Dawgs of the Week: Powerful Offensive Performers in ACC

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Week 4 of the college football season is officially in the books. After a month, we've seen schools establish themselves as contenders. Week 4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference also saw some impressive and powerful performances on the offensive side of the ball. As a conference, the ACC went 10-6 overall, with four losses coming in conference games. Let's take a look at the powerful offensive performers for Week 4 in the ACC.

Quarterback

Cam Ward, Miami Hurricanes (24-of-34, 404 yards, 3 TDs)

The No. 8-ranked Hurricanes (4-0) struck gold when they got Ward out of the Transfer Portal. His athletic ability fits this offense like a glove and he's leading this offense on a record pace. Ward has shown the ability to deliver the ball anywhere on the field and make plays with his legs when needed. He's on the same page consistently with his receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George and their running game with Damien Martinez has been strong. Ward has put himself squarely in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy and has the Hurricanes team relevant on the national stage for the first time in quite a while. The Hurricanes next play the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2) on Sept. 27.

Running Back

Xavier Brown, Virginia Cavaliers (9 carries, 171 yards)

Congrats to the Virginia Cavaliers (3-1, 1-0) for a strong start to the season. On Sept. 21, the Cavaliers and head coach Tony Elliot faced the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (3-1) and won 43-24. Despite not finding the end zone, Brown played a huge role in the win with his performance. Derailed by injuries in 2023, he showed all against Coastal that he is back and healthy with a stellar performance on the road. Running with purpose and vision, he averaged 19 yards per carry and led the game in rushing. The Cavaliers next play the Boston College Eagles (3-1, 1-0) on Sept. 28.

Tie- Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech Hokies (15 carries, 122 yards, 3 TDs)

Omarion Hampton, North Carolina Tar Heels (19 carries, 139 yards, 3 TDs)

Despite both teams being on the losing side of the scoreboard in Week 4, Hampton and Tuten both showed why they are two of the top running backs in the nation. They did everything they could to help their respective teams. Both Tuten and Hampton are exceptional runners who can run between the tackles or run to the outside with solid speed. They both show great instincts and vision in their runs to maximize yardage. Tuten and Virginia Tech play the Hurricanes on Sept. 27. Hampton and the Tar Heels have a Tobacco Road clash against Duke (4-0) on Sept. 28.

Wide Receiver

Trebor Peña, Syracuse Orange (10 receptions, 101 yards)

One question for the Orange (2-1, 1-1) offense heading into the season was if they had another playmaking receiver for Kyle McCord and the offense opposite of Oronde Gadsden II. Enter Peña for the Orange, he currently leads the team in receiving yards.

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After being limited in 2023 due to injury, it's safe to say he's healthy and will be a great weapon for the offense. He's a solid route runner and can lineup anywhere on the field, he had a rushing touchdown in Week 1. The Orange play Holy Cross (1-3) on Sept. 28.

Ja'Corey Brooks, Louisville Cardinals (4 receptions, 125 yards, 1 TD)

The go-to receiver for the Cardinals (3-0, 1-0) offense and quarterback Tyler Shough. He's a solid route runner and has a quickness when he gets off the line of scrimmage and solid speed to separate from defenders. He's got the athletic ability to make acrobatic catches look routine and shows solid body control to stay in-bounds. In the Week 4 win versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-2, 1-2) he was the receiver that Shough routinely went to when the offense needed yardage or a big play to keep momentum. His touchdown reception in the game was his second of the season and came with the defender draped on him. Louisville travels to No. 16 Notre Dame (3-1) for their game on Sept. 28.