ACC Football Power Rankings: Florida State, Miami look to rebound in Week 3
By Dante Pryor
Welcome back to ACC football power rankings headquarters somewhere between the “electric” Carrier Dome and the late great Bobby Bowden statue. Not very much has changed at the top of the conference. However, there were some exciting games in the conference last week.
The Pitt Panthers went to Knoxville and pulled out a 41-34 victory. The Panthers used a 27-point second quarter to take control of the game. The game did expose Pitt’s lack of an effective running game, however.
The Hurricanes proved that the Alabama beatdown hangover is a thing. After getting routed by the Crimson Tide last week, the Appalachian State Mountaineers traveled to Hard Rock Stadium and gave the ‘Canes all they could handle, falling 25-23 to The U.
Speaking of hangovers, the Florida State Seminoles laid an ostrich-sized egg against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, losing 20-17. The running game that had so much success against Notre Dame was neutralized for the most part.
McKenzie Milton did not play well in his first start since transferring from UCF. Frankly, the Seminoles looked emotionally drained after the previous weeks’ loss.
Then there was North Carolina State. The Wolfpack couldn’t run the ball and turned it over three times in their loss against Mississippi State.
This week in ACC football
There are some intriguing matchups this week in the conference. The Virginia Tech Hokies look to continue their early season success with a challenging road game in Morgantown, taking on West Virginia. Both Miami and Michigan State seeks to prove it’s legit when the Spartans travel to Hard Rock Stadium this weekend.
Louisville faces a UCF squad that looks to get back to the New Year’s Six. Finally, Virginia seeks to stake their claim as the top team in the coastal as they take on rival North Carolina.
Sit back and have a mint julep or five. Enjoy the games this weekend; here are the ACC power rankings heading into Week 3.