ACC Power Rankings: Syracuse's Dixon for Heisman

Ernie Davis is the only Heisman winner in Syracuse history, but since 2014, another Orangeman has been making his case for the most prestigious award in college football.

Riley Dixon. Punter.

But is he really just a punter? In 2014, Dixon threw his only pass attempt of the year for a 42-yard touchdown and his only run went for 42 yards off a fake punt. This year, Dixon has continued his antics on fake punts, averaging 9.7 yards per game to go with his 43.8 yards per punt.

Conclusion: Riley Dixon is a football God who can do anything and play any position.

At least that’s what they’re saying in Syracuse. He can throw, run, and even hurdle the occasional defender. The hashtag #DixonForHeisman has gained traction on Twitter. On the field, Syracuse fans are now expecting a fake punt from Dixon instead of being surprised by it.

While Dixon’s actual Heisman odds may be slim, he has been one of the best punters in the ACC this year. He has been named a semifinalist for the Academic Heisman award, and is also a semifinalist for the Campbell trophy which goes to the top football scholar-athlete, making him a role model for other student athletes around the country.

ACC Atlantic Power Rankings

1. Clemson (last week: 1)

Wow. Clemson handed Miami its biggest loss in school history (58-0) and got Al Golden fired. You could say this team is a contender.

2. Florida State (last week: 2)
What a way to lose your first game. The final play of the Seminoles’ game against Georgia Tech may be just a stroke of luck, but Florida State still let Georgia Tech stay in the game up to that point.

3. Louisville (last week: 3)

Louisville has been winning ever since Lamar Jackson took over the quarterback position, and its win over Boston College on Saturday brought it back to an even 2-2 in the ACC. The Cardinals could win their way into a decent bowl game.

4. NC State (last week: 4)
The Wolfpack came out of the gates swinging against Wake Forest and built up a 28-0 lead in the first quarter. NC State snapped a two-game losing streak and is now a game away from bowl eligibility.

5. Syracuse (last week: 7)
The Orange came a field goal away from beating a ranked Pitt team, which is more than any of the other teams at the bottom of the Atlantic division did this week.

6. Wake Forest (last week: 5)
The Demon Deacons have now failed to score more than 17 in four straight games, and have lost four of their last five. Wake Forest’s stock is still trending down.

7. Boston College (last week: 6)
The Eagles have fallen in each of their first five ACC games, but can still make a bowl game by winning two of their last four games. Any ACC title hopes are gone, though.

ACC Coastal Power Rankings

1. Duke (last week: 2)

It took the Blue Devils four overtimes to take down Virginia Tech, but the offense played its best game of the year. Duke is hard to beat when the offense is clicking.

2. North Carolina (last week: 1)
North Carolina took care of Virginia this week, as was expected. The Tar Heels are now focusing on their mathcup against No. 23 Pitt this Thursday.

3. Pittsburgh (last week: 3)

Pitt barely beat Syracuse, and was outplayed for almost all of the first half. The Panthers won’t be able to start off so slowly against the better teams in the ACC.

4. Georgia Tech (last week: 7)
When you beat the three-time reigning conference champion, you get a bump in the rankings. When the win brings you up to 1-4 in the ACC, it’s a smaller bump.

5. Virginia Tech (last week: 5)
The Hokies fought with Duke through four overtimes, but were unable to pull out the win. Virginia Tech is in need of a big win to turn its season around, and let a big opportunity slip through its fingers.

6. Miami (last week: 4)
To say the Hurricanes have work to do would be an understatement. A 58-0 loss lost Al Golden his job and left a lot of questions around this team.

7. Virginia (last week: 6)
Virginia lost to North Carolina, meaning its only wins are against Syracuse and William & Mary. Not good.