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ACC football power rankings, Week 2: Clemson far from fixed

By Dante Pryor

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney high-fives tight end Davis Allen (84) during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia Monday, September 5, 2022.Ncaa Fb Clemson At Georgia Tech
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney high-fives tight end Davis Allen (84) during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia Monday, September 5, 2022.Ncaa Fb Clemson At Georgia Tech /
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Sep 2, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Eli Pancol (6) jumps to catch the football while Temple Owls cornerback Iverson Clement (22) defends him during the second half of the game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Eli Pancol (6) jumps to catch the football while Temple Owls cornerback Iverson Clement (22) defends him during the second half of the game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /

10. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0)

There was some scuttlebutt that new defensive coordinator Gene Chizik would be the coach in waiting after Mack Brown’s retirement. After the North Carolina defense gave up 40 points in the fourth quarter, Chizik is fortunate to be employed.

The Tar Heels’ defense has been awful in both games early this season. The one positive is Drake Maye. The first-year starter looked amazing against Appalachian State, throwing for 352 yards and four touchdowns. The Tar Heels have to get better defensively before hosting Notre Dame in two weeks.

9. NC State Wolfpack (1-0)

If it hadn’t been for a missed PAT and field goal, North Carolina State would be 0-1. The offense sputtered for most of the game with quarterback Devin Leary completing barely 50 percent of his passes and just one touchdown.

The defense played well, but East Carolina is not dynamic. If the Wolfpack want to compete for the ACC title, they have to get better offensively.

8. Duke Blue Devils (1-0)

The Blue Devils were impressive in their 30-0 victory in first-year Mike Elko’s head coaching debut. Quarterback Riley Leonard led the Blue Devils in passing (328 yards) and rushing (64 yards), tossing two touchdown passes.

The Duke defense held Temple to just 179 total yards forcing two turnovers. Duke travels to Evanston to take on the Northwestern Wildcats.

7. Virginia Cavaliers (1-0)

Virginia romped against FCS opponent Richmond in new head coach Tony Elliot’s debut. Quarterback Brendan Armstrong had over 300 yards of total offense and three total touchdowns. The next three weeks will show what Virginia is as a team.

Two of their next three games are on the road, including traveling to Syracuse. Their home game is against an Old Dominion team that upset Virginia Tech.

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