni Bernard is the real deal as well. The kid’s got game.

6.) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-1, 2-0 ACC)

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Jim Grobe’s bunch is quietly 2-0 in conference play so far (though their wins came against lowly NC State and Boston College) and have shown resiliency.

Sophomore QB Tanner Price makes this offense move and if he had not been injured in Wake’s only loss to Syracuse in the opener, this team very well could be undefeated.

7.) Duke Blue Devils (3-2, 1-0 ACC)

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It warms my heart to make this selection.

While everyone else in the ACC is concerned with Clemson and Georgia Tech, little old Duke just keeps on fighting and squeaking out wins.

David Cutcliffe is in his third-year at the helm in Durham and Sean Renfree is playing as good of football as anyone.

If only this team had a running game (Sigh).

8.) Miami Hurricanes (2-2, 0-1 ACC)

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I don't care if Maryland beat this team, I call the situation and suspensions as the main reason for Miami losing the opener.

I just like this team.

So many off the field issues and drama have clouded this team, and we’re neglecting one major thing: This is a talented football team.

Near losses to Maryland and Kansas State could have easily swung the other way and had this team 4-0…

If there’s a sleeper team to watch in the ACC, it's Al Golden’s bunch. Golden can flat out coach.

9.) Maryland Terrapins (2-2, 1-0 ACC)

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Randy Edsall is doing a bang-up job so far in his first season in College Park, but this team is just kind of scooting along at this point.

The defense is decent and the offense sputters, if not for QB Danny O’Brein carrying the load this team might be in the ACC cellar.

10.) Virginia Cavaliers (3-2, 0-1 ACC)

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Another coach I just flat out love is Mike London.

He’s a hard worker and it paid off in his National Championship team at Richmond. Kevin Parks and Perry Jones at running back have paved the way on offense and this team seems to still be a year away.

Improvement is occurring though, and that’s important.