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College football conference power rankings – Week 6: Big Ten stays strong

By Nathaniel Reeves

PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: The Washington State Cougars celebrate with Jamal Morrow #25 after his touchdown in the second half of the game against the USC Trojans at Martin Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: The Washington State Cougars celebrate with Jamal Morrow #25 after his touchdown in the second half of the game against the USC Trojans at Martin Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: Dorian O’Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: Dorian O’Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

3. ACC

Clemson has a strong argument as the No. 1 team in the country after its third top-15 win of 2017 already, but the conference no longer has the top-tier depth to occupy a top two spot in the power rankings.

The Tigers’ menacing defense turned in another terrific performance in a 31-17 road victory over Virginia Tech to add to a resume that includes wins over No. 12 Auburn and No. 17 Louisville. Clemson’s big question coming into the season was quarterback play, but Kelly Bryant continues to impress and looks capable enough to lead a repeat championship run.

Saturday’s result indicates that the Hokies aren’t quite ready to be a national contender yet, meaning the ACC can’t quite match the SEC or Big Ten at this stage of the season. The conference’s second-best team appears to be No. 13 Miami, which turned in an impressive road performance in a 31-6 victory over previously undefeated Duke.

There’s a bunch of good top 25 teams like Virginia Tech, Louisville and NC State here, but the ACC still slips to No. 3 with only one real standout squad. Florida State’s fall hurts the conference’s overall standing, although the Seminoles were able to at least get on the board with a hard-fought road victory over Wake Forest on Saturday.

The strength of Clemson ensures the ACC won’t fall too far, and it’s not far out of the top two thanks to its five ranked teams. Louisville will visit NC State in the only matchup between ranked ACC teams in week six, while Miami will get its toughest test of the season at Florida State.

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