ACC football power rankings: Week 2

With the season finally underway and one week now in the books, we have had a glance at each ACC team, what they bring to the table, and have subsequently made rash judgments based on a small sample size about all of them.

How did the first week of action shift our power rankings? It’s time to find out:

1. Clemson (1-0, up one spot from last week)

It may have just been Kent State, but new starting quarterback Kelly Bryant looked great in the Tigers’ 56-3 win on Saturday.

Up next: Clemson gets its first true test this weekend when the Auburn Tigers travel to Death Valley.

2. Florida State (0-1, down one spot from last week)

FSU’s 24-7 loss to Alabama hurts. Losing starting quarterback Deondre Francois for the season to a torn patella tendon hurts far more. The Seminoles’ defense looks elite, but will it be able to make for a true freshman at QB?

Up next: James Blackman will become the first true freshman QB to start a game for FSU since 1985 when the ’Noles take on Louisiana-Monroe Saturday night.

3. Louisville (1-0, no change from last week)

The Cardinals got a scare in their 35-28 win over Purdue Saturday which remained close into the final minutes, but Lamar Jackson did Lamar Jackson things once again in the start of his pursuit to be a two-time Heisman winner.

Up next: UL kicks off ACC play on the road against North Carolina Saturday at noon.

4. Virginia Tech (1-0, up two spots from last week)

The Hokies came away from Sunday’s Top 25 matchup against West Virginia with a high-quality 31-24 win behind an impressive debut from redshirt freshman QB Josh Jackson, who threw for 265 yards and a score and added 101 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.

Up next: After the tough matchup in week one, VT gets a slight break this weekend, playing host to the Delaware Blue Hens Saturday afternoon.

5. Miami (1-0, down one spot from last week)

It was 3-3 after one quarter, but the Hurricanes ran away with a 41-13 victory over Bethune-Cookman in Malik Rosier’s debut at quarterback.

Up next: UM’s season continues with an interesting road trip which sees the ’Canes travel to Jonesboro to take on Arkansas State.

6. NC State (0-1, down one spot from last week)

The Wolfpack’s highly-touted defensive line was more bark than bite Saturday against South Carolina, combining for zero sacks in the 35-28 loss despite the fact that they outgained USC by 258 yards.

Up next: NC State looks to bounce back in its home opener against the Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday.

7. Georgia Tech (0-1, up one spot from last week)

A star was born in GT quarterback TaQuon Harrison, who set new program records in carries (44) and rushing yards (249) by a quarterback while adding five rushing touchdowns. However, his massive effort was not enough to lead the Jackets to a win over Tennessee as they lost 42-41 in double overtime.

Up next: Georgia Tech gets its true home opener on Saturday after starting the season in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, playing host to Jacksonville State.

8. Pittsburgh (1-0, up one spot from last week)

The Panthers got a real scare in week one, needing overtime to dispose of FCS foe Youngstown State, 28-21, behind two rushing touchdowns from Qadree Ollison.

Up next: The degree of difficulty ramps up quickly for Pitt, who travels to State College to try and make it two straight wins over No. 6 Penn State this weekend.

9. North Carolina (0-1, down one spot from last week)

The post-Mitch Trubisky era began with a thud as the Cal Golden Bears left Chapel Hill with a 35-30 win over the Tar Heels. Things may be worse than anticipated for UNC.

Up next: North Carolina’s rebound effort will be no joke as the Tar Heels stay home, welcoming in the Louisville Cardinals.

10. Syracuse (1-0, no change from last week)

The Orange stomped Central Connecticut 50-7 on Friday, kicking off year two of the Dino Babers era in style.

Up next: The schedule ramps up a bit in week two as Syracuse plays host to Middle Tennessee State in the Carrier Dome.

11. Duke (1-0, no change from last week)

Duke’s win over North Carolina Central was about as lopsided as possible with the Blue Devils outscoring the Eagles 60-7 and outgaining them 524-158.

Up next: The Blue Devils welcome in another school known for its academics, Northwestern, in Durham Saturday at noon.

12. Wake Forest (1-0, no change from last week)

A four-touchdown performance from senior quarterback John Wolford led Wake to a 51-7 win over Presbyterian last Thursday.

Up next: The Demon Deacons begin their ACC slate with a road trip to Chestnut Hill for a matchup with Boston College.

13. Boston College (1-0, no change from last week)

The Eagles hit the road for their season opener, sneaking out with a 23-20 win at Northern Illinois behind two passing touchdowns from Anthony Brown, who threw the ball a ridiculous 43 times.

Up next: BC’s ACC schedule begins at home against Wake Forest in a game with significant postseason implications for two teams who are each seeking a .500 season.

14. Virginia (1-0, no change from last week)

It wasn’t as flashy as some other victories over FCS teams this week, but Virginia’s 28-10 win over William & Mary was never in doubt and got the Cavaliers off to a 1-0 start.

Up next: The Hoos are home once again this weekend, welcoming in an Indiana team fresh off a loss to Ohio State.