ACC football power rankings: Week 6

Week five of the 2016 season was a true treat. Among the spectacular games from Saturday’s slate were a pair of ACC matchups which will go down as instant classics. The first of these, a matchup between No. 3 Louisville and No. 5 Clemson, leads to a new leader in this week’s power rankings. The other stellar game, a showdown between the third and fourth teams in last week’s rankings, went down to the wire with UNC prevailing on a last-second field goal.

But how did this crazy weekend affect the state of the Atlantic Coast Conference? Let’s take a look:

1. Clemson (5-0, 2-0, up one spot from last week)

In the aforementioned instant classic game, the Tigers overcame six turnovers and a special game from Lamar Jackson to defeat Louisville, 42-36. The win was a statement for Clemson, showing outright that they are still the team to beat in the Atlantic Division. With the other results in the ACC this past weekend, the Tigers have full control of their own destiny and need to fall twice in their remaining conference games to lose their advantage.

Next up: Clemson looks to avoid a hangover performance in week six on the road against an outmatched Boston College team desperate to end its 10-game ACC losing streak.

2. Louisville (4-1, 2-1, down one spot from last week)

UL suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday at Clemson but the Cardinals have little to hang their heads about. They looked the better team on both sides of the ball for long stretches of the game and further justified their high ranking in the polls. Still, the loss stings, mostly because it makes their potential trip to the ACC Championship a lot less likely.

Next up: Louisville gets its chance to rest up following the loss as the Cards have their bye in week six.

3. North Carolina (4-1, 2-0, up one spot from last week)

UNC’s win may have been the most impressive of the weekend for the conference as the Tar Heels went on the road and stole a victory away from Florida State in the final seconds on a 54-yard field goal. Mitch Trubisky looked incredible once again, throwing for over 400 yards for the second straight week against an ACC foe and the Heels established themselves as the Coastal frontrunners.

Next up: No rest this week for North Carolina, who returns home to face the challenge of another ranked team in No. 25 Virginia Tech.

4. Miami (5-0, 1-0, up one spot from last week)

The triple option proved to be no issue for the Hurricanes’ defense as Miami rolled to a 35-21 win over Georgia Tech in Atlanta in what could have easily been a look-ahead game.

Next up: Miami enters its yearly showdown with FSU, scheduled for an 8 PM start this Saturday, with the higher ranking of the two teams for the first time since 2010 as the Canes look to snap their six-game losing streak to the Seminoles.

5. Florida State (3-2, 0-2, down two spots from last week)

FSU was exposed once again by a talented offense, this time UNC’s, and proved unable to overcome another early deficit. Through five games, FSU is allowing opposing defenses to rack up 6.98 yards per play, the worst mark among all power-five teams.

Next up: FSU looks to stay above .500 and in the polls this week in their road matchup with a Miami team undergoing a stellar start in Mark Richt’s first year at the helm.

6. Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0, no change from last week)

The Hokies remain in the sixth spot in spite of their bye week, taking advantage of chaos both above and beneath them.

Next up: VT’s first true conference test is on the horizon with a road trip to Chapel Hill and a showdown with North Carolina in the Hokies’ immediate future.

7. Pittsburgh (3-2, 0-1, up one spot from last week)

Pitt took care of business at home, holding off Marshall’s late surge to take down the Thundering Herd at home, 43-27, surpassing the .500 mark once again with the win.

Next up: The Panthers stay at home this week, welcoming in Georgia Tech in game that Pittsburgh is desperate to win in an attempt to stay withing striking distance in the tight Coastal Division race.

8. Wake Forest (4-1, 1-1, down one spot from last week)

Wake Forest suffered its first setback of the 2016 season, putting up little resistance against NC State in Raleigh. Still, the Demon Deacons remain in good position to return to postseason play, needing only two more wins to get bowl eligible.

Next up: WF looks to get back on track this week in a game in which it will likely be favored, a home conference matchup with Syracuse.

9. NC State (3-1, 1-0, up one spot from last week)

The Wolfpack showed signs of life in their conference opener, doubling up Wake Forest, 33-16. The first real test for this team, however, remains in the future.

Next up: NC State has the interesting task of hosting a Notre Dame team that remains desperate for answers on defense even after the firing of its defensive coordinator.

10. Georgia Tech (3-2, 1-2, down one spot from last week)

The Jackets were not up to the task of taking down Miami, losing at home for the second straight week and falling below .500 in conference play. Two second quarter fumbles by GT which directly resulted in touchdowns proved to be the difference in the scoreline.

Next up: Things don’t get much easier from here for Georgia Tech next hits the road and travels north for an intriguing matchup with Pitt.

11. Syracuse (2-3, 0-1, no change from last week)

The Orange put a good fight for 30 minutes against a struggling Notre Dame squad before falling flat offensively in the second half, managing just six points after halftime.

Next up: Syracuse looks to get back to .500, both on the season and in the ACC, in a road game at Wake Forest on Saturday.

12. Boston College (3-2, 0-2, up one spot from last week)

The Eagles handily defeated their week five opponent, dispatching Buffalo 35-3 at home, but are still looking to snap their lengthy conference losing streak.

Next up: Boston College will get that chance on Saturday, albeit with the odds stacked against them, in a home game against No. 3 Clemson.

13. Virginia (2-3, 1-0, up one spot from last week)

Could UVA have turned the corner already? The Cavaliers made it two straight wins with their 34-20 road victory against Duke on Saturday, getting out of the bottom spot of the rankings for the first time this season by beating a fellow bottom dweller.

Next up: Virginia’s positive momentum will be halted, at least temporarily, by their bye this weekend.

14. Duke (2-3, 0-2, down two spots from last week)

Oh, how a week can change so much. Duke followed up its road victory at Notre Dame with a poor showing at home which saw them fall to Virginia, dropping the Blue Devils to sole possession of last place in the Coastal Division.

Next up: Duke stays at home this week, welcoming in an Army team that is off to a hot 3-1 start in an attempt to return to relevance.