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

By Dante Pryor

Dec 4, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) holds up the championship trophy as head coach Pat Narduzzi looks on after winning the ACC championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) holds up the championship trophy as head coach Pat Narduzzi looks on after winning the ACC championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Phil Jurkovec (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Phil Jurkovec (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Virginia Tech

New head coach Brent Pry will quickly learn that the Virginia Tech job is much more challenging. Legendary head coach Frank Beamer made that job look easier than it is. That said, this is a rebuilding year for the Hokies. Coach Pry hopes that transfer quarterback Grant Wells is solid.

The Hokies have something to build around if Wells solidifies the quarterback position. Where coach Pry is going to focus is a defense that allowed nearly 400 yards per game in 2021.

10. Virginia 

Blacksburg is not the only commonwealth place with a new head coach. Former Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliot has taken over in Charlottesville for Bronco Mendenhall, who suddenly retired after last season. Elliot takes over a team with one of the best quarterbacks in the conference, Brendan Armstrong.

Virginia needs to improve a defense that allowed over 31 points per game last season.

9. Boston College

Much like last season, everything rests on the arm (and legs) of quarterback Phil Jurkovec. The Eagles have a retooled offensive line, which may mean Jurkovec’s legs are more important than his arm this fall. Can the run game be effective again this season behind a new offensive line?

The defense has improved yearly under head coach Jeff Hafley, and that should be the case again with a two-deep full of veteran players. The Eagles are one of the more intriguing teams in the ACC. Do they have enough star power to disrupt the top of the conference?

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