ACC Football Power Rankings For Week 2; Syracuse Hosting Cal

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Each week throughout the college football regular season, SyracuseRoundtable will bring you the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) power rankings. The rankings will help give a clearer picture as to how the top teams in the conference stack up against one another. In December, the top two teams will compete in Charlotte, N.C., not for just the conference title, but a berth in the College Football Playoff.

So, where does Syracuse football rank now that all the teams have made their season debuts?

No. 1 Miami

The Hurricanes were the most impressive team in Week 1, dominating conference rival Stanford 45-6. Malachi Toney was pacing in the first half to break single-game records for catches, receiving yards and touchdowns before the Hurricanes abandoned the passing attack as the lead extended. Toney and his squad play Florida A&M at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday night as they look to move to 2-0.

No. 2 SMU

SMU opened up a few days later than others, and they needed all the grit they could muster in a 27-24 win over Florida State on the road on Monday night. In addition to the close contest, both teams had to deal with a power outage that took away the ability to replay calls and communicate via headset. The Mustangs continue to be one of the best programs in the league since joining in 2024. 

No. 3 Louisville

The Cardinals battled with Ole Miss, but left with a loss in a non-conference tussle. Despite Louisville's quarterback not starting a game since his high school senior year in 2022, the Cardinals were tight with the Rebels until the fourth quarter. Louisville and SMU square off later this month in a game that could determine a spot in the conference title game later this season. 

No. 4 Virginia

The Cavaliers bump up one spot because of the loss by Clemson against LSU. Virginia will likely be favored in their next three games before they return to ACC action in October against Florida State. 

No. 5 Syracuse

The Orange may be ranked higher than some believe they should be, but Fran Brown and his team impressed in a Week 1 win. After a blowout against New Hampshire, the Orange have a chance, at home, to beat a tough Cal team at home in the league opener (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. PT ET)

Best of the rest: 

No. 6 Virginia Tech

No. 7 NC State

No. 8 Florida State

No. 9 Clemson

The team that fell the furthest was the Clemson Tigers. A school that, a decade ago, dominated the conference was just beaten by LSU 51-10. The Tigers were seen as title contenders last season, but the magic may have run out on Dabo Swinney.

No. 10 North Carolina

No. 11 Pittsburgh 

No. 12 Duke

No. 13 Georgia Tech

No. 14 Wake Forest

No. 15 California 

No. 16 Stanford 

No. 17 Boston College 

What ACC matchups are taking place this weekend?

The lone conference game kicks off on Saturday when Syracuse hosts California. SyracuseRoundtable will have coverage throughout the day including post game coverage. 

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