ACC Football: Week 1 Power Rankings after Clemson, UNC lose

7. The Virginia Tech Hokies, 1-0: Virginia Tech could very well win four games this season, and head coach Justin Fuente could get fired. However, Fuente and the Hokies always seem to play well in their opening games. The Hokies have lost just once under Fuente on opening night.

They’ve upset two ranked opponents, West Virginia and Florida State, in their opening games. The rest of the season might remain seen, but the Hokies always bring it on opening night. Was Saturday afternoon more about Virginia Tech or North Carolina?

The Hokies defense was outstanding against the Tar Heels. Virginia Tech surrendered just 354 total yards and picked off Sam Howell three times on Saturday. The Tar Heels offensive line had issues picking up the blitz of Virginia Tech.

The Hokies sacked Howell six times and pressured him on four other occasions. The junior quarterback was constantly knocked off of his spot.

Offensively, however, the Hokies were nothing to write home about. They did a good job of possessing the ball and keeping the Tar Heels off of the field, but that is about all. Virginia Tech did not run or throw the ball well, getting outgained by the Tar Heels.

The Hokies grabbed an early lead and held on by playing good defense. That strategy might not hold up against the rest of the ACC.