With two weeks of the college football season now in the books, it’s time to take a look at how the ACC stacks up in my latest ACC Power Rankings.
Who has moved up and who has moved down after one week?
Let’s take a look.
1. Florida State (2-0, 0-0 ACC, defeated The Citadel 37-12, Last Week’s Rank- 1)
FSU set a school record with its 18th straight win. The Noles have a bye this week before Clemson comes to town. They have looked good in the first two weeks, but certainly not great. Up Next: BYE
2. Virginia Tech (2-0, 0-0, defeated Ohio State 35-21, Last Week-4)
The Hokies make the big jump after going to Columbus and getting a signature win for the ACC over Ohio State. Virginia Tech has upgraded at quarterback, running back and wide receiver between last season and this and its defense is one of the best in the country. It was the first win in school history against a top-eight opponent on the road and the first time an unranked ACC opponent beat a top-10 team on the road since 2009. Up Next: Saturday vs. East Carolina
3. Louisville (2-0, 1-0, defeated Murray State 66-21, Last Week-3)
The Cardinals crushed Murray State 66-21, rolling up 603 yards of total offense. They have their first ACC road game this week. Up Next: Saturday at Virginia
4. Clemson (1-1, 0-0, defeated South Carolina State 73-7, Last Week- 2)
The Tigers rebound from a Week 1 loss with a win a 73-7 win against FCS South Carolina State. Not much analysis needed here. The Tigers only drop in the rankings because of Virginia Tech’s rise. Up Next: BYE
5. Pitt (2-0, 1-0, defeated Boston College 30-20, Last Week-6)
It’s only been wins vs. Delaware and Boston College, but boy have the Panthers looked good doing it. James Conner, who had 214 yards rushing in a 30-20 win over Boston College on Friday night. He leads the ACC with 367 yards rushing and has an opportunity for much more against FIU this week. Connor is second in the nation in rushing and Pitt has the third best yards per game on the ground average in the nation.
It’s hard to completely buy into the Panthers considering the past, but this team is talented. It’s not a stretch to think they could be 6-0 when Virginia Tech comes to Heinz Field for a big Thursday night contest. But one thing at a time. Up Next: Saturday at FIU
6. Duke (2-0, 0-0, defeated Troy 34-17, Last Week-5)
The Blue Devils are 2-0 and have done exactly what they needed to early on, by beating up on weaker teams. We will find out more when Duke faces better competition, but that won’t come for a couple of weeks. Up Next: Saturday vs. Kansas
7. North Carolina (2-0, 0-0, defeated San Diego State 31-27, Last Week-7)
The Tar Heels have not looked very impressive through two games, struggling against Liberty in Week 1 then barely surviving San Diego State on Saturday. They better use this week to figure things out because they have ECU, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame four straight weeks. Up Next: BYE
8. Miami (1-1, 0-1, defeated Florida A&M 41-7, Last Week-8)
The Canes were better all-around in Week 2, getting solid performances from Duke Johnson, Phillip Dorsett and their defense. It will get tougher this week with Arkansas State coming to town, followed by a trip to Nebraska. Up Next: Saturday vs. Arkansas St.
9. Virginia (1-1, 0-0, defeated Richmond 45-13, Last Week-9)
I do like the Virginia defense. One week after hanging in there with UCLA, they forced seven turnovers in a win vs. Richmond. We will see how much progress Mike London’s team has made this week. Up Next: Saturday vs. No. 21 Louisville
10. Georgia Tech (2-0, 0-0, defeated Tulane 38-21, Last Week-11)
The Jackets were in a struggle with Tulane for the first half before pulling away. Even though they picked off three passes and returned one for a touchdown, there are still some issues with the GT defense. Up Next: Saturday vs. Georgia Southern
11. Boston College (1-1, 0-1, lost to Pitt 30-20, Last Week-10)
Tyler Murphy looked good at times, but the Eagles had problems moving the ball against the Panthers, much less allowing Conner and the Pitt rushing attack to gain 300-plus yards on the ground. Up Next: Saturday vs. No. 9 USC
12. North Carolina State (2-0, 0-0, Old Dominion 46-34, Last Week-13)
Jacoby Brissett went 21-of-29 for 253 yards and two touchdowns while adding 45 yards rushing. We know the Wolfpack can score, but can they stop anyone? They dug another first half deficit to a smaller school last week and had to rally. Up Next: Saturday at South Florida
13. Syracuse (1-0, 0-0, Bye, Last Week-12)
I’m still trying to figure out how it took two overtimes for the Orange to beat Villanova. After having the week off last week, Syracuse has a tricky road game at Central Michigan, which handled Purdue in West Lafayette last weekend. Up Next: Saturday at Central Michigan
14. Wake Forest (1-1, 0-0, defeated Gardner Webb 23.7, Last Week-14)
The Deamon Deacons got Dave Clawson his first win, but averaged a mere 2.7 yards per carry vs. Gardner Webb and had issues getting the ball in the end zone. Up Next: Saturday at Utah State.
Photo Credit: ESPN
