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ACC Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 1 edition

By Jerran Anderson

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images /

It was a rough season one for Bronco Mendenhall and company. It seemed things got out of hand quickly for the first-year head coach. While he does return a lot of the production from last season, the Cavaliers still have work to do in the ACC.

The Cavaliers have to replace playmaker Taquan Mizzell on offense, so until then, they’re the worst team in the league. Quarterback Kurt Benkert returns looking to have a better senior season. He’ll have Doni Dowling and Olamide Zaccheaus in the passing game to work with in order to improve.

The Boston College Eagles weren’t all that bad in 2016. After all, they qualified for the Quick Lane Bowl and won 36-30 over the Maryland Terrapins.

They’ve got proven a runner in running back Jon Hilliman and a guy who has a future playing on Sundays in defensive end Harold Landry. If the offense can make strides to keep pace with the defense, the Eagles could very easily climb up the rankings.

However, for now, they’re in the bottom of the pack with the Cavaliers.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons made their first bowl appearance since 2012 this past season. Head coach Dave Clawson enters year four looking to improve on his 7-6 finish in 2016.

The Demon Deacons defense carried them throughout much of the season. They allowed just 22.2 points per game on defense, third in the ACC. Now that those coaches are gone, however, we’ll see how the Demon Deacons respond.

Linebacker Duke Ejiofor leads the way after registering 10.5 sacks last season. He’ll be looked to anchor a defense that returns just five starters in 2017.

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