Jacoby Brissett throws a 65 yard touchdown pass to Bryan Underwood against Presbyterian Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. The Wolfpack defeated the Blue Hose, 42-0. Photo by Ben Salama
ATLANTIC
Florida State (3-0):
Even without Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston, the No. 1 ranked Seminoles beat Clemson in an overtime nail-biter Saturday, continuing their undefeated start to the season.
Boston College (3-1):
Ranked 5th in the nation in rushing and 27th in scoring defense, the Eagles dominated Maine 40-10 last weekend. With the exception of a tough loss to conference rival Pittsburgh, Boston College has been red hot this season and shows no signs of slowing down.
Clemson (1-2):
Despite the tigers’ sub-.500 record, they drop only one spot in our power rankings this week. Saturday’s overtime loss to a Jameis Winston-less Florida State team showed that they are a force to be reckoned with, specifically freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose efficient passing makes him a potential long-term answer at quarterback.
Louisville (3-1):
After losing a close game to Virginia and dropping out of the top 25, Louisville ran over an under-matched Florida International team in hopes of getting some momentum back. The Cardinals face six conference teams in a row and end with Notre Dame and Kentucky and will likely need to rely on their 12th ranked defense to get them through those games.
N.C. State (4-0):
The Wolfpack’s undefeated start is due in large part to consistent play at the quarterback position from redshirt junior Jacoby Brissett and a lack of opponent strength, but can State’s inconsistent defense survive when No. 1 Florida State travels to Raleigh this weekend?
Syracuse (2-1):
Syracuse lost its first game to former-ACC rival Maryland by a pretty good margin Saturday after a strong start to the season. However, it won’t get easier from here as the Orange are set to face No. 8 Notre Dame this weekend and Louisville and Florida State the following weeks.
Wake Forest (2-2):
Wake Forest starts off even despite having yet to face an ACC opponent. Freshman quarterback John Walford has played okay against pedestrian teams, but the Demon Deacons have failed to establish any sort of running game whatsoever.
COASTAL
Duke (4-0):
Though they have yet to play a conference game, the Blue Devils keep blowing out opponents, while showing off a powerful running game and a top-10 scoring defense. They face Miami Saturday to open ACC play, a true test to prove that they are a legitimate candidate to win the conference.
Pitt (3-1):
Deciding the order for these next few teams was difficult, but Pitt gets the edge. Despite a close loss to Iowa, the Panthers beat an underrated Boston College team that shocked USC and have looked formidable all season. They average 304.5 rushing yards per game, good for 11th best in the nation.
Georgia Tech (4-0):
Behind dual-threat quarterback Justin Thomas, the Yellow Jackets remain undefeated after close games against Georgia Southern and conference rival Virginia Tech. Although struggling in those games, Georgia Tech managed to find wins behind their 15th ranked rushing attack.
Virginia Tech (2-2):
After looking like the team to challenge Florida State for the conference title after an impressive win against Ohio State in week two, the Hokies have lost two straight against East Carolina and Georgia Tech, leaving people to wonder what happened to the consistent team that beat one of the nation’s best teams.
Virginia (2-2):
After playing three ranked teams in four games, 2-2 is not a bad record at all for the Cavaliers. Additionally, they have kept all of these games within a touchdown. They look to bounce back with what should be an easy victory over winless Kent State.
Miami (2-2):
Miami did a good job of staying in the game against the No. 24 ranked Cornhuskers, and freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya has shown plenty of potential but must take care of the football. Things don’t get much easier as the Hurricanes face conference rival Duke this weekend.
North Carolina (2-1):
East Carolina 70, Tar Heels 41.