Week 2 for the ACC was better than week 1, but I'm not sure that's saying much. UNC struggled with UCONN. Florida State played poorly against Jacksonville St, and Maryland almost lost to James Madison.
Georgia Tech and Clemson had the game of the week. It was an exciting nerve wracking victory for the Jackets.
Pre-season |Wk 1
1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-0, 1-0) - Last Week 1
The Jackets nearly blew a 24-0 lead against the Clemson Tigers this past Thursday night in a 30-27 win. The Tigers stuffed the Jackets offense after the end of the first quarter until late in the game. Is there cause for concern for Georgia Tech? QB Josh Nesbitt completed only 3 passes and Jonathan Dwyer only had 66 rushing. They still won though getting 127 yards on the ground from Anthony Allen, and a 3 for 3 on FG attempts and 1 TD pass performance from kicker Scott Blair. They need to start displaying a killer instinct as they've outscored their first two opponents 55-14 in the first half, only to get outscored 30-12 in the second half. Miami is huge test Thursday night.
2) Virginia Tech Hokies (1-1, 0-0) - Last Week 2
The Hokies had nice comeback performance this week in a 52-10 win over Marshall. It was the kind of game the Hokies needed after the disappointing loss the previous week to Alabama. Virginia tech gained a whopping 605 yards on offense, with 444 on the ground. Both running backs David Wilson and Ryan Williams had over 160 rushing. The Hokies step out of conference to play a good Nebraska Cornhusker team this week.
3) Miami Hurricanes (1-0, 1-0) - Last Week4
The Canes move up without playing a game this week. They have a monster showdown with Georgia Tech this Thursday where the winner will take a big step forward in the Coastal Division. If there was one thing I'd be concerned about for the Canes is that they gave up 34 points to an FSU team that struggled to get into double digits against Jacksonville St. Miami is perfectly capable of beating Georgia Tech, though and it should be a great game.
4) North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0, 0-0) - Last Week 3
The Tar Heels had a chance to establish themselves this week as one of the ACC best teams. Instead the game with UCONN raised more questions than answers. I still like the Heels, but they certainly need to play better than Saturday. UCONN has been a decent squad under Randy Edsell, but for them to hold UNC to 35 yards rushing is not a good sign. QB T.J Yates also threw 2 interceptions, in the 12-10 win. The Tar Heels get one more week to work out the kinks against a below average East Carolina team, before playing Georgia Tech.
5) Clemson Tigers (1-1, 0-1) - Last Week 5
If you want to get the Tigers, I suggest you get them early this season. They are only going to get better. Kyle Parker displayed flashes of the type quarterback he can become. He showed a lot of poise in bringing Clemson back from down 24. The defense again showed for 2 1/2 quarters the potential to be dominant. You'll see in the next two weeks after playing Boston College and TCU where the Tigers are headed this season.
6) Boston College Eagles (2-0, 0-0) - Last Week 6
The Eagles have been the ACC's most pleasant surprise in the early part of the season. It kind of tells you the state of the ACC when two easy wins over Northeastern and Kent State actually looks good, but that's nothing for BC to worry about. Their defense has only given up seven points in two games. We will quickly know if the Eagles are for real when they pay a visit to Death Valley and Clemson this upcoming week.
7) Florida State Seminoles (1-1, 0-1) - Last Week 7
It took a late rally by Florida State to beat Jacksonville St. 19-9. It was 9-7 Jacksonville St. late into the 4th quarter. What would really concern me if I were a Nole fan is the paltry 78 yards rushing on 26 carries. I thought this would be the ACC's best offensive line, but they aren't playing like it. Maybe the Noles were just in a fog after the tough opening loss to Miami. They better get out of it quick. Next up is a game with an extremely good BYU team in Provo.
8) North Carolina State Wolfpack (1-1, 0-0) - Last Week 8
Now that's the NC State squad we were expecting, a 65-7 route of Ohio Valley Conference team Murray State. The Pack had 484 yards of offense, 293 in the air and 191 on the ground. Next up is a Gardner Webb squad that gave Georgia Tech fits last year. I don't "expect" much problem for the NC State in this one.
9) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-1, 0-0) - Last Week 9
Yeah the ACC picked up a win over a BCS out of conference opponent. Down 17-3 at the half, the Demon Deacons fought back for a solid 24-17 over the Stanford Cardinals. The underrated Wake quarterback Riley Skinner was an efficient 18-26 for 187 yards and scored the game—winning touchdown. The balanced Deac attack had 251 yards on the ground. As usual you can't underestimate the Deacs. With every team in the Atlantic Division with already one loss except Boston College, there isn't yet a dominant team. Wake Forest is one team not to be overlooked.
10) Duke Blue Devils (1-1, 0-0) - Last Week 11
By virtue of beating an actual Division one school in Army 35-19, the Dukies move up on this list. We noted in the off-season had
some depth at quarterback. With starter Thaddeus Lewis struggling, backup Sean Renfree came in and complete 7 of 8 passes for 106 yards and 2 TD's. The Blue Devils can score a major victory for the ACC if they can defeat the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence this week. It'd would be a big upset, but it could jump start the season for the Blue Devils.
11) Maryland Terrapins (1-1, 0-0) - Last Week 10 The Terrapins just barely escaped what would have been an embarrassing loss to James Madison. It took overtime for the Terps to beat the Dukes 34-31. The Terps defense is just plain awful. You may be able to excuse the 52 points given up to the offensive machine at California, but then the Terps give up 35 more to James Madison. You aren't going to win many games when opposing offenses score an average of 43.5 points a game. Middle Tennessee St. should provide some relief next week. Oh never mind the Blue Raiders beat Maryland last year. The Terps better be ready for this one.
12) Virginia Cavaliers (0-2, 0-0) - Last Week 12
The Cavs got spanked 30-14 by TCU Saturday, and it wasn't that close. Why bother commenting on the game or Virginia's next opponent Southern Miss? Al Groh needs to start working on his resume and the Cavaliers need to get a replacement in to get a head start on recruiting for next season.
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