Sep 103 min read

Dawgs of the ACC: Ultimate Offensive Performers for Week 2

Dawgs of ACC — © Alex Hicks Jr./USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

It's another week in the books for the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference football season, and there are still standout performers to recognize. With another week of matchups, we saw some performers continue their strong start, and others woke up and had career efforts in their teams' matchups this week. Without further ado, let's see who the Dawgs of the ACC for Week 2 are on offense.

Quarterback

Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers (378 Passing Yards, 7 Total TDs)

Hands down, Klubnik seemed like he was playing in easy mode in a video game. After the team's struggles in Week 1, it was a different galaxy than he was in during Week 2. Granted that one week was against the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the next was against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State (1-1). He completed 24-of-26 passes in the first half and was replaced in the third quarter because the game was out of hand. With quick work for the game, Klubnik helped the No. 22 Clemson Tigers (1-1) get back on track. Their next game is on Sept. 21 against North CarolinaState (1-1).

Running Back

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech Hokies (22 Carries, 120 Yards, 1 TD)

Virginia Tech (1-1) needed a rebound after an overtime loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0) in Week 1. Enter the Thundering Herd of Marshall (1-1). Tuten ran wild on the Thundering Herd. He ran with great vision and purpose through the defense. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry on the day and complimented the passing attack of quarterback Kyron Drones, who threw for 130 yards on the day. With Tuten and Drones leading this offense, they are going to be a difficult team to gain an advantage on. Their next game is against Old Dominion (0-2) on Sept. 14.

Wide Receiver

Jordan Moore, Duke Blue Devils (11 Receptions, 121 Yards, 1 TD)

The Duke Blue Devils (2-0) and new head coach Manny Diaz were one of the questions at the start of the season. Their answer to the questions was to win their first two games. In Week 2, the Blue Devils traveled to the Wildcats of Northwestern (1-1) and won 26-20. One of the main factors has been the consistent play of Moore. Moore is a technician running routes who knows how to separate from defenders. He routinely shows a fearlessness to run into traffic and make catches.

Konata Mumpfield, Pitt Panthers (5 Receptions, 123 Yards, 2 TDs)

The Pitt Panthers moved to 2-0 on the season with a come-from-behind win against the Bearcats of Cincinnati (1-1). A season after finishing 3-9, the Panthers seem to have made the turn to not duplicate the 2023 season. Enter Mumpfield who had a career day and ate up yardage every time the ball was in his hands. He scored his 2 touchdowns as the Panthers turned the tide and came back from a 27-13 deficit. He's a solid route runner with good speed that can separate from defenders with the ball in his hands. The Panthers host West Virginia (1-1) on Sept. 14.

Tight End

Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse Orange (6 Receptions, 93 Yards, 2 TDs)

After missing most of last season due to injury, Gadsden has come back with a vengeance. A key piece to the offense and a vital weapon for quarterback Kyle McCord. In Week 2, the Orange (2-0, 1-0 ACC)) beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-1, 1-1 ACC) 31-28. He's a tight end who has the agility of a receiver and is just a matchup nightmare. Already halfway to the touchdown total he had in the 2022 season, Gadsden is focused on ensuring he shows he is fully healthy and one of the top offensive weapons in the country. The Orange next play the Stanford Cardinal (1-1) on Sept. 20.