ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 1: Can Clemson reclaim the throne?

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Nov 20, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Sean Tucker (34) is met by North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Vi Jones (31), defensive lineman Daniel Joseph (99), and safety Tanner Ingle (10) on a run during the second half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Georgia Tech

There are few seats hotter than Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins. Last season was another disappointing 3-9 campaign, and there seems to be little hope at the end of the tunnel for the “Ramblin’ Wreck.” Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs transferred to Alabama, and quarterback Jeff Sims has had issues with staying healthy.

Couple those two things with the defense that has not taken a large enough step forward, and Collins may be cooked before the end of the season. Could they call Jackson, Mississippi, to see if one Deon Sanders is interested?

13. Duke

Longtime head coach David Cutcliffe has called it a career in Durham, and former Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko has taken the job. As much as Cutcliffe did at Duke, did he genuinely raise the floor of the football program? Elko has his work cut out as he looks to rebuild Duke back to football relevance.

Darius Joiner and Datrone Young will help the secondary, and the defense will be better but expect Duke to struggle offensively again this year.

12. Syracuse

The Syracuse Orange is the most intriguing football program in the ACC. They have arguably the best running back in the conference (Sean Tucker), and the secondary and pass rush are always solid in upstate New York.

The difference between another 5-7 season and going to a bowl game is quarterback Garrett Schrader’s development as a passer. No one is asking him to be the second coming of Joe Burrow, but if he can be consistent and one of their wide receivers steps up, the Orange could go bowling.

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