ACC Week Two: Five Breakout Player Performances
The second week of the ACC football pretty much went as scripted. The powerhouse teams won and the teams under them played as expected. The ACC went 9-5 this weekend (there were two matchups featuring all-ACC teams) with big-name players such as Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and Miami’s Mark Walton having spectacular games. There are player performances that need to be recognized, some less obvious than others.
Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson
I know this is the most obvious performance to talk about, but any list without Lamar Jackson would serve as an injustice to him. Jackson put up an astonishing 610 yards and five touchdowns in the Cardinals’ trip up to Syracuse. Jackson is putting up Heisman numbers, as the Cardinals have dismantled their two opponents this season. Jackson ran for 199 yards on a 9.5 per rush average on the way to running in for four touchdowns. Jackson will have the opportunity to prove himself this week as #2 Florida State comes to town.
Miami Running Back Joseph Yearby
Teammate Mark Walton is one of the leading rushers in the nation, but Joseph Yearby is just as important to the Hurricanes offensive attack. Yearby carried the ball three more times than Walton and also added 21 yards in the passing game to his 121 yards on the ground. Yearby only trails Walton by 45 yards this season, as both players have been vital to Miami’s dominant 2-0 start.
Florida State Wide Receiver Jesus Wilson
Quarterback Deondre Francois, running back Delvin Cook, and wide receiver Travis Rudolph will receive all the praise and headlines, but Jesus Wilson is just as important to the Seminoles’ success. Wilson is a very dynamic and explosive player, as he is featured in the Seminoles’ running, passing, and return game. Wilson ended the first quarter with an impressive 89-yard punt return for the Seminoles. The senior also took a jet sweep for six yards and was the Noles’ second-leading receiver bringing in four balls for 53 yards.
North Carolina Mitch Trubisky
After a loss that could put a team in the tank for the following week, North Carolina needed a leader to step up. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky stepped it up as he completed 80% of his throws and accounted for four touchdowns, two with his arm and two with his legs. The junior showed confidence and the ability to get better each play. Senior teammate T.J. Logan wasn’t surprised saying, “He was ready to come out here and ball. Just Mitch making plays.” Trubisky went 19-24 with 265 yards and two touchdowns and also added 42 yards on the ground with two more scores.
Wake Forest Running Back Cade Carney
The Demon Deacons are enjoying their 2-0 start this season and have freshman running back Cade Carney to thank. The freshman running back caused problems all day for the Duke Blue Devils, rushing for 108 yards and three touchdowns. Carney’s highlight play of the day was a 55-yard run on 3rd-and-short. The true freshman was named one of the ACC’s offensive players of the week, joining the names of Lamar Jackson and Florida State’s Travis Rudolph.
The Confidential 