Old North State Power Rankings Week 5 Edition

Week 4 saw a limited amount of movement in the power rankings. The top team should be obvious, but the gap between number two and number three is growing. The gap between number 3 and number 4 is shrinking. There are two ranked teams to consider this week, and there are still two undefeated teams that have the same problem. Who have they played? That changes this week.

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1.East Carolina Pirates (3-1)

The Pirates are on a well deserved bye week this week before playing currently winless SMU next week. The Pirates have had the most impressive non-conference campaign of any of the North Carolina schools and it will hold up even if North Carolina finds a way to beat Notre Dame later in the season. The only problem for the Pirates now is to not get complacent. They are close to the peak, but one slip up could send them to a less appealing bowl game.

2.Duke Blue Devils (4-0)

Duke continues to take care of business, but their easy breezy non-conference schedule is behind them. Waiting in Coral Gables is an inconsistent Miami team looking to make a statement. This will be the week that we will see if Duke is indeed the contender in the Coastal Division that they have set themselves up to be.

3-tie. North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-0)

The Wolfpack offense has found itself behind a more inventive run game using its different talents. You may wonder why NC State is only sharing the 3 spot, and that is because State has not played anyone tough yet. While Georgia Southern might become a dark horse in the Sun Belt, none of State’s victims could be described as contenders. 4-0 is a good place to be, and State needs just two more wins to get in bowl consideration. Want to shock the world and these rankings? Beat FSU on Saturday.

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3-tie. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1)

North Carolina will have lots of questions to answer, but the issues are simple. The lines are the problem. The offensive line is now banged up, which is a bigger problem. The defensive line just is not deep enough or big enough in the middle. Lose the battle on the lines and you will lose games. I am not ready to completely jump on this team, as so far they have followed my prediction for them. Clemson is not the place to adjust. The Tigers will bring the trench battle that is bad news for the Heels. Can Marquise Williams create enough chances without mistakes?

5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-2)

Every week Wake shows a little moxie. This past week they showed enough moxie to get past the option attack of Army. That played them into the five spot when App fell to Southern Miss. Their reward is a trip to Louisville, yay! Stopping or keeping pace with the Petrino offense will take all the moxie that the Demon Deacons can muster.

6. Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-2)

The Mountaineers were so close to extending the game with Southern Miss. I would not despair on dwelling in the sixth spot, App fans. The ACC conference season will cause somebody above you to lose, and then you can jump a spot or two by winning your game. The Sun Belt season starts this week with rival Georgia Southern. Right now that would be a big win for you.

SEASON PREDICTION TOTALS: 14-2 (Took App over Southern Miss)

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