ACC: Top 7 takeaways from a wild Week 3 in the ACC

Sep 19, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Thomas Sirk (1) keeps the ball for a run as tight end Braxton Deaver (89) blocks Northwestern Wildcats safety Traveon Henry (2) in their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Duke(2-1) was brought back to reality a bit, suffering a 19-10 loss to the surging Northwestern Wildcats(3-0). The X-Factor in the game was Northwestern’s Warren Long, who scampered to the end zone on a 55-yard carry and recovered a botched punt return to cement the victory for the Big Ten.

The straw that broke the Blue Devil’s back happened immediately after halftime when the Wildcats returned the kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. A Duke special teams that was highly regarded as being one of the best in the ACC had finally let them down and at a horrendous time. After making adjustments at half and preparing to build on a 7-3 lead, the last thing you want to have happen is the page turn to a 10-7 deficit right out of the gate.

North Carolina(2-1) was able to take care of business against Illinois(2-1), devastating the Illini 48-14 behind a very strong showing by Marquise Williams who completed 17/24 passes, 203 yards, and three touchdowns. It has been business as usual for the Tar Heels after a frustrating first week against South Carolina.

UNC has flown under the radar through the first two weeks and really has a chance to make up some ground with some easy opponents three of the next four weeks as they host Delaware next week, head to Georgia Tech the following week, and come back home the next two weeks against Wake Forest and Virginia. Exciting time for the Tar Heels!

Next: Final Look at Week 3 in the ACC