The first week of college football is in the books and there is a lot to consider after watching and following those matchups. Here are some players to start and to avoid in the ACC heading into Week 2.
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CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals100 | Position | Team | State
LOVE 'EM
1. Florida State RB Cam Akers
The Seminoles looked gassed late in a loss to Boise State in the season-opener, which put even more heat on second-year coach Willie Taggart, but Florida State has a real opportunity to open it up this weekend. Louisiana-Monroe won its first game but it was against Grambling, which averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Akers is an elite running back and if Grambling could run for that many yards, then the former five-star should dominate this weekend. If not, there are big problems in Tallahassee.
*****
2. NC State QB MAtthew McKay
Owned in only one percent of leagues, McKay proved his worth in the season opener by being No. 13 in total fantasy points after Week 1. McKay threw for 308 yards and a touchdown and ran for two scores and could be a huge steal in your league, especially against Western Carolina this week as it gave up 6.8 yards per carry, three rushing TDs and four receiving touchdowns to Mercer. NC State should roll, and McKay could have another big day.
*****
3. Virginia WR Hasise Dubois
The Cavaliers were looking for some playmakers heading into this season and they might have found one in Dubois, who finished with four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown in a win over Pitt this past weekend. Virginia’s game against William & Mary should provide lots of big opportunities, especially after the Tribe allowed 254 passing yards to lowly Lafayette this past weekend. The Cavaliers could run this one up pretty good and Dubois should see the ball a lot.
LEAVE 'EM
1. Miami RB DeeJay Dallas
North Carolina is coming off a huge come-from-behind victory over South Carolina this past weekend, and the Tar Heels looked excited to get going again in the ACC opener against Miami. After watching the Hurricanes’ game against Florida, it wouldn’t shock me at all if the defensive strategy was to load the box, slow down Miami’s run game and force quarterback Jarren Williams to beat them. Miami is on the road and against an opponent coming off a big win that slowed down South Carolina’s run game. Miami's ground game may have some trouble.
*****
2. North Carolina QB Sam Howell
With all that being said, I would also steer clear of Howell in this matchup, because South Carolina’s defense was good, but Miami’s is even better. And it’s not like the four-star freshman lit it up against the Gamecocks as UNC didn’t score a touchdown until a late comeback in the fourth quarter when Howell threw two TD passes. Miami coach Manny Diaz has had a lot of time to prepare for this matchup and the Hurricanes need a win. Howell could struggle in a tight game.
*****
3. Virginia Tech's running backs
The Hokies dropped the season-opener to Boston College and their running attack was pitiful. Keshawn King, Deshawn McClease and quarterback Ryan Willis had 10, 11 and 13 carries, respectively, and none of them had more than 33 yards. Old Dominion’s defense isn’t as good, but it allowed only 69 yards on 30 attempts in its season-opening win over Norfolk State. I know Virginia Tech is a huge favorite this weekend, but until it gets its running game in order, pass on the Hokies' backs.
