Each week, the Technician sports staff will be releasing a set of power rankings for the ACC. The rankings reflect each team’s performance and how they stack up with the rest of the conference. As the season moves on and the stakes get higher, we will get a clearer picture of who will be the ACC’s power players.
1. Virginia Tech– 1-0 – Last year’s conference champions open up at the top of the rankings after starting the season with a 66-13 rout of FCS opponent Appalachian State. The Hokies’ showed that their strong defense and explosive running attack will be key to their success in future weeks as quarterback Logan Thomas continues to adjust to life as a starter. (9/10 @ East Carolina)
2. Florida State– 1-0 – The Seminoles were solid against Louisiana-Monroe, shutting out the Warhawks on their way to a 34-0 victory. FSU has the athletes and potential to win a National Championship with quarterback E.J . Manuel taking the reins, but a challenging schedule could stand between them and a trip to New Orleans. (9/10 vs. Charleston Southern)
3. North Carolina– 1-0 – Quarterback Bryn Renner removed any doubt that he is the heir apparent under center after the graduation of T.J . Yates, completing 22 of 23 passes in their 42-10 victory over James Madison. If Renner can continue to produce and the team can maintain focus despite off-field distractions, the Tar Heels should be battling Virginia Tech for the Coastal Division come December. (9/10 vs. Rutgers)
4. Maryland– 1-0 – The Terrapins held strong against a short-handed Miami team and ushered the Randy Edsall era with a 32-24 victory. While their uniforms garnered most of the attention during the Monday night showdown, Maryland showed that they have potential to shake up the conference landscape and compete for the Atlantic Division title.
5. Miami– 0-1 – Despite the loss to Maryland, the Hurricanes have shown that they have the talent of a Top 25 team. A week to regroup and prepare should help, as Miami’s success this season will be determined by how they play while key players serve suspensions for accepting illegal benefits. (Bye)
6. Clemson – 1-0 – It took a full half of football, but Clemson eventually got the job done. The Tigers struggled at times and trailed Troy 16-13 at half, then rallied to win by a final of 43-19. The young team will get another chance to tighten the gears against Wofford before playing Auburn September 17. (9/10 vs. Wofford )
7. N.C . State– 1-0 – While they didn’t blow anyone away against Liberty, there were flashes of brilliance in the 43-21 victory. The defense played relatively well, forcing seven turnovers and only allowing one touchdown, but they need to cut down on yards allowed. Quarterback Mike Glennon will also need to step up if the Pack hope to match last season’s success. (9/10 @ Wake Forest)
8. Georgia Tech – 1-0 – Typically priding their program on the ability to run the ball, the Yellow Jackets showed that they know how to throw the ball, too. Putting up 63 points on Western Carolina was an easy task for quarterback Tevin Washington and the GT offense, but the rest of the season may prove more challenging as opponents begin to adapt to the Ramblin’ Wreck’s more balanced offense. (9/10 @ Middle Tennessee)
9. Wake Forest– 0-1 – Last season, Wake Forest was a bottom feeder in the ACC. This year, it looks like they have potential to turn things around despite losing a heartbreak in overtime at Syracuse. The Demon Deacons led most of the game and looked in control, but they were unable to finish after starting quarterback Tanner Price went down with a leg injury. If they can stay healthy, the Deacs should make their first bowl since 2008. (9/10 vs. N.C . State)
10. Virginia– 1-0 – While the Cavaliers throttled William & Mary at home 40-3, they have had a tendency to underperform , especially as the season moves on. Their relatively weak nonconference slate favors them as they move into the conference play in Week 3, but the Cavs will have to collect a few conference wins to make the postseason. (9/10 @ Indiana)
11. Boston College– 0-1 – The Eagles should have started off the season with a win against Northwestern, who were visiting Chestnut Hill and starting their backup quarterback. However, BC dropped their opener, which could have brought some respect back to the ACC. Despite 375 yards through the air, the BC offense was unimpressive and had difficulty sustaining drives. Look for the Eagles to employ a more balanced attack to get back to the postseason. (9/10 @ Central Florida)
Duke – 0-1 – Duke easily put in the worst performance of any ACC team in Week 1, giving FCS opponent Richmond their third victory in three meetings with the Blue Devils. While Head Coach David Cutcliffe has promised to turn around the program in his fourth year, there have been few signs of improvement, and 2011 looks to be another rebuilding season in Durham. (9/10 vs. #6 Stanford)
