Three ACC teams had their games postponed due to Hurricane Florence, including two against top 20 opponents. Meanwhile, conference play got underway and a pecking order has finally started to establish itself.
1. Clemson (3-0, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 1)
Last Week: vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (2-1) – W 38-7
Next Week: at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-2, 0-1)
Travis Etienne rushed for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns as he led the way for the Tigers on Saturday in a cupcake matchup that saw Kelly Bryant throw the ball only 10 times. Trevor Lawrence played quarterback for most of the game posting a 98.2 total QBR. This week the Tigers travel to Atlanta where they will start ACC play against a struggling Georgia Tech team that is in desperate need of a win.
2. Virginia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 2)
Last Week: vs. East Carolina Pirates (1-1) - Postponed
Next Week: at Old Dominion Monarchs (0-3)
There’s nothing new to report on the field this week, as the Hokies’ game against East Carolina was postponed due to Hurricane Florence. However, there was a big development in Syracuse, as the Seminoles looked absolutely horrendous against Syracuse. The Hokies’ opening weekend win in Tallahassee is looking worse and worse every week.
3. Miami (2-1, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 3)
Last Week: at Toledo Rockets (1-1) – W 49-24
Next Week: vs FIU Panthers (2-1)
The Canes jumped out to a 21-0 lead and held off a brief scare from the Rockets, who cut the lead to 7 twice. The defense looked incredible early, shutting down Mitchell Guadagni and the Rockets offense for nearly the entire first half. But then they relaxed, allowing Toledo back into the game, as Guadagni found his stride and the Rockets gained momentum. The good news is that when it came to crunch time, the offense and defense both made big plays that helped put the game out of reach. Malik Rosier accounted for 5 total touchdowns and posted a total QBR of 95.0. The biggest news for the Canes this week, though, came when LSU upset Auburn on a last second field goal. The Canes still looked terrible in week 1, but that loss looks a little bit better now that LSU has emerged as a serious threat to win the SEC.
4. Boston College (3-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 4)
Last Week: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-1, 0-1) – W 41-34
Next Week: at Purdue Boilermakers (0-3)
If it wasn’t for two special teams’ mistakes, Thursday night’s game at Wake would have gotten ugly fast. Twice the Eagles punting unit fumbled, leading to two easy scores for the Deacons, but still BC found themselves up by two scores with 8:48 left in the game. Anthony Brown played mistake free football, throwing for 304 yards and 5 touchdowns en route to a 90.9 total QBR. AJ Dillon added 185 yards on the ground. Now the Eagles get a few extra days of rest before travelling to Indiana to take on a reeling Boilermaker squad.
5. Duke (3-0, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 6)
Last Week: at Baylor Bears (2-1) – W 40-27
Next Week: vs. North Carolina Central Eagles (1-1)
The Blue Devils looked like they might be in trouble after losing Daniel Jones and Mark Gilbert for the season before heading to Waco to take on a resurgent Baylor squad. They responded by building a 23-0 lead against the Bears, turning the task over to the defense, which has been stout all season. Replacing Jones, Quentin Harris threw for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns, adding 83 yards on the ground. With a defense this good, this is going to be a tough Duke team no matter who is under center.
6. North Carolina State (2-0, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 5)
Last Week: vs. #14 West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) - Postponed
Next Week: at Marshall Thundering Herd (2-0)
Due to Hurricane Florence, NC State missed a huge chance to take down Will Grier and the Mountaineers. A makeup date has not been set and so far West Virginia hasn’t shown much interest in fitting it into their schedule. Without another caliber opponent in the nonconference, the Wolfpack will have to rely on Clemson and BC to keep winning in order to rack up quality wins.
7. Syracuse (3-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 9)
Last Week: vs. Florida State Seminoles (1-2, 0-2) – W 30-7
Next Week: vs. UConn Huskies (1-2)
Even with Eric Dungey leaving in the 2nd quarter due to blurred vision, the Orange still crushed the Seminoles in one of the most lopsided contests of the week. In relief, Tommy DeVito went 11/16 for 144 yards and a touchdown, adding another on the ground. The defense shut down the Noles offense from the start, giving up just 240 yards of total offense and 11 first downs all game. Dungey will be back this week when Syracuse welcomes a lackluster UConn team to the Carrier Dome as they look to move to 4-0.
8. Wake Forest (2-1, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 7)
Last Week: vs Boston College Golden Eagles (3-0, 1-0) – L 41-34
Next Week: vs. #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0)
Wake had chances at home against the Golden Eagles, even taking a 24-21 lead in the 3rd quarter. The special teams played great, blocking a punt in the end zone, and forcing a fumble on another punt, but even with those two touchdowns, the offense of BC proved too much for Wake to keep up with. In the loss, freshman QB Sam Hartman threw for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also turned the ball over twice. The Wake defense was carved up by BC QB Anthony Brown and had no answer for RB AJ Dillon. The Demon Deacons have a chance to wash the bad taste out of their mouth, coming off extra rest before hosting a Fighting Irish team that has allowed inferior opponents to hang around all season.
9. Pittsburgh (2-1, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 11)
Last Week: vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-2, 0-1) – W 24-19
Next Week: at North Carolina Tar Heels (0-2, 0-0)
Pittsburgh bounced back nicely after the beatdown they were handed last week at home. They jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to two rushing touchdowns from Qadree Ollison and another by Darrin Hall. The defense cracked down, and other than a 99-yard drive in the waning minutes, looked sound all game against the option offense of the Yellow Jackets. With a win this week in Chapel Hill, the Panthers would emerge as a clear contender in the Coastal.
10. Louisville (2-1, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 8)
Last Week: vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-3) – W 20-17
Next Week: at Virginia Cavaliers (2-1, 0-0)
Louisville may be 2-1, but they have looked bad in all three of their games this season. This week against the Hilltoppers, the Cardinals found themselves trailing the entire way until Dae Williams was able to bull his way into the end zone for the 20-17 lead. Jawan Pass again got the start, but was quickly benched after going 0/3 with an interception. In relief, Malik Cunningham went just 10/18 for 88 yards, but was able to rush for 129 yards as he helped the Cardinals rally from 14 down to pull out the victory.
11. Georgia Tech (1-2, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 12)
Last Week: at Pittsburgh Panthers (2-1, 1-0) – L 24-19
Next Week: vs. #3 Clemson Tigers (3-0, 0-0)
For the second straight week, the Yellow Jackets outgained their opponents, and for the second straight week they lost. GT fell behind 21-0 before the half on three rushing touchdowns. In the second half, TaQuon Marshall was inept throwing the ball as he tried to lead the comeback, going just 6/15 for 66 yards and 1 INT. This was a huge loss for the Jackets, who now have their work cut out for them if they want to be remotely competitive in the Coastal.
12. Virginia (2-1, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 13)
Last Week: vs. Ohio Bobcats (1-1) – W 45-31
Next Week: vs. Louisville Cardinals (2-1, 0-0)
Virginia moves up again this week after taking care of the Bobcats. Bryce Perkins carved up Ohio’s defense, throwing for 3 touchdowns and 379 yards, 247 of which were to Olamide Zaccheaus. Jordan Ellis added 171 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground in the offensive onslaught. The Wahoos are 2-1 and could easily be 3-0, which is why they get the boost while FSU continues to spiral.
13. Florida State (1-2, 0-2 ACC) (Last Week: 10)
Last Week: at Syracuse Orange (3-0, 1-0) – L 30-7
Next Week: vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (1-2)
I’m done giving the Seminoles the benefit of the doubt. They have looked terrible in all three games this season and could easily be 0-3. The near disaster against Samford did nothing to wake the Noles up from their slumber as they came out and didn’t score until 6:16 left in the game when the Orange already had a firm hold at 23-0. Willie Taggart is already coaching for his job, as FSU has been outscored 54-10 by FBS opponents. This was supposed to be a team that challenged Clemson for the Atlantic. To rub salt in the wound, Texas A&M just jumped into the top 25 ranking, a place the Noles can only dream about. I wonder if Tallahassee misses Jimbo yet.
14. UNC (0-2, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 14)
Last Week: vs. #18 UCF Golden Knights (2-0) – Postponed
Next Week: vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (2-1, 1-0)
The Tar Heels didn’t lose this week, which is a plus for a team that was spiraling out of control. Perhaps the bye week is exactly what UNC needed before they play host to Pitt this weekend to open up ACC play.
1. Clemson (3-0, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 1)
Last Week: vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (2-1) – W 38-7
Next Week: at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-2, 0-1)
Travis Etienne rushed for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns as he led the way for the Tigers on Saturday in a cupcake matchup that saw Kelly Bryant throw the ball only 10 times. Trevor Lawrence played quarterback for most of the game posting a 98.2 total QBR. This week the Tigers travel to Atlanta where they will start ACC play against a struggling Georgia Tech team that is in desperate need of a win.
2. Virginia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 2)
Last Week: vs. East Carolina Pirates (1-1) - Postponed
Next Week: at Old Dominion Monarchs (0-3)
There’s nothing new to report on the field this week, as the Hokies’ game against East Carolina was postponed due to Hurricane Florence. However, there was a big development in Syracuse, as the Seminoles looked absolutely horrendous against Syracuse. The Hokies’ opening weekend win in Tallahassee is looking worse and worse every week.
3. Miami (2-1, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 3)
Last Week: at Toledo Rockets (1-1) – W 49-24
Next Week: vs FIU Panthers (2-1)
The Canes jumped out to a 21-0 lead and held off a brief scare from the Rockets, who cut the lead to 7 twice. The defense looked incredible early, shutting down Mitchell Guadagni and the Rockets offense for nearly the entire first half. But then they relaxed, allowing Toledo back into the game, as Guadagni found his stride and the Rockets gained momentum. The good news is that when it came to crunch time, the offense and defense both made big plays that helped put the game out of reach. Malik Rosier accounted for 5 total touchdowns and posted a total QBR of 95.0. The biggest news for the Canes this week, though, came when LSU upset Auburn on a last second field goal. The Canes still looked terrible in week 1, but that loss looks a little bit better now that LSU has emerged as a serious threat to win the SEC.
4. Boston College (3-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 4)
Last Week: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-1, 0-1) – W 41-34
Next Week: at Purdue Boilermakers (0-3)
If it wasn’t for two special teams’ mistakes, Thursday night’s game at Wake would have gotten ugly fast. Twice the Eagles punting unit fumbled, leading to two easy scores for the Deacons, but still BC found themselves up by two scores with 8:48 left in the game. Anthony Brown played mistake free football, throwing for 304 yards and 5 touchdowns en route to a 90.9 total QBR. AJ Dillon added 185 yards on the ground. Now the Eagles get a few extra days of rest before travelling to Indiana to take on a reeling Boilermaker squad.
5. Duke (3-0, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 6)
Last Week: at Baylor Bears (2-1) – W 40-27
Next Week: vs. North Carolina Central Eagles (1-1)
The Blue Devils looked like they might be in trouble after losing Daniel Jones and Mark Gilbert for the season before heading to Waco to take on a resurgent Baylor squad. They responded by building a 23-0 lead against the Bears, turning the task over to the defense, which has been stout all season. Replacing Jones, Quentin Harris threw for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns, adding 83 yards on the ground. With a defense this good, this is going to be a tough Duke team no matter who is under center.
6. North Carolina State (2-0, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 5)
Last Week: vs. #14 West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) - Postponed
Next Week: at Marshall Thundering Herd (2-0)
Due to Hurricane Florence, NC State missed a huge chance to take down Will Grier and the Mountaineers. A makeup date has not been set and so far West Virginia hasn’t shown much interest in fitting it into their schedule. Without another caliber opponent in the nonconference, the Wolfpack will have to rely on Clemson and BC to keep winning in order to rack up quality wins.
7. Syracuse (3-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 9)
Last Week: vs. Florida State Seminoles (1-2, 0-2) – W 30-7
Next Week: vs. UConn Huskies (1-2)
Even with Eric Dungey leaving in the 2nd quarter due to blurred vision, the Orange still crushed the Seminoles in one of the most lopsided contests of the week. In relief, Tommy DeVito went 11/16 for 144 yards and a touchdown, adding another on the ground. The defense shut down the Noles offense from the start, giving up just 240 yards of total offense and 11 first downs all game. Dungey will be back this week when Syracuse welcomes a lackluster UConn team to the Carrier Dome as they look to move to 4-0.
8. Wake Forest (2-1, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 7)
Last Week: vs Boston College Golden Eagles (3-0, 1-0) – L 41-34
Next Week: vs. #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0)
Wake had chances at home against the Golden Eagles, even taking a 24-21 lead in the 3rd quarter. The special teams played great, blocking a punt in the end zone, and forcing a fumble on another punt, but even with those two touchdowns, the offense of BC proved too much for Wake to keep up with. In the loss, freshman QB Sam Hartman threw for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also turned the ball over twice. The Wake defense was carved up by BC QB Anthony Brown and had no answer for RB AJ Dillon. The Demon Deacons have a chance to wash the bad taste out of their mouth, coming off extra rest before hosting a Fighting Irish team that has allowed inferior opponents to hang around all season.
9. Pittsburgh (2-1, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 11)
Last Week: vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-2, 0-1) – W 24-19
Next Week: at North Carolina Tar Heels (0-2, 0-0)
Pittsburgh bounced back nicely after the beatdown they were handed last week at home. They jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to two rushing touchdowns from Qadree Ollison and another by Darrin Hall. The defense cracked down, and other than a 99-yard drive in the waning minutes, looked sound all game against the option offense of the Yellow Jackets. With a win this week in Chapel Hill, the Panthers would emerge as a clear contender in the Coastal.
10. Louisville (2-1, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 8)
Last Week: vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-3) – W 20-17
Next Week: at Virginia Cavaliers (2-1, 0-0)
Louisville may be 2-1, but they have looked bad in all three of their games this season. This week against the Hilltoppers, the Cardinals found themselves trailing the entire way until Dae Williams was able to bull his way into the end zone for the 20-17 lead. Jawan Pass again got the start, but was quickly benched after going 0/3 with an interception. In relief, Malik Cunningham went just 10/18 for 88 yards, but was able to rush for 129 yards as he helped the Cardinals rally from 14 down to pull out the victory.
11. Georgia Tech (1-2, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 12)
Last Week: at Pittsburgh Panthers (2-1, 1-0) – L 24-19
Next Week: vs. #3 Clemson Tigers (3-0, 0-0)
For the second straight week, the Yellow Jackets outgained their opponents, and for the second straight week they lost. GT fell behind 21-0 before the half on three rushing touchdowns. In the second half, TaQuon Marshall was inept throwing the ball as he tried to lead the comeback, going just 6/15 for 66 yards and 1 INT. This was a huge loss for the Jackets, who now have their work cut out for them if they want to be remotely competitive in the Coastal.
12. Virginia (2-1, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 13)
Last Week: vs. Ohio Bobcats (1-1) – W 45-31
Next Week: vs. Louisville Cardinals (2-1, 0-0)
Virginia moves up again this week after taking care of the Bobcats. Bryce Perkins carved up Ohio’s defense, throwing for 3 touchdowns and 379 yards, 247 of which were to Olamide Zaccheaus. Jordan Ellis added 171 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground in the offensive onslaught. The Wahoos are 2-1 and could easily be 3-0, which is why they get the boost while FSU continues to spiral.
13. Florida State (1-2, 0-2 ACC) (Last Week: 10)
Last Week: at Syracuse Orange (3-0, 1-0) – L 30-7
Next Week: vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (1-2)
I’m done giving the Seminoles the benefit of the doubt. They have looked terrible in all three games this season and could easily be 0-3. The near disaster against Samford did nothing to wake the Noles up from their slumber as they came out and didn’t score until 6:16 left in the game when the Orange already had a firm hold at 23-0. Willie Taggart is already coaching for his job, as FSU has been outscored 54-10 by FBS opponents. This was supposed to be a team that challenged Clemson for the Atlantic. To rub salt in the wound, Texas A&M just jumped into the top 25 ranking, a place the Noles can only dream about. I wonder if Tallahassee misses Jimbo yet.
14. UNC (0-2, 0-0 ACC) (Last Week: 14)
Last Week: vs. #18 UCF Golden Knights (2-0) – Postponed
Next Week: vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (2-1, 1-0)
The Tar Heels didn’t lose this week, which is a plus for a team that was spiraling out of control. Perhaps the bye week is exactly what UNC needed before they play host to Pitt this weekend to open up ACC play.
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