ACC Quarterback Rankings: Tyrod Taylor Welcomed to the Top After Week 7

This time around there’s a new sheriff in town and that is Tyrod Taylor of Virginia Tech. His consistent play, and the lack thereof from Russell Wilson, have raised him to the top of the rankings this week.

Taylor should improve on those numbers when they take on Duke at home this weekend, so he should have no problem staying on top.

The best performance of last week would go to T.J. Yates after picking apart Virginia with 325 yards and three touchdowns. He will look to do the same this weekend against Miami, which is the game of the week in the ACC.

If a lot of changes were to occur, this would be the best weekend for that to happen. Both Christian Ponder and Russell Wilson struggled last week and have this week off so that doesn't help their cause to stay where they are in the rankings.

Things are about to get real interesting with the QB rankings and I am looking forward to all the possible changes in the rankings next week.

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12. Chase Rettig, Boston College: LW 12

Rettig showed good poise and arm strength in only his second career start in the 24-19 loss to Florida State. His ankle held up nicely even though he took a beating from the Seminoles defense.

He didn't have an outstanding game, completing 9 of 24 passes for 95 yards and no touchdowns, but I think he showed enough to solidify his spot as the starter.

Season Stats

PCT: 41.2

PYDS: 167

TD: 1

INT: 0

RYDS: -21

TD: 0

11. Tanner Price, Wake Forest: LW 11

Freshman year is typically like a rollercoaster ride for a QB. Their season has its ups and downs, never riding a consistent path.

That’s exactly how the season has been for Price. He completed 3 of 16 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown a week after he broke several records.

I think it’s safe to say that his future is bright, but it may take a full season to find consistency.

Season Stats

PCT: 53.6

PYDS: 723

TD: 6

INT: 3

RYDS: 162

TD: 3

10. Marc Verica, Virginia: LW 10

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Quarterback Marc Verica #6 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Verica has consistently struggled lately and it didn't get any better against UNC. He threw three interceptions and the third one was returned for a touchdown.

Mike London decided he had enough and yanked him after that third interception.  He went 15 for 25 for 139 yards and three interceptions.

His job may hang in the balance after these last few performances.

Season Stats

PCT: 57.8

PYDS: 1,286

TD: 6

INT: 6

RYDS: -78

TD: 0

9. Danny O'Brien, Maryland: LW 9

The only highlight of the game for O’Brien was when he caught a halfback-pass for a touchdown from Da’Rel Scott.

Former starting QB Jamarr Robinson got in late for a couple snaps, but only threw one pass and it was incomplete. It’s evident that this team belongs to O’Brien now and it’s his job to lose.

He finished the game with 302 yards and three interceptions.

Season Stats

PCT: 51.9

PYDS: 801

TD: 6

INT: 3

RYDS: -14

TD: 0

8. Sean Renfree, Duke: LW 8

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DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Sean Renfree #19 of the Duke Blue Devils drops back to throw a pass against the Army Black Knights during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Image

Going 18 for 38 for157 yards and five interceptions is not the way to help your stock.

Renfree looked like a lost little puppy out there in the Blue Devils' 28-13 loss against Miami. If he could have limited the mistakes, they may have actually had a chance of upsetting the Hurricanes.

Duke definitely didn't play their greatest game, but it had its opportunities and Renfree threw them away. It doesn't get any easier for the Blue Devils as they take on Virginia Tech this weekend.

Season Stats

PCT: 57.0

PYDS: 1,621

TD: 10

INT: 14

RYDS: -54

TD: 0

7. Kyle Parker, Clemson: LW 7

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Kyle Parker #11 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It’s a good thing Clemson didn't need Parker to do anything spectacular against Maryland because he only completed 7 of 20 passes for 106 yards.

I've even heard some fans say he should have played professional baseball instead of coming back for another season. He has the talent to be a great QB but he needs to start showing it or the Tigers could be in jeopardy of not making a bowl game.

Season Stats

PCT: 51.0

PYDS: 972

TD: 7

INT: 4

RYDS: 24

TD: 0

6. Jacory Harris, Miami: LW 6

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 9: Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes warms up prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles on October 9, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Harris was 17 of 34 for 224 yards and two total touchdowns (one pass, one run) to lead Miami past Duke 28-13.

It also marked the first time since opening week that Harris has not turned the ball over. This wasn't one of his best games as far as production goes, but his decision making was at an all-time high.

He was throwing passes away instead of forcing them in between defenders and taking off for some quality runs when he would normally dance around in the pocket.

Season Stats

PCT: 52.0

PYDS: 1,344

TD: 11

INT: 9

RYDS: 31

TD: 2

5. Joshua Nesbitt, Georgia Tech: LW 5

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Joshua Nesbitt #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Virginia Cavaliers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Nesbitt had some trouble passing against a top-25 pass defense in Middle Tennessee State. He completed 5 of 13 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown, while adding 106 yards on the ground and another touchdown.

He needs only 45 yards to break the ACC career rushing record for a QB, a mark that was set in 2001 by Clemson’s Woodrow Dantzler.

It just so happens they play Clemson in Death Valley this weekend. How ironic would that be if he broke the record there?

Season Stats

PCT: 49.8

PYDS: 591

TD: 6

INT: 2

RYDS: 649

TD: 8

4. Christian Ponder, Florida State: LW 2

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MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 9: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes on October 9, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

They won the game but Ponder took a tumble down the rankings with his poor play against Boston College.

He committed four turnovers as he threw three interceptions and fumbled the ball. Those turnovers led to 13 points for the opposition and if it weren't for the defense, the outcome would have been different.

"Dumb mental mistakes," said Ponder. "I've got to thank my teammates. They pulled me out of it. I didn't give us a chance to win."

He finished the game with 170 yards and two touchdowns on 19 of 31 passing.

Season Stats

PCT: 60.2

PYDS: 1,187

TD: 12

INT: 7

RYDS: 118

TD: 2

3. T.J. Yates, North Carolina: LW 4

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: T.J. Yates #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Yates had no problem picking apart Virginia’s defense. He was able to find a wide-open receiver whenever he wanted.

His play is a good reason why the Tar Heels have won four in a row. He finished 17 of 22 for 325 yards and three touchdowns.

They will need his consistent play when they travel to take on Miami.

Season Stats

PCT: 66.5

PYDS: 1,495

TD: 11

INT: 1

RYDS: -32

TD: 1

2. Russell Wilson, N.C. State: LW 1

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 17: Russell Wilson #16 of the North Carolina State Wolf Pack carries the ball as Jim Ramella #86 of the Boston College Eagles pressures on October 17, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Get

Not only has his team lost two of its last three games, but he has thrown eight interceptions in those games. That’s why he is no longer No. 1.

He’s still putting up the big yardage numbers, but he isn't helping his cause with the turnovers. 

In the loss to ECU he finished 26 of 52 for 322 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Season Stats

PCT: 57.8

PYDS: 2,124

TD: 18

INT: 9

RYDS: 203

TD: 2

1. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech: LW 3

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Quarterback #5 Tyrod Taylor of the Virginia Tech Hokies throws as defensive end #98 Ryan Winterswyk of the Boise State Broncos chases at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Imag

Taylor has gotten better each week out and that’s a large part of why he is No. 1 in this week’s rankings.

Last week against Wake Forest he threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for another. He’s had no problem putting the offense on his back and carrying this team to five-straight wins.

Georgia Tech is the Hokies' next real threat and that game takes place in two weeks.

Season Stats

PCT: 62.4

PYDS: 1,322

TD: 12

INT: 3

RYDS: 480

TD: 3