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The Atlantic Coast Conference went 7-3 out of conference while some early conference match ups have some teams entering the top 10 of the power rankings…
After a wild Style Point Saturday, we got a better look at some of the best teams in the ACC, as well as some of the worst.
Sep 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Jordan Ellis (10) carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Cavaliers
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Last week: 26-44 L OregonLast rank: 14th
The Virginia Cavaliers begin at the bottom of the power rankings as the only Atlantic Coast Conference team without a win this season.
The Cavaliers are 0-2 under Bronco Mendenhall’s first season as head coach and the rebuild continues.
The Virginia Cavaliers defense allowed 632 yards of offense, 301 of them rushing, while the offense turned the ball over twice. Cavaliers quarterback Kurt Benkert threw two interceptions but also threw two passing touchdowns.
There was one bright spot on offense, as Cavaliers running back Albert Reid set a new career high with 126 rushing yards in the game. Reid also scored a rushing touchdown.
Next Week: @UConn, 1:30 PM est, ESPN3
The Virginia Cavaliers travel to play the Connecticut Huskies in Week 3, another tough opponent. The Huskies are 1-1 on the season and lost to Navy in Week 2.
Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers reacts on the sidelines against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Louisville defeated Syracuse 62-28. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Syracuse Orange
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Last week: 28-62 L Louisville Last rank: 11th
The Syracuse Orange dropped their first ACC game of the season to the Louisville Cardinals 62-28.
It was a brutal day for the Orange defense, who gave up 845 yards on defense and saw the score blossom to 28-7 by the end of the first quarter.
The Orange certainly have some work to do under new head coach Dino Babers and see a slight deep in this week’s power rankings.
While the offense has enjoyed the emergence of wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo, fellow receiver Steve Ishmael still does not have a receiving touchdown on the season.
Last season, Ishmael was the team’s leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Next Week: @USF, 3:30 PM est, ACC Network
Sep 10, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates defensive linemen Kiante Anderson (96) stops the third quarter run by North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley (15) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. East Carolina Pirates defeated the North Carolina State Wolfpack 33-30. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
NC State Wolfpack
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Last week: 30-33 L ECULast rank: 10th
The NC State Wolfpack drop two spots in this week’s power rankings after their 33-30 loss to the East Carolina Pirates.
The NC State Wolfpack were the latest victim of the East Carolina Pirate, the ACC killer. East Carolina has won the last six games against ACC opponents dating back to the 2013 season.
The offense was certainly there for the Wolfpack, as they racked up 497 yards of offense, but the defense couldn’t make plays when they needed to most.
The Wolfpack defense let the East Carolina offense drive down the field for 14 plays and 84 yards to score the go ahead touchdown with 5:49 left in the game.
Next Week: ODU, 6:00 PM est, ACC Network
The Wolfpack play the Old Dominion Monarchs next week. It should be a good confidence boost for NC State. NC State beat Old Dominion last year 38-14.
Sep 10, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Boston College quarterback Patrick Towles (8) throws during the second half of Boston College
Boston College Golden Eagles
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Last week: 26-7 W UMassLast rank: 13th
The Boston College Golden Eagles had a great Week 2 performance, stuffing the Massachusetts Minutemen 26-7. The Golden Eagles did not allow a point after giving up a lead 7-0 early in the first quarter and held the Minutemen to -23 rushing yards in the game.
It was a strong performance all around for the Golden Eagles and certainly needed after a tough loss in Week 1 to open ACC play. Boston College quarterback Patrick Towles threw for 191 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in his first win as starting quarterback.
Next Week: @Virginia Tech, 3:30 PM est, ESPNU
The Golden Eagles defense should have all the confidence in the world going into Blacksburg this weekend. The Golden Eagles have beaten Virginia Tech in two of their last three meetings.
Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Kendal Vickers (39) sacks Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) during the third quarter at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Tech Hokies
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Last week: 24-45 L TennesseeLast rank: 8th
The Virginia Tech Hokies drop a bit in this week’s power rankings. Youth and inexperience was on full display for the Virginia Tech Hokies in their 45-24 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers.The Hokies jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter but a fumble to start the second quarter would begin a snowball effect of turnovers. Virginia Tech fumbled the ball a total of five times before the final whistle.Virginia Tech also committed eight penalties for 101 yards. The Volunteers went on a 31-0 run and never looked back. Despite losing, the Hokies offense led the Volunteers 400-330 in total yards of offense at the end of the game.Next Week: Boston College, 3:30 PM EST, ESPNURecovery is possible for the Virginia Tech Hokies next week against the Boston College Golden Eagles. If the Hokies can limit their turnovers against a tough Golden Eagles defense, they could see their first victory in the ACC under head coach Justin Fuente.Next: 9. Georgia Tech
Sep 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Qua Searcy (1) runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of their game against the Mercer Bears at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
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Last week: 35-10 W MercerLast rank: 9th
The Yellow Jackets are off to a 2-0 start this season. It’s a good start but they started last season 2-0 before dropping their next five games.
The challenges are certainly on the way for Georgia Tech. Next week, the Yellow Jackets face Vanderbilt. After that, they face Clemson then Miami, then visit Pittsburgh. Three tough ACC opponents in a row.
Next Week: Vanderbilt, 12:30 PM est, ACC Network
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets welcome the Vanderbilt Commodores to town this week. Good news: The Yellow Jackets have won that last 12 meetings between the two teams. Georgia Tech won the last meeting in 2009, 56-31.
Sep 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Daniel Jones (17) gets sacked by Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Marquel Lee (8) during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Wake defeated Duke 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Duke Blue Devils
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Last week: 14-24 L Wake ForestLast rank: 6th
The Duke Blue Devils drop two spots in these week’s power rankings. The Blue Devils had a rough week in their 24-14 loss to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.The offense turned the ball over three times, fumbling twice and throwing an interception. Duke kicker AJ Reed missed field goals of 30 and 43 yards.The Blue Devils offense only scored once in each half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.The Blue Devils see their offensive woes at a time when unfortunate circumstances continue to strike. They lost their starting quarterback Thomas Sirk to injury during opening practices.Next Week: @Northwestern, 8:00 PM est, Big Ten NetworkThe Blue Devils travel to Big Ten territory to visit the Northwestern Wildcats. Vengeance is certainly on the mind, as Duke lost to Northwestern last season 19-10.Next: 7. North Carolina
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 4th quarter at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina Tarheels
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Last week: 48-23 W Illinois Last rank: 7th
The North Carolina Tar Heels remain the same in this week’s power rankings after their 48-23 win over Illinois. The Tar Heels offense looked a whole lot better on the winning side of things in Week 2.
North Carolina put up 48 points, led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s 265 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. Trubisky also showed his ability to run the ball, rushing for 42 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood ran the ball 15 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns as well.
Next Week: James Madison, 3:30 PM est, ACC Network
The North Carolina Tar Heels face the James Madison Dukes in Week 3. They have won both meetings all times between the teams. The two teams last played in 2011, when the Tar Heels won 42-10.
Sep 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Marquel Lee (8) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Wake defeated Duke 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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Last week: 24-14 W DukeLast rank: 12th
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are off to their first 2-0 start since 2012. They are off to a good jump in the power rankings under head coach Dave Clawson.The Demon Deacons got a statement win upsetting the Duke Blue Devils 24-14 and entering our power rankings as the 6th best team after Week 2. Wake Forest out gained the Blue Devils in rushing yards 239 to 37 en route to snapping a four game losing streak.Demon Deacons freshman running back Cade Carney ran for 108 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Carney became the first freshman player to rush for three touchdowns since 2009.Next Week: Delaware, 6:30 PM est, ACC NetworkThe Demon Deacons defense is certainly confident after only allowing 37 rushing yards to the Duke Blue Devils. Their experience has a bowl bid on their mind and winning next week certainly will help to achieve that goal.Next: 5. Pittsburgh
Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Panthers
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Last week: 42-39 W Penn StateLast rank: 5th
The Pittsburgh Panthers remain in fifth in this week’s power rankings despite their 42-39 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Panthers came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 28-14 lead by halftime. Pittsburgh running back James Conner had another game where he rushed for a touchdown and caught a passing touchdown. Conner rushed for 117 yards in the game.
Pittsburgh ran for 341 rushing yards as a team and controlled the ground game all day against the Nittany Lions. The Panthers averaged 6.1 yards per rush in the game.
The passing game continues to develop for the Panthers offense as well. They only had 91 passing yards on offense.
Next Week: Oklahoma State, 3:30 PM est, ESPN
The Pittsburgh Panthers are hot while the Oklahoma State Cowboys are cold, coming off a bad loss to Central Michigan. Don’t count out the Panthers and running back James Conner in Week 3. Upset is certainly on the Pittsburgh Panther’s mind, if you would call it that.
Sep 10, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass during the second half against Florida Atlantic Owls at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Hurricanes
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Last week: 38-10 W FAULast rank: 4th
The Miami Hurricanes remain in their fourth place position in the power rankings as well, despite a 2-0 start by new head coach Mark Richt.
The Hurricanes shook off a bad game from quarterback Brad Kaaya and allowed running back Mark Walton’s 155 rushing yards and four touchdowns to catapult them to victory.
Walton became the sixth running back in Miami program history to rush for four touchdowns in a game. Not bad company to say the least.
Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya was 17 for 31 with 191 passing yards but did not throw a passing touchdown. Kaaya had two interceptions.
Next Week: @Appalachian State, 12:00 PM est, ESPN
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are no slouch, as they gave No.9 Tennessee a run for their money in a 20-13 overtime loss. The Hurricanes should be up for the challenge, as things begin to heat up on the ACC schedule.
Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Deon Cain (8) catches a touchdown pass during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers
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Last week: 34-20 W TroyLast rank: 1st
The Clemson Tigers struggled in their 30-24 victory over the Troy Trojans Week 2 and drop two spots to number three in this week’s power rankings.
A mistake on a punt return touchdown by Clemson running back Ray Ray McCloud overshadowed another game where the Tigers struggled.
Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for 292 passing yards and three touchdowns but also threw two interceptions.
In 2015, Watson was completing 67.8 percent of his passes. So far, this season, Watson has completed 52.9 percent of his passes and has thrown three interceptions. Watson threw 13 interceptions all of the 2015 season.
Next Week: South Carolina State, 12:00 PM est, ACC Network
There’s time for the Clemson Tigers offense to get things together as they face South Carolina State next week. Mistakes and celebrations aside, the Tigers should come out and exert their college football dominance once again.
Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Syracuse Orange defensive back Cordell Hudson (20) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Louisville Cardinals
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Last week: 62-28 Syracuse WLast rank: 3rd
The Louisville Cardinals and quarterback Lamar Jackson got their ACC schedule off to a 1-0 start with a 62-28 victory over the Syracuse Orange. They are currently our second ranked team in the ACC Power Rankings.
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson was electric, scoring five touchdowns in the first half, while totaling over 600 yards of total offense for the Cardinals. Jackson threw for 419 yards and a passing touchdown while running for 199 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
The Louisville offense totaled 845 yards of total offense and averaged 10.1 yards per rush attempt against the Orange. Louisville’s 414 rushing yards equaled the 414 total yards of offense the Syracuse Orange had for the whole game.
Next Week: Florida State, 2:00 PM est, ABC
Their Week 3 game against Florida State will be a huge test for Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinal offense. Winner takes on first place in the ACC Power Rankings.
Sep 10, 2016, in Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) warms up prior to the game against Charleston Southern at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State Seminoles
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Last week: 9-4 recordLast rank: 2nd
The Florida State Seminoles climb into the number 1 spot in this week’s power rankings after their 52-8 romp over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.
Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois looked a lot more comfortable in Week 2. Francois passed for 262 passings yards and three passing touchdowns. He completed 78.1 percent of his passes in the game.
The Seminoles defense only allowed 294 total yards of offense, forced three turnovers, and sacked the Buccaneers four times.
Next Week: @Louisville, 2:00 PM est, ABC
The Seminoles face another early test in Week 3 as they travel to Louisville to face the Cardinals and their playmaking quarterback Lamar Jackson. Florida State is 14-2 all time against Louisville.
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