ACC Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 2 edition

The North Carolina Tar Heels plummet in this week’s power rankings after their ugly home loss to the California Golden Bears.

The Tar Heels offense seems to be in an influx despite the addition of graduate transfer quarterback Brandon Harris. Harris was 7-for-16 for 60 passing yards while throwing two interceptions in the game.

Surratt and Harris traded off series’ on offense before Harris was eventually benched in favor of redshirt freshman Chazz Surratt. Surratt went on to throw for 161 passing yards and a passing touchdown. He also had 16 carries for 66 rushing yards and a touchdown, showing his versatility in a balanced attack. Running back Michael Carter had 94 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in his first game as a Tar Heel but it still wasn’t enough.

The Tar Heels led 24-21 entering the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hold onto the lead late.

North Carolina’s defense wasn’t terrible. They forced two interceptions in the passing game but California quarterback Ross Bowers also lit them up for 363 passing yards and four passing touchdowns, at home.

It was a poor showing in the Tar Heels’ season opener, a game they were heavily favored. It seems Surratt will take over play-calling duties after the benching of Harris so things could change.

Things don’t get any easier for them this week though, as they host the Louisville Cardinals and quarterback Lamar Jackson. Surratt seemed to be in command of the offense, but the pass defense will need to get it’s act together in a hurry or it could get ugly this Saturday.