Miami stands on top, FSU freefalls in week two ACC power rankings
Week one wasn't great for the ACC. Four of the top six in last week's rankings either lost or struggled against inferior opponents. The worst example was Virginia Tech losing to Vanderbilt.
The Hookies were (maybe still are) a dark horse candidate for ACC champion. They bring back the most team production in college football from a 2023 squad that finished fourth in the ACC. Vanderbilt — the perennial punching bag of the SEC — beat VT 34-27. And honestly, the game was only that close because Vandy tried to give it away near the end.
Last week's No. 1 ACC team, Clemson, was run out of Atlanta 34-3 by Georgia. The Tigers' defense looks good as they held the Bulldogs to only six points in the first half, but the offense is as anemic as last season. NC State also struggled with an FCS opponent, but it still won the game 38-21. And Florida State... wow, just wow.
Here are the updated ACC power rankings:
Rank | School | Game Result | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Miami | W, Florida 41-17 | 2 |
2 | Louisville | W, Austin Peay 62-0 | 4 |
3 | Clemson | L, Georgia 34-3 | 1 |
4 | NC State | W, Western Carolina 38-21 | 3 |
5 | North Carolina | W, Minnesota 19-17 | 7 |
6 | Georgia Tech | W, Georgia State 35-12 | 8 |
7 | Florida State | L, Boston College 28-13 | 5 |
8 | SMU | W, Houston Christian 59-7 | 9 |
9 | Duke | W, Elon 26-3 | 10 |
10 | Virginian Tech | L, Vanderbilt 34-27 | 6 |
11 | California | W, UC Davis 31-13 | 11 |
12 | Syracuse | W, Ohio 38-22 | 12 |
13 | Boston College | W, Florida St 28-13 | 14 |
14 | Virginia | W, Richmond 34-13 | 13 |
15 | Pittsburgh | W, Kent State 55-24 | 15 |
16 | Wake Forest | W, NC A&T 45-13 | 16 |
17 | Stanford | L, TCU 34-27 | 17 |
There's a new sheriff in town now that Clemson was embarrassed on Saturday. Miami takes the No. 1 spot after manhandling Florida in the Swamp 41-17. If the Hurricanes continue to produce and stay healthy throughout the season, they could walk away with the ACC crown with little effort.
Florida State is the biggest loser in college football so far. After losing to Georgia Tech in Ireland, they've now lost two games in a row to supposedly lesser opponents. Boston College raked FSU over the coals last night, beating the Seminoles 28-13. The other team thought to have a shot at the ACC championship also lost, but at least Clemson lost to the No. 1 team in the country, albeit very badly. FSU can't even beat the worst teams in its conference. The only explanation is that Florida State completely fooled college football.
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