The power structure in the ACC took another dramatic twist in Week 4.
Sadly for Louisville fans it’s a familiar script as the Cardinals followed a huge win with a mistake-filled loss to plucky Wake Forest.
How far do the Cardinals fall, and how high do the Demon Decons climb in the new power rankings that also see major movement with teams in the middle moving up and down?
Our review after Week 4 with every team now playing at least one conference game.
1. Miami (Fla.) (4-0)
Last week: 1.
This week: At Clemson.
What to know: The Clemson defense might at least pose a challenge to Darian Mensah’s ridiculous efficiency numbers that show more TD passes (14) than incompletions (12). The Hurricanes have been fairly sound on the other side of the ball as well surrendering just
a total of 36 points through four games, 20 of which were scored by Wake Forest.
2. Duke (4-0)
Last week: 3.
This week: Open date.
What to know: The Blue Devils should perhaps have been taken more seriously in their bid to repeat as ACC champions despite heavy lineup turnover. Their October slate is quite manageable, with the possible exception of a Friday night visit to Charlottesville on the 23rd.
3. Pittsburgh (4-0)
Last week: 5.
This week: At Virginia Tech.
What to know: We’ll know a lot more about both the Panthers and the Hokies after this week. Pitt does have impressive diversity in its aerial attack, as nine different receivers have at least five catches.
4. Wake Forest (3-1)
Last week: 9.
This week: Stanford.
What to know: The Louisville win changed the entire outlook for the Demon Deacons, who can now aspire to more than just making a bowl. Their fans would like to see them handle the next couple of weeks without the need for fourth-quarter dramatics, but that often isn’t in the cards for this program.
5. Virginia Tech (4-0)
Last week: 6.
This week: Pittsburgh.
What to know: Give Virginia Tech credit for finding a way in adverse conditions at BC. As mentioned above, this Friday night tilt with the Panthers is huge for both teams.
6. Louisville (2-2)
Last week: 2.
This week: At North Carolina State.
What to know: The conference title isn’t off the table for the Cardinals, but their leaky defense could get them beat again if they don’t improve. The weapons are there to match scores with anybody, though Lincoln Kienholz is no longer pick free.
7. SMU (3-1)
Last week: 4.
This week: Boston College.
What to know: The Mustangs are going to sink or swim with Kevin Jennings’s high-risk, high-reward game. It will probably be enough this week, but the Oct. 17 date with Virginia could be trickier.
8. Clemson (3-1)
Last week: 10.
This week: Miami.
What to know: The Tigers’ offense is not fixed by any stretch, but Gideon Davidson’s breakaway ability in the ground game at least gives opponents more to consider. If Clemson is to upset Miami, however, it will likely have to be a low-scoring affair.
9. Virginia (3-1)
Last week: 7.
This week: At Florida State.
What to know: The Cavaliers had the get-right game they needed against Delaware, but now things get real as they return to conference play. The UVa defense has six interceptions already for the young season, and the Seminoles are quite capable of increasing that total.
10. Florida State (2-2)
Last week: 11.
This week: Virginia.
What to know: Ashton Daniels has the scrambling ability to give the Cavaliers’ defense trouble, but he must be secure with the ball as mentioned. Any ground support RB Ousmane Kromah can provide would be most welcome by the home crowd.
11. North Carolina (2-1)
Last week: 12.
This week: Notre Dame.
What to know: The Tar Heels could be on the verge of a severe reality check, with road dates at Duke and Pittsburgh to follow this likely loss to the Fighting Irish. Unless Billy Edwards Jr. is somehow unlocked, UNC must continue to rely on its defense, a unit that is better than last year but can’t hold up for 60 minutes without help.
12. North Carolina State (2-2)
Last week: 13.
This week: Louisville.
What to know: The Wolfpack averted another disaster against Appalachian State, but neither side of the ball has played with any consistency thus far. The Cardinals are likely to put up a big number, so CJ Bailey will have to play a clean game.
13. California (2-2)
Last week: 8.
This week: At UNLV.
What to know: After squandering a home opportunity against a subpar Clemson team, the Golden Bears might struggle for bowl eligibility if they don’t rebound this week. The offense needs a quick start after failing to reach the end zone last time out.
14. Stanford (2-2)
Last week: 17.
This week: At Wake Forest.
What to know: Give the Cardinal credit for taking advantage of the many gifts provided by the Yellow Jackets. But it’s still unlikely Stanford will find enough wins to get to six.
15. Boston College (2-2)
Last week: 14.
This week: At SMU.
What to know: Mason McKenzie has been as dynamic as advertised for the Eagles, but he’s not getting nearly enough help. He’s going to need some to keep up with the Mustangs.
16. Syracuse (1-2)
Last week: 16.
This week: At Connecticut.
What to know: The Orange are still smarting over giving away their home game against California. The Huskies need this win as much as Syracuse does in terms of postseason hopes.
17. Georgia Tech (1-3)
Last week: 15.
This week: Open date.
What to know: It’s official – the Yellow Jackets have found their way to the bottom. The poor performance of the offensive line, usually a strength for Brent Key’s teams, is the most vexing issue. Alberto Mendoza hasn't been the answer at quarterback.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ACC college football power rankings get major shakeup after Week 4
