ACC power rankings entering Week 3: Miami joins Florida State at the top
The ACC had another strong weekend in Week 2 — especially at the top of the conference.
Miami handled a talented Texas A&M team while Florida State, North Carolina, Clemson and Duke all took care of business in their games as well.
There is some movement in the middle of the pack this week as teams are starting to show more of who they are. Wake Forest, Pitt, NC State and Syracuse all moved multiple spots (in one direction or another) this week.
Here are Saturday Road’s updated ACC power rankings entering Week 3:
14. Virginia (Last week: 13)
Virginia lost to James Madison in Week 2. I’m not sure if it’s better or worse for the Cavaliers that JMU was actually favored by nearly a touchdown in this game. Things don’t seem to be moving in the right direction for UVA.
13. Boston College (Last week: 14)
Boston College survived an upset scare vs. Holy Cross in Week 2. Thomas Castellanos and Boston College’s offense put up pretty good numbers, but there’s still a lot of concern here. Holy Cross rushed for over 250 yards in this one.
12. Virginia Tech (Last week: 10)
Virginia Tech had a big opportunity to start 2-0, but couldn’t get it done. The running game never got going and Grant Wells threw 2 more interceptions. The Hokies get Rutgers this weekend — a game they desperately need to win.
11. Georgia Tech (Last week: 12)
Georgia Tech took care of business in Week 2 vs. South Carolina State. The Yellow Jackets have been solid so far this season, but the schedule is brutal. It’s going to be tough to find 5 more wins. They go on the road to Ole Miss this weekend.
10. Pitt (Last week: 7)
Pitt slides down 3 spots after losing to Cincinnati this week. Phil Jurkovec really struggled, going just 10-for-32. I still think Pitt will make a bowl, but it’s not a guarantee at this point.
9. NC State (Last week: 6)
A 3-spot drop for NC State, who got roughed up by Notre Dame at home on Saturday. There’s no shame in losing to the Fighting Irish, but issues at receiver and on the offensive line continue to plague the Wolfpack. NC State has some major concerns moving forward.
8. Syracuse (Last week: 11)
Syracuse still hasn’t played anyone good yet, but the Orange have been notably dominant so far. They beat Western Michigan 48-7 on Saturday and now find themselves on the cusp of the top half of these power rankings.
7. Louisville (Last week: 8)
Louisville moved to 2-0 with a win over Murray State on Thursday night. The Cardinals have a real shot to start 4-0 with games against Indiana and Boston College up next.
6. Wake Forest (Last week: 9)
Wake Forest jumps up 3 spots this week after it defeated Vanderbilt in Week 1. Two Demon Deacons running backs went over 100 yards in the win. Mitch Griffis also continued to look solid at quarterback as he threw a pair of touchdown passes.
5. Clemson (Last week: 5)
Clemson holds on to the No. 5 spot this week after crushing Charleston Southern for its first win of the season. Cade Klubnik threw 4 touchdown passes in the win. The Tigers need to fix their turnover issues, though. Clemson will host Florida Atlantic in Week 3.
4. Duke (Last week: 3)
Duke moves back 1 spot to no fault of its own. The Blue Devils beat Lafayette soundly on Saturday, but they slide down to No. 4 to make room for Miami. Duke remains an ACC contender moving forward.
3. North Carolina (Last week: 2)
North Carolina slides back 1 spot after needing double overtime to beat App State at home in Week 2. Drake Maye hasn’t quite been the same quarterback he was a year ago through 2 games. North Carolina’s defense also reverted back to some old tendencies vs. the Mountaineers. Still, UNC gutted out a win in a potential let-down spot vs. an in-state rival. Successful weekend in Chapel Hill.
2. Miami (Last week: 4)
Welcome to the top 2, Miami. The Hurricanes move up a pair of spots this week after dominating the 2nd half against Texas A&M. The Aggies have one of the most talented rosters in the country and they were no match for Mario Cristobal’s revamped Miami team. There’s still room for Miami to improve, too. This could be a very exciting season for the Canes.
1. Florida State (Last week: 1)
Florida State dismantled Southern Miss 66-13 on Saturday night. It was another complete performance from a FSU team that has been excellent to start the season. Florida State is the clear top team in the ACC entering Week 3.