2023 ACC Power Rankings: Week Two

Who made the biggest jump in the power rankings after week one?

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Sep 5, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

In this story:

What a wild week for the ACC.

Florida State dismantled LSU in the marquee matchup of the weekend, North Carolina's defense dominated South Carolina, and Duke stunned Clemson and earned one of the biggest wins in school history.

And that was just week one.

Several ACC teams impressed this week, so how did the ACC power rankings shit from last week?

14. Virginia (0-1). Last week's ranking- 14

It was a close battle for last place between Virginia and Boston College, but the Cavaliers looked rough on both sides of the ball against Tennessee this past week. What's worse, UVA is a touchdown underdog against James Madison this week in Charlottesville. It could be a rough 2023 season for the Cavaliers.

13. Boston College (0-1). Last week's ranking- 12

Jeff Hafley came into this season on the hot seat and now it is only getting hotter after a home loss to Northern Illinois to start the season. This team should get a win over Holy Cross, but a bowl game is in doubt now after that loss.

12. Virginia Tech (1-0). Last week's ranking- 13

The Hokies got an opening night win over Old Dominion and quarterback Grant Wells had a good game, which would be a good sign for the offense. They still have a lot of proving to do, but a win against Purdue and a 2-0 start would be great for Brent Pry and the program.

11. Syracuse (1-0). Last week's ranking-11

The Orange looked good in their win over Colgate, but that is not enough to bump Syracuse up anymore. They have a chance to get to 2-0 with a win over Western Michigan this week.

10. Georgia Tech (0-1). Last week's ranking- 10

Haynes King — Georgia Tech lost to Louisville week one
Nathaniel Caudell

A close loss to Louisville is not enough to drop Georgia Tech. The Cardinals are a good team and the Yellow Jackets looked the part in the first half. Despite a second-half collapse, there is plenty to build off of and Georgia Tech should get their first win of the season against South Carolina State this week.

9. Wake Forest (1-0). Last week's ranking- 9

Dave Clawson and Wake got a week one victory over Elon and the offense looked good. The next test will be against Vanderbilt this weekend.

8. Pitt (1-0). Last week's ranking-7

Pitt did not do anything to drop one spot, but a win over Wofford is a good start for Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers. The defense looked strong and the offensive line was a strong point.

7. Clemson (0-1). Last week's ranking- 2

What a disaster week one was for the Tigers. Clemson was a two-touchdown favorite against Duke and the preseason pick to win the ACC and with new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, the Tigers were supposed to be competing for a playoff spot.

Then Duke happened.

The Blue Devils took advantage of the Tiger's dysfunction in the red zone and won 28-7. Clemson has a lot to figure out ahead of their showdown with Florida State.

6. NC State (1-0). Last week's ranking- 4

NC State is another team I dropped after a win. The Wolfpack did beat UConn, but it did take a while for the team to get going and the offensive line was an issue against the Huskies. NC State has a big test on deck against Notre Dame this week that could send them up the rankings with a win.

5. Louisville (1-0). Last week's ranking- 6

Louisville got one of the ACC's best wins this weekend when they beat Georgia Tech. The offense got rolling in the second half and the defense tightened up and stopped the Yellow Jackets offense. The schedule for the Cardinals does not get hard for a few weeks and they should score an easy win over Murray State this weekend. Wide receiver Jamari Thrash looked the part in the win over Georgia Tech and this should be one of the ACC's best offenses.

4. Miami (1-0). Last week's ranking-5

Miami had a good performance this weekend against Miami (OH) and while I know they are not the strongest opponent, the Hurricanes struggled against subpar competition last year. Miami's defense looks strong and the offensive line was fantastic. Now, Miami has to face a talented Texas A&M team and the Hurricanes could certainly make a statement in that win.

3. North Carolina (1-0). Last week's ranking-3

If not for another team in the state, North Carolina would be an easy choice to be the No. 2 team in the ACC right now. The Tar Heels got nine sacks against South Carolina and the offense looked sharp without two of their top receivers. If the defense has really taken a big step forward, this team has the makings of an ACC Championship contender.

2. Duke (1-0). Last week's ranking- 8

Riley Leonard — Duke scored a big win over Clemson this week
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Is this an overreaction? Maybe, but Duke scored perhaps its biggest win in school history over Clemson on Monday night and it looks like Duke could be a real contender for the ACC Championship. Quarterback Riley Leonard was a star and the Blue Devil defense was able to create turnovers against the Tigers offense. This schedule is brutal, but Mike Elko and Duke deserve every bit of credit heading their way right now.

1. Florida State (1-0). Last week's ranking-1

The Seminoles surged in the second half to be able to rout LSU and it set up the Seminoles as the team to beat in the ACC and a national title contender. Quarterback Jordan Travis was fantastic in the second half and transfer Keion Coleman looked like one of the best wide receivers in the country. The defensive line was a force as well. With Clemson losing on Monday night, Florida State is now the heavy favorite to win the conference.

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