Fansided

ACC power rankings – Week 5: Clemson stays on top, FSU is done

By David Austin Bumpus

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 23: Cornerback Trayvon Mullen #1 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates an interception against the Boston College Eagles at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 23: Cornerback Trayvon Mullen #1 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates an interception against the Boston College Eagles at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a play during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 23, 2017, in Tallahassee, Florida. NC State defeated Florida State 27 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive Back Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a play during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 23, 2017, in Tallahassee, Florida. NC State defeated Florida State 27 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
6

Florida State Seminoles 0-2

Last week: Lost 27-21 to NC State
Last rank: 3

This may be too drastic of a drop for Florida State, but time will tell where the Seminoles will land in the power rankings after their second loss of the year in as many games.

Florida State has had some rough luck recently, with an awkward break in between action over the last few weeks, and two tough opponents book-ending the weird bye weeks. The Seminoles lost a close one to a very game NC State team and showed they can still hang after losing their starting quarterback for the year. However, it’s going to be tough for them to crack in the top five for the rest of the year unless they start, you know, winning games.

5

Louisville Cardinals 3-1

Last week: Won 42-3 over Kent State
Last rank: 5

Louisville left a sour taste in my mouth after that Clemson game, and it prevented me from putting them at the fourth spot on the list after their blowout win over Kent State last weekend.

NC State’s performance obviously played a part in this decision, but it’s tough to put the Cardinals much higher than the fifth spot in the power rankings after they proved that they can’t be as dominant against a worthy opponent. They need to beat a strong opponent to show they belong up top in the ACC, and to prove that they’re not just a team being carried by Lamar Jackson to any bit of a spotlight.

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