ACC Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 2 edition

The Duke Blue Devils made a statement in their 60-7 victory over the North Carolina Central Eagles. Their rise comes with bigger expectations but they look ready to handle things in 2017. The Blue Devils put up 47 points by halftime, deciding to take their foot off the gas a bit in the second half.

Quarterback Daniel Jones was nearly perfect passing 19-for-25 with 213 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. Running back Shaun Wilson was used sparingly, but he had nine carries for 59 rushing yards and a touchdown before being put to rest for this week’s contest against the Northwestern Wildcats.

The Blue Devils were also able to show what running back Brittain Brown could do as well. He finished with 10 carries for 120 rushing yards and touchdown.

On defense, cornerback Bryon Fields Jr. returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown on their first series of the game. They went on to hold North Carolina Central to eight first down, 2-for-12 on third down conversions and just 158 total yards of offense. It’s a confidence boost for a team in need of a strong 2017 performance.

Northwestern shouldn’t be taken lightly, however, as the Blue Devils fell to them 24-13 last season. Although the Wildcats trailed for much of their season opener against the Nevada Wolf Pack before a 24-point explosion in the second half.

Duke has lost three in a row to the Wildcats and could use a victory to become a bigger threat in the ACC Coastal. This week’s game should be an interesting watch.