ACC Power Rankings: Week 2
By Matt Shetler
Another week is in the books and it is time to unleash my first ACC Power Rankings of the year.
The Miami Hurricanes made a big statement over the weekend with and upset over then No. 12 Florida, which was the biggest win of the week for the conference, who already has a couple of big out of conference victories through two weeks.
Where does that leave the Pitt Panthers, who had a week off?
Let’s not waste any time and find out.
Sep 2, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) hands off to running back Devonta Freeman (8) against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
1. Clemson (2-0, 0-0 ACC): After their huge opening week victory against Georgia, the Tigers didn’t have a letdown in Week 2, pummeling South Carolina State 52.13. Their win over the Bulldogs is the biggest win of any ACC team through two weeks and they are showing signs of being legitimate national championship contenders. Clemson is an easy choice for the top spot. Up Next: at North Carolina State, Thursday September 19.
2. Florida State (1-0, 1-0): The Seminoles had the week off after quarterback Jameis Winston put on a show against Pitt. We will see if the youngster can build off a near perfect performance this week. Up Next: vs. Nevada, Saturday September 14.
3. Miami (2-0, 0-0): Are the Hurricanes back? Saturday’s win against then No. 12 Florida may suggest so. But despite moving up to No. 15 in the latest AP Poll, I wouldn’t put them in the class of Clemson or Florida State just yet. Up Next: vs. Savannah State, Saturday September 21.
4. Georgia Tech (1-0 0-0): The only sample we have of the Yellow Jackets is them putting up 70 points against Elon in Week 1. We will find out much more about them the next five weeks when they take on Duke, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Miami and BYU. Up Next: at Duke, Saturday September 14.
5. Virginia Tech (1-1, 0-0): Quarterback Logan Thomas has not looked good, but the Hokies defense appears to be for real. However it is hard to get excited over a win against Western Carolina. Up Next: at East Carolina, Saturday September 14.
6. North Carolina (1-1, 0-0): Despite a win against Middle Tennessee, you have to be very concerned about the Tar Heels defense at this point. They have a week to figure it out before beginning conference play. Up Next: at Georgia Tech, Saturday September 21.