ACC Power Rankings Week 6: Clemson, Duke Continue Ascent

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Dominant, commanding wins are usually the trademark of teams near the top of any given power ranking list. Blowout wins demonstrate that teams are having success in all three phases of the game, requiring a stifling defense, an explosive offense and a clinical special teams. The No. 15 Clemson Tigers (3-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) and SMU Mustangs (4-1, 1-0) both demonstrated this complete team dominance in Week 5. In blowout wins against their respective conference opponents, Clemson and SMU left no doubt about their status as ACC title contenders.

Sometimes, however, a tightly-contested win can be just as impressive as a blowout. The No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0) were tested for the first time all season against the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3, 0-1). They showed tenacity in overcoming a 10-point fourth quarter deficit, a quality that is important for any team with championship aspirations. The Duke Blue Devils (5-0, 1-0) showed a similar fight in overcoming a 20-0 deficit in the third quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1). While winning has not come easy for the Blue Devils this year, they have shown that they can consistently thrive in the face of adversity.

While blowouts can give coaches and players confidence about their ability as a team, tightly-contested wins can be just as important for the overall growth of a true contender. The College Football Dawgs' staff sorted through the biggest blowouts and the tightest battles from Week 5 to create this week's ACC Power Rankings.

1. Miami Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0)

Previous Ranking: 1

Despite the controversy surrounding the ending of a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech, the No. 8 Hurricanes remain among the ranks of the undefeated. With much tougher opponents still on the schedule, Miami would do well to use the sloppy performance as a wake up call.

The Hurricanes offense was as efficient as usual, outgaining the Hokies 508-394 in total yardage and converting 10-of-15 third down attempts. Three uncharacteristic turnovers from quarterback Cam Ward were partly to blame for the Hokie's success, as they helped the Virginia Tech offense take control of the game early. The defense is the real concern going forward. The Hurricanes were burned by chunk plays throughout the game, giving up quick, easy touchdown drives to the Hokies offense. Ward and the Miami offense bailed their defense out in this game. Against stronger opponents, the defense will have to be much more disciplined.

Upcoming game: at California (3-1, 0-1)

2. Clemson Tigers (3-1, 2-0)

Previous Ranking: 3

The No. 15 Tigers offense started off slow against the Stanford Cardinal (2-2, 1-1) managing just 17 points and a 10-point lead going into the half. Luckily, the defense stepped up in their place. The defensive unit stifled the Cardinal throughout the day, forcing 3 turnovers and getting three fourth-down stops. The offense finally took over in the second half, and quarterback Cade Klubnik finished with 5 total touchdowns in a 40-14 victory. Klubnik has now accounted for 16 touchdowns in the Tigers' last three wins.

Upcoming game: at Florida State (1-4, 1-3)

3. Louisville Cardinals (3-1, 1-0)

Previous Ranking: 2

The No. 22 Cardinals could not preserve their undefeated season in a 31-24 road loss to the No. 14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1). Louisville can come away from the defeat with confidence, however, heading into their conference slate. The Cardinals offense dominated, outgaining Notre Dame 395-280 in total yardage and gaining 19 first downs compared to just 11 for the Fighting Irish.

Like Miami, sloppy mistakes ultimately hurt the Cardinals chances of winning. Louisville committed three untimely turnovers and converted just 1-of-5 fourth down attempts. If the offense can clean up mistakes and step up in key moments, the Cardinals will be a team no one wants to face in the ACC.

Upcoming game: SMU (4-1, 1-0)

4. Duke Blue Devils (5-0, 1-0)

Previous Ranking: 6

The Blue Devils continue to find ways to win. After going down 20-0 to North Carolina in the second half, Duke finally came to life on both sides of the ball. Running back Star Thomas led the charge on offense, taking 30 carries for 166 yards and 2 total touchdowns. The defense force four consecutive punts before hauling in an interception to finish off a 21-20 comeback victory.

The offense has come through when it has needed to so far this season. The unit will have to be more consistent and efficient, though, if Duke hopes to continue their undefeated season. The Blue Devils have played two Power Four opponents so far this season and have managed just 7 first half points in those two matchups combined. Duke will need its offense to show up to have a chance against an aggressive Georgia Tech team in Week 6.

Upcoming game: at Georgia Tech (3-2, 1-2)

5. Boston College Eagles (4-1, 1-0)

Previous Ranking: 4

The Eagles were another team that did not bring their best in Week 5 but found a way to win. With quarterback Thomas Castellanos out, Boston College needed a leader to step up when the team was struggling early against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2). Trailing 20-7 entering the fourth quarter, the Eagles found that leader. Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku led a ferocious pass rush and forced a fumble on quarterback Caden Velkamp that shifted the game's momentum toward Boston College. As a result of his tenacity and fight, the Eagles were able to pull out a 21-20 victory.

With the health of Castellanos in question once again in Week 6, the Eagles will need Ezeiruaku and the defensive line to be at their best against a dangerous Virginia Cavaliers team.

Upcoming game: at Virginia (3-1, 1-0)

ACC Power Rankings: Nos. 6-17

6. SMU Mustangs (4-1, 1-0)

Previous ranking: 7

Last game: 42-16 win over Florida State (1-4, 1-3)

Upcoming game: No. 22 Louisville (3-1, 1-0)

7. Pitt Panthers (4-0)

Previous ranking: 5

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: at North Carolina (3-2, 0-1)

8. Syracuse Orange (3-1, 1-1)

Previous ranking: 10

Last game: 42-14 win over Holy Cross (1-4)

Upcoming game: at No. 25 UNLV (4-0)

9. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-2, 1-2)

Previous ranking: 8

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: Duke (5-0, 1-0)

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

Previous ranking: 9

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: Boston College (4-1, 1-0)

11. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3, 0-1)

Previous ranking: 13

Last game: 38-34 loss to No. 8 Miami (5-0, 1-0)

Upcoming game: at Stanford (2-2, 1-1)

12. Cal Golden Bears (3-1, 0-1)

Previous ranking: 11

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: No. 8 Miami (5-0, 1-0)

13. NC State Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1)

Previous ranking: 15

Last game: 24-17 win over Northern Illinois (2-2)

Upcoming game: Wake Forest (1-3, 0-1)

14. Stanford Cardinal (2-2, 1-1)

Previous ranking: 12

Last game: 40-14 loss to No. 15 Clemson (3-1, 2-0)

Upcoming game: Virginia Tech (2-3, 0-1)

15. North Carolina Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1)

Previous ranking: 14

Last game: 21-20 loss to Duke (5-0, 1-0)

Upcoming game: Pitt (4-0)

16. Florida State Seminoles (1-4, 1-3)

Previous ranking: 16

Last game: 42-16 loss to SMU (4-1, 1-0)

Upcoming game: No. 15 Clemson (3-1, 2-0)

17. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-3, 0-1)

Previous ranking: 17

Last game: 41-38 loss to Louisiana (3-1)

Upcoming game: at NC State (3-2, 0-1)