Syracuse football QB announce not to play a whole season due to massive injury

Syracuse, N.Y. — While a favorite to reach the ACC title game has already emerged two weeks into the season, the search for a second choice is a fascinating one.

There are plenty of defendable choices.

Clemson was high on the list entering the season. The Tigers looked great this week and have a long track record of success. They were blown out by Georgia in the opener but that happens to pretty much everyone that plays the Bulldogs at this point.

Louisville finished as the league’s No. 2 team last year. The Cardinals haven’t done anything to create skepticism but have faced fewer tests than anyone in the conference.

Boston College has a pair of lopsided wins, including one over ACC program. Pittsburgh has a road win over a Big XII opponent. California has a road win over an SEC opponent.

And then there is Syracuse, which is one of just three teams (North Carolina and Pittsburgh) that have multiple wins over FBS opponents already. Syracuse only beat Georgia Tech by three points on Saturday but anyone who watched the game knows the Orange was the better team and has an impressive quarterback.

Here’s a look at how I’d rank the ACC this week. Who would you have at No. 2?

1. Miami

Record: 2-0 (0-0)

Last week’s ranking: 1

Last week’s result: Win 56-9 vs. Florida A&M

This week’s schedule: Saturday vs. Ball State, 3:30 p.m., ACC Network

Why No. 1? Miami has played one reasonably good team (Florida) and outscored its opponents, 97-26. Cam Ward is averaging more than 10 yards each time he throws — not just completes — a pass. He and Kyle McCord are the early favorites for ACC Player of the Year.