Now that games have actually been played, it's time for another installment of weekly power rankings. I try to catch every game I can, but it is not always possible, so when that happens I rely on references such as box scores and Sagarin ratings. Please feel free to comment below if there is anything that I missed or that you think is relevant and should be pointed out. I'd love to have a conversation about it.
1. Virginia Tech (1-0) Last Week 2
Result: W (66-13) vs. Appalachian State
This Week: at ECU
I know it may come as a surprise that FSU is not #1, but based on what I saw this weekend, it appears that Virginia Tech is the best team in the conference. They crushed a respectable Appalachian State team. QB Logan Thomas was solid, and RB David Wilson was phenomenal, scoring 3 touchdowns and rushing for 162 yards on just 16 carries.
2. Florida State (1-0) Last Week 1
Result W (34-0) vs. Louisiana Monroe
This Week: vs. Charleston Southern
Florida State did not wow me like I was expecting. They did not strike me as a team that could contend for a national championship. I believe they are going to be overmatched when they face Oklahoma later this month. They were even in both time of possession and turnovers with Louisiana Monroe. That's simply unacceptable and I'm sure Jimbo Fisher was not thrilled with the result. They are still a solid team, but they did not live up to the hype.
3. Clemson (1-0) Last Week 4
Result W(43-19) vs. Troy
This Week vs. Wofford
Clemson was very impressive this weekend. They started off somewhat slow, but were really able to run away with the game in the third quarter. The were able to force 3 turnovers, and only had 2 penalties throughout the course of the game. Boyd is going to be one of the better quarterbacks in the league and will help Clemson compete for the Atlantic Division title. Their game on September 24 against FSU could very well decide the division. Given the way Auburn played on Saturday, I expect Clemson to win the battle of the Tigers and be 3-0 headed into their matchup vs. FSU.
4. North Carolina (1-0) Last Week 7
Result W (42-10) vs. James Madison
This Week: vs. Rutgers
North Carolina was outstanding in their home opener against James Madison. QB Bryn Renner was 22-23 for 277 yards, with his only incompletion going for an interception. Carolina's rushing defense only allowed 1.5 yards per carry on 39 attempts. Carolina's passing defense will need work as they gave up 10 yards per pass attempt. If they want to compete with Virginia Tech they are going to need to improve in that area, or else they will be exploited.
5. Maryland (1-0) Last Week 5
Result W (32-24) vs. Miami
This Week: BYE
Maryland achieved two goals on Monday night: beat Miami, and cause a Twitter explosion with their uniforms. Even though Maryland won, I'm not sure they're the better team. Maryland really only won this game by 2 points if you remove the last minute defensive touchdown by Maryland. Miami also had 4 turnovers in this game, and were still in position to win on the road, in a rain storm, during Maryland's home opener, and with several of their players suspended. Maryland will be solid this season, but I do not believe they will be contending for the Atlantic title.
6. Miami (0-1) Last Week 3
Result L (24-32) at Maryland
This Week: BYE
Most of what I think about Miami has already been said. I still think they might be better than Maryland and wish they would have had the opportunity to play them at full strength (not because I don't believe in the suspensions). I cannot wait to see the Miami vs. Ohio State game, because I believe that will be a very great litmus test for this Miami team. I believe that Al Golden is an excellent coach and we will see this team improve as the season goes on.
7. Georgia Tech (1-0) Last Week 9
Result W (63-21) vs. Western Carolina
This Week: at Middle Tennessee State
Strong first impression from Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets scored 28 first quarter points and never looked back. They were very successful with their option running attack and that led to several big play opportunities through the air. Outside of allowing 21 second quarter points, the Yellow Jackets held Western Carolina scoreless. It will certainly be worthwhile to watch how Tevin Washington performs as he tries to replace Josh Nesbitt.
8. Virginia (1-0) Last Week 12
Result W 40-3 vs. William & Mary
This Week at Indiana
I was very wrong about this team, and my hat is off to Mike London who appears to be doing a phenomenal job with this program. UVA dominated time of possession and were turnover free. They also did not allow a point until William & Mary made a field goal with 4 minutes to play in regulation. They held William & Mary to 2-14 on 3rd down conversions for a total of only 169 yards. Meanwhile, UVA had a very balanced attack with 256 passing yards and 240 rushing yards. Virginia should roll through Indiana, and the September 17th game at Chapel Hill should be an exciting battle in the Coastal.
9. Boston College (0-1) Last Week 6
Result L 24-17 vs. Northwestern
This Week at UCF
Northwestern's backup QB went into Chestnut Hill and led his team to victory. If you're Boston College, you simply cannot let that happen. Especially when you are going to be relying on your defense this year. Chase Rettig was just 24/44 passing. Why were they passing that many times, when Andrew Williams was averaging over 5 yards per carry? Their kicker also missed 2 FG's and their O-line gave up too many sacks. It may be painful to watch, but I'm curious to see the Duke vs. Boston College game later this month.
10. Wake Forest (0-1) Last Week 10
Result L 36-29 OT at Syracuse
This Week vs. NC State
We all know how the game went last Thursday night, I don't need to tell you about that. This team is very talented, but it's also very young. I was impressed with our line play, and look for Tanner Price to be able to connect with our receivers early and often. If Liberty was able to move the ball that well against State, then I have to believe our offense can explode on Saturday afternoon.
11. NC State (1-0) Last Week 8
Result W 43-21 vs. Liberty
This Week: at Wake Forest
All you need to know is that NC State gave up 409 yards to Liberty. Yes they forced 7 turnovers, but they also had 2 of their own. They also had 6 penalties. How can you be that undisciplined against a team like Liberty? Mike Glennon averaged 5 yards per passing attempt. NC State has been too reliant upon Russell Wilson in the past. He could make plays on his own, and make the rest of his teammates look good. Mike Glennon does not have that capability, and because of that I believe NC State is going to have a disappointing season.
12. Duke (0-1) Last Week 11
Result: L 23-21 vs. Richmond
This Week: vs. #6 Stanford
How can Duke be anywhere but last? This was simply an embarrassing loss to Richmond. I don't understand why Duke continues to schedule them since they keep losing to them. Duke should be scheduling lower tier FCS teams such as Presbyterian and Gardner Webb. This promises to be a very bad year for the Blue Devils, and it's quite likely they will remain the bottom dwellers in my weekly power rankings throughout the entire season.