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ACC Team of the Week : Virginia Tech  – for a 35-26  win over Maryland

17. Georgia Tech (1-2, 0-0)

Last Week: 17

Georgia Tech doesn’t move despite a 44 – 11 win over Mercer. Seeing Colorado get blasted by Northwestern tells us what a bad loss that was for the Jackets. Beat Stanford, and the Jackets will move up.

16. Stanford (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: 14

Stanford’s lack of talent is showing up against the better teams. Georgia Tech does give them a chance to even their record.

15. Syracuse (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: 12

Syracuse gets a week off after a listless effort against Pitt.

14. NC State (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: 15

NC State moves up in these rankings because they actually had Vanderbilt beat until an all-time colossal choke job in the final seconds. If Dave Doeren isn’t done, he should be, as a fumble in the endzone costs the Wolfpack a win.

13. Boston College (2-1, 0-0)

Last Week: 16

Boston College did not look good in 22-16 win over Maine, but a win is a win. Virginia Tech is going to be a massive step up.

12. Florida State (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: 11

Florida State had some good moments against Alabama. They really did. Central Arkansas should even their record at 2-2.

11. Clemson (2-1, 1-0)

Last Week: 13

Clemson showed some heart coming back in the 2nd half to beat UNC. Cal will not be an easy trip.

10. California (2-1, 1-0)

Last Week: 10

Wagner was a nice tuneup for Cal before Clemson comes to town. If Cal wins that, they’ll be right in the ACC chase.

9. Wake Forest (2-1, 0-1)

Last Week: 9

Wake Forest gave a very credible effort against Miami. Their reward? A road trip to a very good Louisville team.

8. North Carolina (2-1, 0-1)

Last Week: 7

North Carolina let a major opportunity slip away at Clemson. They head into the BYE week now.

7. Virginia (2-1, 1-0)

Last Week: 2

West Virginia exposed a lack of team speed with Virginia. They won’t need it against Delaware.

6. Duke (3-0, 1-0)

Last Week: 8

Duke should be 4-0 after playing William and Mary. Manny Diaz is at it again turning Duke into one of the ACC’s better teams.

5. Virginia Tech (3-0, 0-0)

Last Week: 6

Time to take notice of Virginia Tech after a 35-26 win over Maryland. Don’t sleep on Boston College, but that should be a win.

4. Pitt (3-0, 1-0)

Last Week: 5

Pitt is flying under the radar, but that is a solid football team. Bucknell will get them to 4-0.

3. SMU (2-1, 1-1)

Last Week: 3

SMU’s shot at Charlotte took a major hit after losing at Louisville. Missouri St should get them back on the winning track.

2. Louisville (2-1, 1-0)

Last Week: 4

Louisville gave Ole Miss a better game than LSU, and now the Cardinals have an SMU win on their resume. The Cardinals are very good. They get a feisty Wake Forest team this weekend.

1. Miami (3-0, 2-0)

Last Week: 1

Miami dominated Wake Forest for a half, but injuries are mounting and they never really put the Deacs away. Central Michigan should get them totally right again.

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@AllSportsDACC and I (@TalkinACCSports ) review Week 3 and preview Week 4 in the ACC with Thomas Hughes @thomashughes_05 editor of Editor  @VTHokiesOnSI. Please check out his work over there!

To find old podcasts prior to episode 385, you can follow this link -> https://www.talkshoe.com/show/the-acc-weekly-podcast

In this order, these are the topics we covered on the podcast. It’s episode 603

@thomashughes_05  tells us about himself

Most Disappointing and Most Impressive teams of the week

ACC game you are looking forward to

ACC team on upset Alert

National Games to watch

Guest Open Microphone

Open Microphone

Make sure you follow the All Sports Discussion Twitter account at @AllSportsDACC and please like our Facebook Page.

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It’s amazing to think we’re 25% through the college football In the ACC, we can already start to get idea who are the ACC Coach of the Year candidates at this early point of the season..

James Franklin, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is off to a 3-0 under James Franklin, including a P4 win at Maryland. The offense has put up 73, 44, and 35 points and looks as sharp and crisp as we’ve seen in years. The Hokies have a great chance to get 4-0 before playing at Pittsburgh. I don’t think Virginia Tech is quite ready to compete for a trip to Charlotte, but you just get the sense James Franklin is going to make Virginia Tech a real force again soon.

Manny Diaz, Duke

Duke has the ACC’s best out-of-conference win of the season – a 31-27 win at Illinois. You thought Duke might take a step back after their ACC Championship and the loss of their QB Darian Mensah, but Diaz just keeps things rolling. Duke will have tougher games later in the year but could win 8-10 regular season games.

Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh

Pitt has been flying under the radar, but they are also 3-0 with a P4 win over Central Florida. They will very likely be 4-0 when they face Virginia Tech. The winning coaching of that game moves ahead of the other in the COY chase. Pitt is in the top 50 in both offense and defense, and the Panthers could have some staying power in the ACC race.

Jeff Brohm, Louisville

Jeff Brohm is the only coach on this list with a loss, but you can’t penalize the Cardinals for a 41-38 last-second loss to a legit top 10 team in Ole Miss. They knocked off a good SMU team, and have already played the two best teams on their schedule. If they play like they are capable of, they could be 10-1 when they go to Kentucky.

Mario Cristobal, Miami

Miami was expected to be really good, and they are really good. They should be undefeated when they head to Notre Dame in early November. Cristobal’s candidacy is the classic case of having high expectations and playing to them. Is that better than exceeding expectations when it comes to the  COY race?o If the Canes run the table the other coaches are going to need something special to overtake him.

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Clemson and Dabo Swinney have been taking a beating through 2 games this season. First, there was the national TV beatdown at LSU. Then there was a sluggish, sloppy win over Georgia Southern.

Saturday, after falling behind 17-3 in second, the obituary on the Clemson season was about to be written. You fall to 1-2 with a game at Cal and then Miami and the Tigers would struggle to make a bowl. If Clemson just folded, it wouldn’t really have surprised anyone.

The thing is, they didn’t fold. The defense started making plays and effectively shut down the Tar Heels in the second. Freshman QB Tate Reynolds began looking comfortable in the offense. The offensive line played their best half of football of the season by far as the running game wore the Tar Heels defense down. The Tigers ended up running for 187 yards and completed a stirring 28-20 comeback.

Does this mean Clemson is back? Of course not; Clemson is a far cry from their glory days, but you have to start somewhere. Tate Reynolds has shown enough that I think it will be difficult for the previous starter Christopher Vizzina to get his job back. We will see, but he’s starting to show a real command of the offense. There is no reason to think it won’t keep improving.

Clemson isn’t going to win the ACC. They are going to lose more games, but it’s a building block that Dabo Swinney can point to, especially with the freshman QB.

For at least one half, Clemson played with the heart and pride we saw so often over the previous years. If Dabo Swinney can harness that play, Clemson can still put a reasonable season together.

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Coaching mistakes cost teams wins. There is bad clock management and bad play calls. There are all kinds of decisions that leave fans frustrated and disappointed. Sometimes what happens to cost a team a game is so egregious, so stunning I think you have to question whether that coach should continue running things.

I think we saw that Saturday with Dave Doeren and NC State against Vanderbilt, and it really shouldn’t be a question. Dave Doeren’s tenure at NC State has gone on long enough.

After a week 1 debacle of a loss to Virginia, we at the blog had this to say. 

This season, even through just 1 game, already has that feel that this won’t be the year NC State truly turns the corner. Unless the bottom just falls out on the season, which I don’t expect will happen, then the NC State administration will have a decision to make at year’s end.

Well, after a colossal 35-31 choke job against Vanderbilt, the decision should be made sooner rather than later.

Congrats to Dave Doeren on joining exclusive company! pic.twitter.com/h09KoWKeiE

— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) September 19, 2026

Guess who made it 1046 – 2?  NC State.

On 4th and 7 with just over 2 minutes, up 31 – 28 at the Vanderbilt 31, NC State goes for it. If it were 4th and 3 or less, I might disagree, but I could understand. NC State called a difficult pass play that failed. Vanderbilt got the ball back and drove into scoring position. They should have never gone for it.

NC State’s defense intercepted Vanderbilt with 1 minute left. That looked like it would seal the game, as the Wolfpack could run the clock down to under 10 seconds before giving it back to Vanderbilt. On 4th and 7 again, oddly enough, there were 6 seconds left. NC State could have any number of formations and run out the clock. They could have punted. They could have run through the end zone and kick back off with 1 or 2 seconds. They weren’t going to pass the ball, so literally the only way NC State could lose on the 4th and 7 would be to fumble the ball and have Vanderbilt recover it. That’s exactly what QB CJ Bailey did. Bailey deserves blame, but the ultimate responsibility falls to Doeren.

The choke job was unforgivable.

Dave Doeren has struggled enough to win P4 OOC games of note, and he had it here on the road at Vanderbilt. The failure to leave Vanderbilt with a win will be the defining moment of Dave Doeren’s tenure at NC State. Frequently competitive, but never finding a way to get over the hump. NC State was solid in stretches Saturday, but when it counted most, didn’t get it done. NC State never does with Dave Doeren when things count the most, and it’s time to close the book on things there for Doeren.

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Miami led Wake Forest 31-7 in the middle of the 3rd quarter, then slogged their way to a 33-20 win. Wake Forest never got the score it needed to get within single digits and really threaten the Canes, but they exposed some things with the Canes.

Wake Forest QB Gio Lopez threw for over 300 yards, and the Deacs largely controlled the game at the line of scrimmage in 2nd half. In fairness, Miami began dealing with a lot of injuries, but this was a very credible effort by the Deacs. They exposed some things with Miami, especially in the Canes secondary, which didn’t tackle well. Miami was only 5 for 13 on 3rd down and especially struggled in the 2nd half.

Mario Cristobal got the type of game that you were always going to win, most likely, but in practice you can go scorched earth.

If Miami is to become the national title contender I think they can be, they’ve got some things to clean up as the excellent staff from Wake Forest coached another really solid game. First half, Miami looked like the number 1 team in the country; in the second half Miami looked a top 10 team waiting to be upset.

CANES WIN! pic.twitter.com/1ZJCdm2TiC

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 19, 2026

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The three biggest ACC football questions of the week. Here we go for Week 2

Is Clemson’s season over if they lose UNC? 

The answer here is yes. If Clemson falls to 1-2, they go on the road to play a feisty Cal team, then back home to host Miami. That could be a 1-4 start staring at them right in the face. Charleston Southern should be a W, but then it’s improved Virginia Tech, on the road at FSU, at Syracuse. That could be 3-6 or 4-5. You beat Georgia Tech, unless the Jackets significantly improve themselves, then defending ACC Champ Duke and rival South Carolina who you haven’t beaten at home since 2018. I don’t think Clemson recovers if they lose to UNC. It could happen too. UNC is really solid on defense, and Clemson can’t move the ball on air at the moment. This is a very dangerous game for Clemson.

Does Florida State have a shot at Alabama?

Anytime you dominate a team just 1 year earlier, which Florida State did against Alabama, you should feel like you have a chance. The Noles are a near 20-point underdog, but there is a path to pull off the upset. At the line of scrimmage, I think FSU can hold their own with Alabama. RB Ousmane Kromah needs to run for 125+ yards, and FSU QB Ashton Daniels has to play at a high level. He’s shown glimpses of being a very good QB, but he’s looked like a liability out there. Alabama’s offense will theirs, but if Kromah and Daniels play well, the Noles could get things to the 4th quarter.

Who wins one of the ACC’s biggest games this year SMU or Louisville?

This is a big game between SMU and Louisville. Louisville is a slight favorite at home. Their only loss was a 3-point defeat to top-10 Ole Miss. SMU has yet to lose. I think I give Louisville the edge, because I like them better with their talent on the defensive line. SMU QB Kevin Jennings is as good as he can still turns the ball over. In a game like this, sometimes home field is the difference, and that could be another difference. The winner is definitely right there with Miami and Virginia as contenders to get to Charlotte.

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The ACC has 17 teams. Who are the worst offenses in the league? Clemson and Georgia Tech… The two schools are the lowest scoring in the offenses in the ACC. Clemson is 128th in scoring at 16 points a game, and Georgia Tech is 120th with 18.5. In terms of yardage, Clemson is 134th, and Georgia Tech is 117th. WOW… @AllSportsDACC brought up these stats in our recent podcast.

You might wonder where the similarities are. Dabo Swinney is a 2-Time national champion. Brent Key doesn’t have that kind of resume, but he’s credited with rebuilding Georgia Tech from the nightmare Geoff Collins era. Their rosters have talent at the skill positions. Clemson has WR Bryant Wesco, and Georgia Tech has RB Justice Haynes. These are players that will be on NFL rosters. There is a chance there are others.

10, 13, 22, and 24 are the point totals of the two teams in 4 games, and two of Georgia Tech’s TD are non-offensive kind.

What’s the common theme of both schools? Two veteran offensive coordinators with mixed pasts, but who could be ‘trusted’ by their head coaches.

Dabo Swinney hired his former OC Chad Morris, and Brent Key hired his former teammate George Godsey.

From ClemsonInsider 

Given his relationship with Swinney and his familiarity with the program, Morris makes a lot of sense. I was told by one source, Morris is one of the few people Swinney trusts and will lean on for advice, plus he can be candid with Swinney, something others after Morris were unable to do.

Chad Morris was part of the staff that set the foundation for Clemson’s dynasty in the 2010s, but he was 18-40 as a head coach at SMU and Arkansas.

George Godsey served as Brent Key’s best man at his wedding, and they are obviously close friends. Coaching in the NFL is significant, and George Godsey had nearly 15 years in the NFL, but his tenure as OC for the Houston Texans was not well recieved.

These are accomplished coaches that are clearly friends with the head coaches. It certainly doesn’t mean you can’t hire friends. That’s not this isn’t working so far. The real issue is that both haven’t been considered an innovator in a years. Morris’s offense doesn’t match the personal he has. He has inexperience at QB, not Tajh Boyd.

Georgia Tech’s offense is too complicated. There was talk of over 200 plays, like the NFL. Georgia Tech also an inexperienced QB, but his offensive line looks confused in their blocking assignments.

Both offenses are currently not suitable for the modern game, and if adjustments are not made Clemson and Georgia Tech could be looking at nightmare seasons ahead.

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ACC Team of the Week : Duke  – for a 31-27  win over Illinois

17. Georgia Tech (0-2, 0-0)

Last Week: 11

Georgia Tech could be 2-0, or at least 1-1 with the schedule of some of the other ACC teams. Well, you play who’s in front of you, and Georgia Tech has looked bad in both games. Mercer should get them in the win column – should

16. Boston College (1-1, 0-0)

Last Week: 18

Rutgers might be the worst team in the P4, but that’s still a Big 10 team and Boston College beat them in the Red Bandana game. That says something, and P4 win puts you ahead of winless Georgia Tech. Beat Maine and BC is 2-1. Hello!

15. NC State (1-1, 0-1)

Last Week: 16

Vanderbilt provides a big chance for NC State to start righting the ship. Vandy looks down from previous years, but a win over a SEC team is a step in the right direction.

14. Stanford (1-1, 0-1)

Last Week: 15

Stanford gets a tough Duke team on the road this week.

13. Clemson (1-1, 0-0)

Last Week: 14

Clemson’s offense is a total trainwreck. The Tigers had a punt-fest in their win over Georgia Southern, but they did win. UNC will be a real test with their quality defense.

12. Syracuse (1-1, 0-1)

Last Week: 9

Syracuse might be in a bit of trouble after losing to Cal at home, and now having to head on the road to Pitt.

11. Florida State (1-1, 0-1)

Last Week: 13

Florida State beat Alabama last year. I don’t like their chances this year.

10. California (1-1, 1-0)

Last Week: 12

Cal got a nice win at Syracuse. Wagner gives them a chance to build some momentum.

9. Wake Forest (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: 14

I feel like it’s not fair Wake Forest is 9th on this list. I just don’t have anywhere to move them. The top half of the league is actually pretty stout. They won at Purdue, but Miami is a whole other level of team.

8. Duke (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: 8

I don’t have anywhere to move Duke, but that sure was an impressive win at Illinois. Stanford is next, as Duke tries to move to 3-0.

7. North Carolina (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: 7

North Carolina has some offensive issues, but that defense can cause some problems. Clemson’s has a mess of an offense, and it wouldn’t shock me if this game isn’t decided until the 4th quarter.

6. Virginia Tech (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: 7

Virginia Tech has looked strong early this year. Maryland is their first P4 opponent of the year. Virginia Tech can really open up some eyes with a win, and the ACC could go to 4-0 against the Big 10.

5. Pitt (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: 6

Nobody is talking about Pitt, but they got a P4 win over UCF and are 2-0. Syracuse gives them a great shot at 3-0 .

4. Louisville (1-1, 0-0)

Last Week: 4

Louisville hosts SMU in a marquee early-season ACC matchup. This should be a great game.

3. SMU (2-0, 1-0)

Last Week: 3

SMU is looking to get to 3-0 in a fun game with Louisville.

2. Virginia (2-0, 1-0)

Last Week: 2

Virginia gets a P4 opportunity against West Virginia. The regional matchup should create a great atmosphere in Virginia.

1. Miami (2-0, 1-0)

Last Week: 1

Miami looks the part of a national title contender. Wake Forest might be their stiffest test in the month of September, but I can’t see them leaving with a loss.

Make sure you follow the All Sports Discussion Twitter account at @AllSportsDACC and please like our Facebook Page

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@AllSportsDACC and I (@TalkinACCSports ) review Week 2 and preview Week 3 in the ACC with Brian Seigla @Seig5052.  He is one-fourth of the Virginia Tech football podcast, @BoundaryCorner that you need to listen to. Thanks Brian for joining!

To find old podcasts prior to episode 385, you can follow this link -> https://www.talkshoe.com/show/the-acc-weekly-podcast

In this order, these are the topics we covered on the podcast. It’s episode 602

@Seig5052 tells us about himself

Most Disappointing and Most Impressive teams of the week

ACC game you are looking forward to

ACC team on upset Alert

National Games to watch

Guest Open Microphone

Open Microphone

Make sure you follow the All Sports Discussion Twitter account at @AllSportsDACC and please like our Facebook Page.