The ACC Had a Chance to Shine in Week One, but Botched it.

While most of the conference scheduled cupcake opponents for their openers, a few ACC schools (in addition to UVa) played some big name teams to start the year. With marquee match ups against South Carolina, Auburn, and Ohio State, the conference had a chance to show its strength on the national stage early in the season. Unfortunately, every ACC squad came up short in those big games.

USC 17 - UNC 13

Marquise Williams threw three interceptions in the Tar Heels' season opener - not exactly what you want to see from your senior quarterback. On the bright side, running back Elijah Hood looked outstanding averaging over 10 yards per carry. Naturally, with the game on the line and the ball near the goal line, Coach Fedora chose not to utilize Hood, instead letting Williams throw his final interception.

Elon 3 - Wake 41

Sophomore QB, John Wolford thrashed the Phoenix for four total touchdowns, including a 70 yard run. Wake dominated their FCS opposition, as should be expected.

Alcorn St 6 - GT 69

Continuing with the destroying-FCS-teams theme, the Ramblin' Wreck obliterated Alcorn State, rushing for 476 yards on the ground. Backfield mates Marcus Marshall and Patrick Skov both scored multiple times in their Georgia Tech debuts.

Duke 37 - Tulane 7

Thomas Sirk had a solid game at quarterback for Duke, throwing for 289 yards and 2 TDs (and rushing from 68 yards). The Blue Devils didn't pull away until the fourth quarter, when they added three scores, including a kickoff return score.

Rhode Island 0 - Cuse 47

Syracuse destroyed their FCS opponent, but lost their starting QB, Terrel Hunt, for the season with a leg injury. True freshman Eric Dungey threw a couple of touchdowns in relief, which should encourage Orange fans - though the competition was weak.

Wofford 10 - Clemson 49

Heisman hopeful Deshaun Watson looked the part against the Terriers, completing 18 of 22 passes and throwing for a couple scores. Star receiver Mike Williams left the game after colliding with the goal post on a touchdown catch, but thankfully was walking (with a neckbrace) with his teammates later in the day.

Maine 3 - BC 24

Boston College pulled away late in their win over the Black Bears. Only leading 10-3 at the half, the Eagles relied on two second half scores from Tyler Rouse, both on runs of over 20 yards.

Youngstown St 37 - Pitt 45

The Panthers barely beat their FCS opponent this weekend, though the Penguins are no gimme on the schedule. Even worse, they received devastating news on star running back James Conner's injury, as he'll be missing the rest of the season with an MCL tear.

Louisville 24 - Auburn 31

The Cardinals spotted Auburn 17 points in the first half, leading to a loss to their top-10 opponent. Petrino's team did look much better in the second half, though neither quarterback they used really settled into any rhythm.

Bethune-Cookman 0 - Miami 45

The Cane walloped their FCS opening opponent Saturday. Brad Kayaa played for less than three quarters, but threw for TDs. Oddly, or perhaps not, this was Miami's first shutout win under Al Golden.

Troy 21 - NCSU 49

The Wolfpack got off to a strong start behind backup running back Matt Dayes and his 126 yards and two scores. With starter Shadrach Thornton suspended for two games, State's offense didn't miss beat as they committed zero turnovers and penalties throughout the game.

Texas St 16 - FSU 59

Everett Golson threw four TDs in his FSU debut, as the Notre Dame transfer led the 'Noles to an easy win. The loss for Texas State comes on the heels of one of the more amazing college success stories ever - so the week is still a win overall for the Bobcats.

OSU 42 - VT 24

UVa fans got to experience a little schadenfreude Monday night, as the defending national champs steamrolled the Hokies in the second half of their rematch from last year's opener. To add injury to insult, VT starting QB Michael Brewer will miss significant time after suffering a broken collarbone in the game. A rough start in Blacksburg, for sure.