ACC Power Rankings Week 8: Tigers Seize Top Spot

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Throughout the year, fans have seen teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference battle through adversity to earn hard-fought wins in tightly-contested matchups. Week 7 delivered once again with several tense games that were not decided until the final whistle. The No. 20 Pitt Panthers (6-0, 2-0) needed a late missed field goal from the Cal Golden Bears (3-3, 0-3) to preserve their undefeated record. The Louisville Cardinals (4-2, 2-1) needed a late defensive stand to survive a surprising Virginia Cavaliers (4-2, 2-1) team. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-2) needed a miraculous 68-yard touchdown run from running back Jamal Haynes with just 16 seconds remaining to put away the North Carolina Tar Heels (3-4, 0-3).

Through all the chaos, though, the No. 10 Clemson Tigers (5-1, 4-0) have found a way to rise above. In five straight dominating wins, the Tigers have paired an explosive passive attack led by quarterback Cade Klubnik with running back Phil Mafah's bruising rushing style. The defense has been equally impressive, wreaking havoc in opponent's backfields and coming up with big plays in the biggest moments.

Close victories are important for contenders to show that they can perform in the face of adversity. But in dominating victories, contenders can prove that they have the talent to truly compete against the top teams in the nation. The College Football Dawgs' staff sorted through Week 7's tense battles and commanding victories alike to create this week's ACC Power Rankings.

1. Clemson Tigers (5-1, 4-0)

Previous Ranking: 2

Since a Week 1 blowout loss to the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference), the Tigers have been unstoppable. In a 49-14 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-4, 1-2), Clemson continued to flex its strength. Klubnik continued his efficient play, throwing for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns on 31-of-41 passing. The Tigers overwhelmed the Demon Deacons throughout the game, outgaining Wake Forest 566 to 233 in total yardage and 37 to 16 in first downs.

Upcoming game: Virginia (4-2, 2-1)

2. Miami Hurricanes (6-0, 2-0)

Previous Ranking: 1

After two straight narrow victories against the Virginia Tech Hokies (3-3, 1-1) and Cal, the No. 6 Hurricanes got to reset during a much-needed bye week. Miami's primary issue to address is limiting explosive plays on defense. The Hokies and Golden Bears were able to take advantage of chunk plays to put together easy scoring drives and score 34 and 38 points, respectively, on Miami's defense.

The Hurricanes' next opponent—Louisville—presents a much more explosive offense and a much stiffer defense than either the Hokies or the Golden Bears. Miami will need to show immediate improvement to escape with a win on the road.

Upcoming game: at Louisville (4-2, 2-1)

3. Pitt Panthers (6-0, 2-0)

Previous Ranking: 4

The Panthers continue to find ways to win in close games. Against Cal, quarterback Eli Holstein struggled mightily, going 14-of-28 passing with 133 yards and 2 interceptions. Pitt managed to take a 17-6 lead with 10 minutes left in the second quarter thanks to a strong rushing attack, but they did not score again for the rest of the game.

Instead, a Pitt defense that had struggled to start the season came through when they were needed most. The Panthers' tenacious defensive line held the Cal rushing offense to just 63 total yards and 1.6 yards per rush. The Golden Bears managed just one scoring drive in the second half, and thanks to a failed two-point conversion attempt and a late missed field goal, the Panthers won 17-15 to once again preserved their undefeated season.

Upcoming game: Bye

4. SMU Mustangs (5-1, 2-0)

Previous Ranking: 3

Since scoring just 15 points in a home loss against the BYU Cougars (6-0, 3-0 Big 12 Conference), the Mustangs offense has been unstoppable. Dual-threat quarterback Kevin Jennings has led the charge. His 394 total yards of offense helped SMU earn their biggest win of the season to date against the then-No.22 Louisville Cardinals on Oct. 5. Jennings and the rest of the high-flying Mustangs offense will hope to continue their momentum in their upcoming road trip to Stanford.

Upcoming game: at Stanford (2-4, 1-2)

5. Louisville Cardinals (4-2, 2-1)

Previous Ranking: 6

Coming off two straight gut-wrenching losses, the Cardinals were desperately in need of a positive result against the Virginia Cavaliers. In a game many expected Louisville to control from the start, the Cardinals instead found themselves trailing 20-17 late in the fourth quarter. Veteran quarterback Tyler Shough did not panic despite the unexpected predicament.

Shough led the Cardinals offense on an 11-play, 67-yard drive and found tight end Jamari Johnson for the go-ahead touchdown with just under two minutes left in the game. The defense got the stand they needed to give the Cardinals a 24-20 victory, and Louisville's slim hopes of an ACC title berth survived for at least one more week.

Upcoming game: No. 6 Miami (6-0, 2-0)

ACC Power Rankings: Nos. 6-17

6. Syracuse Orange (5-1, 2-1)

Previous ranking: 5

Last game: 24-17 win over NC State (3-4, 0-3)

Upcoming game: Bye

7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-2)

Previous ranking: 8

Last game: 41-34 win over North Carolina (3-4, 0-3)

Upcoming game: No. 12 Notre Dame (5-1)

8. Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1)

Previous ranking: 9

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: Florida State (1-5, 1-4)

9. Virginia Cavaliers (4-2, 2-1)

Previous ranking: 7

Last game: 24-20 loss to Louisville (4-2, 2-1)

Upcoming game: at No. 10 Clemson (5-1, 4-0)

10. Boston College Eagles (4-2, 1-1)

Previous ranking: 10

Last game: Bye

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

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

Previous ranking: 11

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: Boston College (4-2, 1-1)

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

Previous ranking: 12

Last game: 17-15 loss to Pitt (6-0, 2-0)

Upcoming game: NC State (3-4, 0-3)

13. Stanford Cardinal (2-4, 1-2)

Previous ranking: 14

Last game: 49-7 loss to No. 12 Notre Dame (5-1)

Upcoming game: No. 21 SMU (5-1, 2-0)

14. NC State Wolfpack (3-4, 0-3)

Previous ranking: 13

Last game: 24-17 loss to Syracuse (5-1, 2-1)

Upcoming game: at Cal (3-3, 0-3)

15. Florida State Seminoles (1-5, 1-4)

Previous ranking: 17

Last game: Bye

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

16. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-4, 1-2)

Previous ranking: 16

Last game: 49-14 loss to No. 10 Clemson (5-1, 4-0)

Upcoming game: at UConn (4-2)

17. North Carolina Tar Heels (3-4, 0-3)

Previous ranking: 15

Last game: 41-34 loss to Georgia Tech (5-2, 3-2)

Upcoming game: Bye