ACC power(less) rankings, Week 6

So now's probably a good time to renew the esteemed, long-standing tradition of weekly ACC power rankings.

It's just kind of pointless to do it really early in the season when we haven't been able to get a good look at some of these teams.

But as we near the halfway point -- and gosh is that realization depressing -- there's a fairly good feel for what these teams have to offer -- or not offer.

So far the upper half looks solid and has some potential. The bottom half? Hold your nose.

And off we go...

1. Clemson

An explosive offense. Three wins over ranked teams. And their defense looks better than Georgia Tech's. Not a ton of dispute at this point, though the game in Atlanta is shaping up to be a biggie.

2. Georgia Tech

Is there anyone out there who still thinks opposing defenses will "figure out" Paul Johnson's offense? Still questions about Al Groh's personnel on defense, though.

3. Florida State

Dangerous game at Wake Forest, but the Seminoles might be too talented to succumb to an upset. They'd better get that running game going, though.

4. Virginia Tech

Mark this down: The Hokies will make substantial improvement as the year goes on. With a new quarterback and a new guy calling plays -- and zero experience against good competition -- they were in a bad spot last week against a Clemson team that came in battle-hardened and hungry.

5. Wake Forest

What a pleasant surprise in Winston-Salem. Tanner Price's accuracy has been a key, but it goes beyond that. Josh Harris and Brandon Pendergrass are a solid tailback tandem. The offensive line is big and physical. And an unpredictable defensive scheme is helping the Deacons play much better on that side of the ball.

6. North Carolina

The Tar Heels are talented, no doubt about that. But we still don't know much about this bunch. We will soon.

7. Miami

Hurricanes' run defense looks really bad.

8. Duke

We'll give the Blue Devils the nod for this spot over Maryland and N.C. State. Better coaching.

9. Maryland

Paging Mike Leach...

10. N.C. State

Paging Russell Wilson...

11. Virginia

Paging George Welsh...

12. Boston College

Paging Jeff Jagodzinski...

LW