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1. Clemson (5–0, 3–0 Atlantic Coast) ↔
No. 5 Clemson remains at No. 5 in the AP Poll after a 30–20 win over No. 14 NC State this week, avenging last year’s double-overtime loss to the Wolfpack. Quarterback DJ Yougalley showed flashes of what should be a five-star recruit, throwing for 209 yards and a touchdown, passing for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Clemson’s defense was the real story of the night, allowing 279 total yards and forcing two key turnovers. The Tigers don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, and with their light schedule ahead, there’s no reason to think Clemson won’t make another trip to the playoffs.
Next: at Boston College, Saturday, 7:30 p.m
2. Wake Forest (4–1, 1–1) ↑
The No. 15 Demon Deacons made a statement in their Week 5 win over Florida State. The score may not reflect it, but Wake dominated the game on both ends of the ball. His offensive line play stood out, providing good coverage for quarterback Sam Hartman and allowing running backs Judge Ellison and Christian Turner to combine for 178 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The only concern surrounding Wake Forest’s offense is its ability to close out games. The Demon Deacons had repeated chances to tie the game in the first and second half but fell short, allowing Florida State to stay close. Last week against Clemson, the Demon Deacons had a late lead and let it get away, calling into question Wake’s ability to win clutch games when needed.
Next: With the Army, Saturday, 7:30 p.m
3. NC State (4–1, 0–1) ↓
It’s hard to demote a power-ranked team after losing to far and away the best team in the conference, but the No. 14 Wolfpack doesn’t seem primed for prime time against Clemson in Week Five. Quarterback Devin Leary has not been able to play big time to help the team’s fan base. While most of Leary’s turnaround isn’t his fault, no team is going to beat Clemson or good teams by scoring just 20 points. The saving grace for the Wolfpack is how good their defense is. The front four of NC State’s defensive line showed their presence in the game, but it wasn’t enough to stop the mighty Tigers.
Next: vs. Florida State, Saturday, 8:00 p.m
4. Syracuse (5–0, 2–0) ↑
The Carrier Dome has become a place for opponents’ dreams to die this season, and No. 22 Syracuse continued its winning ways in week five with a 59–0 shutout of Wagner. Garrett Schrader was perfect, completing all 17 passes for 238 yards and two scores. Although Wagner is 0–4 with losses to Fordham, St. Francis (PA) and Rutgers, not much can be taken from this game. One thing to note from the win is that Syracuse’s defense only gave up 50 yards, which is impressive against any team. While I don’t believe they are the real deal, the Orange have earned a top four finish in the ACC.
Next: vs. NC State, Oct. 15, 3:30 p.m
5. Florida State (4–1, 2–1) ↓
Saturday’s contest between the Seminoles and Wake Forest provided one significant insight into the Florida State team: They are not as good as many thought. Yes, Wake Forest is a tough opponent ranked 15th in the nation, but sometimes Florida State seems completely overmatched. The Seminoles opened the game with a touchdown on their first drive, but then allowed 28 unanswered points. The Seminoles have a second chance to beat an ACC opponent in NC State on Saturday.
Next: at NC State, Saturday, 8 p.m
6. North Carolina (4–1, 1–0) ↑
Against a Virginia Tech defense that allowed more than 20 points just once before this season, North Carolina put up 41 points, including five total touchdowns against the Hokies from redshirt freshman Drake Maye in Week Five. The highlight of the Tar Heels’ performance was their improved defense, which had never held a team to less than 24 points before playing the Hokies, during which North Carolina held Virginia Tech to 10 points and 273 total yards. The Tar Heels even received five Top 25 votes for their efforts. If North Carolina’s defense can play like it did against Virginia Tech, we could see the Tar Heels rise in the ACC and national rankings.
Next: at Miami, Saturday, 4 p.m
7. Pittsburgh (3–2, 0–1) ↓
A spirited performance by the Panthers this weekend resulted in a shocking 26–21 upset at Georgia Tech. Pittsburgh took a 7–6 lead in the first half, but couldn’t muster enough offense to secure the win in the second half. The Panthers turned the ball over three times in a game where Pitt’s offensive line looked tired. If Pitt can turn things around in week six against Virginia Tech, week five could prove to be a doozy for the Panthers.
Next: vs. Virginia Tech, Saturday, 3:30 p.m
8. Duke (4–1, 1–0) ↔
In Duke’s 38–17 win over Virginia, the Blue Devils’ offense was led by Jordan Waters, who scored 21 unanswered points. It was a good day for Duke’s defense, which held Virginia to just under 300 yards of total offense, led by senior tackle Shaka Heyward. With two more quality wins, Duke could push itself into the top half of the league.
Next: at Georgia Tech, Saturday, 4:00 p.m
9. Miami (2–2, 0–0) ↑
Without playing a game in Week 5, the Hurricanes moved up three spots from last week’s pPower rRankings due to some tough losses to teams ranked above Miami before Week 5. After falling to Middle Tennessee two weeks ago, the Hurricanes have a chance to turn their season around with a win over North Carolina. If quarterback Tyler VanDyke can play like he did in Miami’s first two games of the season, he can lead The U to victory and put Miami on the right track for the rest of 2022.
Next: vs. North Carolina, Saturday, 8 p.m
10. Virginia Tech (2–3, 1–1) ↔
Virginia Tech’s inability to generate any offense against North Carolina gave up nearly 500 yards of total offense per game to start the season and was nothing but a death sentence for the rest of the Hokies’ season. It’s not a walkover for Virginia Tech in week six against Pittsburgh, looking to avenge an upset loss to Georgia Tech.
Next: at Pittsburgh, Saturday, 3:30 p.m
11. Georgia Tech (2–3, 1–1) ↑
Who would have thought? Five days after firing head coach Geoff Collins, the Yellow Jackets won then No. 26–21. 24 Pit. Georgia Tech’s defense forced three turnovers, and the offense was enough to win the game for the Yellow Jackets. Kicker Gavin Stewart scored 14 of his 26 points for Georgia Tech on all four of his field goal attempts.
Next: vs. Duke, Saturday, 4:00 p.m
12. Virginia (2–3, 0–2) ↓
The Cavaliers’ defense was unable to slow down Duke’s home game in a 38–17 loss to the Blue Devils. Virginia allowed the Blue Devils to rush for 248 yards and four touchdowns in the loss. Virginia’s inability to stop the rushing attack could result from the offense’s inability to go on long drives early, forcing the defense to get down the field faster than expected. The offense had better possessions in the second half, but it was too late to make a difference. Virginia looks to shake off a losing streak this weekend with a loss to a Louisville team.
Next up: Louisville, Saturday, 12:00
13. Boston College (2–3, 1–2) ↑
The Eagles scored the upset victory in Week 5 with a 34–33 win over Louisville. Zay Flowers had a stellar performance, hauling in five carries for 151 yards and two scores. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec threw for over 300 yards and showed a new presence on the field. The only blemish on Jurkovec’s performance was a failed late pass attempt at Louisville. BC will look to carry its momentum into its most challenging game of the season thus far against Clemson starting in week five. According to ESPN, the Eagles have a 6.3 percent chance of winning, but something could happen under the lights in the red bandana game.
Next: Clemson, Saturday, 8 p.m
14. Louisville (2–3, 0–3) ↓
Quarterback Malik Cunningham continued his stellar season against BC in week five until he left the game with an injury before the fourth quarter. Without him, Louisville couldn’t generate enough offense to lead the Eagles. Cunningham is listed as day-to-day ahead of Louisville’s matchup against Virginia on Saturday, and without him the Cardinals could slide in Charlottesville.
Next: at Virginia, Saturday, 12 p.m
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