College Football: ACC Power Rankings

These are the College Football Power Rankings in the ACC after week 3:

1. Miami

The Hurricanes romped South Florida 49-12 in Week 3 and look like a war machine. Carson Beck is looking like 2023 prime Carson Beck, the offensive line is dominant, and Reuben Bain and the front-seven are stifling opponents. I was wrong with my preseason perception of this team – all of the pieces fit, and they are the significant favorites to win this league.

2. Florida State

The Seminoles are sitting pretty after a BYE in week 3. They did not play, but their collective opponents feel a little bit worse. Aside from playing Miami October 4th, the ‘Noles have games remaining against Clemson, Florida, and Pitt, which all of a sudden don’t feel so scary. We may be heading towards a College Football Playoff with Tommy Castellanos in it.

3. Georgia Tech

I tried to tell everybody – these Yellow Jackets are for real, and they are here to stay. A walk-off field goal gave the Yellow Jackets a 24-21 win over Clemson behind a gritty performance from Haynes King. It is very likely this team can make it to Charlotte – their most difficult remaining ACC game is at NC State.

4. SMU

I still have questions. But I have less questions about Kevin Jennings and SMU than I have about the bottom 14 teams of the ACC. The defense is my concern, and it was untested in a 28-10 victory over Missouri State. But it will be tested in the Battle for DFW against TCU in Week 4.

5. Louisville

The Cardinals had the first of their two early BYE weeks in Week 3 (they have their second in Week 5). This is NOT favorable, and it will be interesting to see how Jeff Brohm is able to navigate this scheduling quirk for this team, as they will run the gauntlet starting in Week 6.

6. Clemson

It’s a sad commentary on the ACC that I still have Clemson 6th, honestly. But, looking at it objectively, I would take them on a neutral field against every team I have below them on this list. I have faith that Cade Klubnik and co. can get their act together and be a factor in the ACC race moving forward.

7. NC State

The Wolfpack had my attention on Thursday night, as they played a rare stand-alone game against Wake Forest (the food truck fire had my attention too, I bet it smelled delicious in that stadium). I liked what I saw from the Wolfpack. I continue to be impressed with the development of CJ Bailey, and will be very curious to see if a more notable program goes after him in the portal this offseason.

8. Virginia

It’s time that I put more respect on Virginia’s name. Their only loss to this point in the season was against NC State in a back and forth affair. Chandler Morris looks like the best QB Tony Elliott has had in Charlottesville, and the duo of Harrison Waylee and J’Mari Taylor has been effective at running back.

9. California

Attention to all Cal boosters and members of the Calgorithm: You have one job. You must generate enough NIL money to keep Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele in Berkeley. This freshman quarterback is the real deal, and there are about 20 Power-4 teams who are going to write a pretty fat check this offseason, and you need to be one of them.

10. Duke

Even though they’re 1-2, I’m giving Duke the final spot in my top ten. They’ve lost two games to quality non-conference opponents, and I’m not going to hold that against them. I think they’re better than the bottom half of this league, largely because they have Darian Mensah and he is worth a few games.