ACC Power Rankings: Georgia Tech falling, NC State looks for real

Sep 26, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Zack Mahoney (16) throws a pass with a rush by LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. LSU won the game 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Mahoney completed only 16 of his 38 attempts for 154 yards, three touchdowns, and a single interception. How he compiled those statistics, I will never truly understand. If you watched the game, you would hopefully agree. He showed incredible moxie in the pocket when he hit Brisly Estime for a 40 yard bomb and a score. It was a play that occurred late in the third quarter and was the only real life that Mahoney had shown to that point.

Syracuse will get the chance to lick their wounds a bit as they head into a bye this week before heading to South Florida to take on the Bulls. A lot of good can come from the game against the Tigers and it will be interesting to see how it translates in two weeks.

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11

Syracuse Orange (3-1)

Last week: L LSU 34-24
Last rank: 10th

You have to hand it to Syracuse, they played at a level that few others in the conference did and against on of the premier programs in the country in LSU.

Going into the game, we knew that Syracuse boasted a top-tier rushing defense, but we also knew it wasn’t going to be enough to halt the Heisman contending running back, Leonard Fournette. Who neared 300 total yards for the game by himself.

The quarterback dilemma in the ACC continues and is especially true with Syracuse. The ‘Cuse is down to their fifth string quarterback, Zack Mahoney who was as close to completely ineffective as you can get but at the same time wasn’t backing down from the competition. It was a terrible relief to see, if you can understand that statement.

Mahoney completed only 16 of his 38 attempts for 154 yards, three touchdowns, and a single interception. How he compiled those statistics, I will never truly understand. If you watched the game, you would hopefully agree. He showed incredible moxie in the pocket when he hit Brisly Estime for a 40 yard bomb and a score. It was a play that occurred late in the third quarter and was the only real life that Mahoney had shown to that point.

Syracuse will get the chance to lick their wounds a bit as they head into a bye this week before heading to South Florida to take on the Bulls. A lot of good can come from the game against the Tigers and it will be interesting to see how it translates in two weeks.

Next: Virginia Tech