Streaking the Lawn’s ACC Football Preseason POWER RANKINGS

The time is here. College football is upon us. And as we turn the calendar to September, it is time to recognize the best ACC Football power rankings published on the internets.

1. Clemson Tigers

This week: vs. UGA in Charlotte

The Tigers have the matchup of the weekend when they take on SEC power Georgia in Charlotte. Mr. Ed is no longer behind center, but DJ Uiagalelei played more than enough last year to show he is a Heisman contender.

2. North Carolina Tar Heels

This week: at VT

The Heels have massive expectations coming into the 2021 season with Sam Howell under center. Mack Brown is seemingly 85 years old but tapped into something with the recruiting he’s been doing. If he can get the results on field, the Heels might be able to challenge Clemson.

3. Miami Hurricanes

This week: vs. Alabama in Atlanta

Respect to the Hurricanes for scheduling the Tide. If they lose by less than 17 it will probably be considered a victory. D’Eriq King is back for one final year and needs to have a big year.

4. NC State Wolfpack

This week: vs. USF

Dave Doeren has been in Raleigh for 8 years now and has seemingly been on the hot seat for 4 of them. USF likely won’t be much of a challenge this week for the Wolfpack, but next week’s game at Mississippi State could reignite the passions of the State fanbase. A loss and they will be passionately ready to run him out of town.

5. Pittsburgh Panthers

This week: vs. UMass

Kenny Pickett is playing his 15th year of college football this season so the Panthers will have an able and experienced QB leading the way. Their defense could be top tier, but the offense keeping up could be the problem.

6. Virginia Tech Hokies

This week: vs. UNC

All the CFB experts seem to think Tech will either win the Coastal or go 3-9. There is no in between. Justin Fuente is either going to continue to be a good fit, even though he seemingly is not, or half the team is going to quit and he’ll be fired before the end of the season. Buckle up!

7. Florida State Seminoles

This week: vs. Notre Dame

Talk about a first game for second year coach Mike Norvell. Norvell has stepped in it a few times in his short stint in Tallahassee, but all of that could be overlooked if he can get the Noles back on track to winning games. Is this the year? Probably not, but there are more than enough people out there willing to try and convince you it is.

8. Virginia Cavaliers

This week: vs. W&M

Not much faith is being put in the Hoos this year with most picking them to finish in the bottom rung of the Coastal. After coming in with a defensive pedigree and a stellar start on that side of the ball, Coach Mendenhall needs to get the defense back to the top of the conference.

9 (tie). Louisville Cardinals

This week: vs. Ole Miss in Atlanta

Another coach in an odd situation, Satterfield tried to jump ship a few times in the offseason which has lead to some awkward conversations I am sure. Malik Cunningham could be a dark horse candidate for ACC Player of the Year if he can get some support from other skilled positions.

9 (tie). Boston College Eagles

This week: vs. Colgate

2nd year head coach Jeff Hafley made quite a splash last year going 6-5 (5-5). A fairly easy out of conference schedule against Colgate, UMass, Temple, and Missouri could have the Eagles 3-1 heading into ACC play.

11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

This week: vs. ODU

The Demon Deacons made their 5th straight bowl game last year, playing in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl even though they went 4-5. This could be another down year with SP+ currently ranking the Deacons at No. 74 with the 67th offense in the country and 73rd defense.

12. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

This week: vs. Northern Illinois

Who has the toughest schedule in the country? That’s right, your Yellow Jackets. Clemson, UNC, Miami, Notre Dame, and Georgia are all on the schedule. Geoff Collins could have the Jackets make huge strides and still not sniff a bowl.

13. Syracuse Orange

This week: at Ohio

Dino Babers was the cream of the crop just a few years ago after knocking of Clemson and having the Orange rolling. Now another bad year could cost him his job. Fortunately for the Orange, Clemson is the only ranked team currently on Cuse’s schedule, so at least that is working in his favor.

14. Duke Blue Devils

This week: at Charlotte

David Cutcliffe will likely never be fired given what he’s done at Duke, but Duke’s athletic director, Kevin White (edit: Google lies and Duke’s Athletic Director is actually Nina King), could be hiring a basketball coach (Scheyer obviously already chosen) and football coach in the same offseason. The Blue Devils could be absolutely dreadful this season will an expected awful offense.