Clemson drops in latest ESPN Power Rankings

Neil Redmond - USA Today Sports

Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Sunday, September 29 2019

Clemson escaped with a 21-20 road win against North Carolina on Saturday afternoon.

The weekly ESPN power rankings were released on Sunday and Clemson dropped three spots to No. 4 overall behind Alabama, Ohio State, and Auburn.

"Dabo Swinney probably said it best: Sometimes the team that plays the best doesn't win," ESPN's Chris Low said. "And even though Clemson was "outplayed and outcoached" by North Carolina, according to Swinney, the Tigers managed to escape 21-20 on the road and win their 20th straight game. Clemson has an open date this coming Saturday before returning home on Oct. 12 to face Florida State. The Tigers have more than a few things to clean up, in particular doing a better job of protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. They had better get accustomed to getting everybody's best shot the rest of the way. And given how weak the ACC is, it's hard to see Clemson losing to a conference foe this season and still getting into the College Football Playoff."

The ESPN power rankings after Week 5:

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Auburn

4. Clemson

5. Georgia

6. Oklahoma

7. LSU

8. Wisconsin

9. Florida

10. Notre Dame

11. Penn State