There was no shortage of excitement this week, despite the ACC’s top three teams being out of action. Even though they didn’t play, Virginia Tech and Clemson entered the BCS Top Ten after losses to top ranked teams. Tom O’Brien continued to excel in the second half of the season, while Wake Forest went down to the wire in nonconference action against Notre Dame. Florida State continues to improve down the stretch, and Virginia has been one of the conference’s most pleasant surprises.
1. #9 Clemson (8-1, 5-1 ACC; Last Week: 2) – The Tigers enjoyed a well-timed bye week, as they have had more time to prepare for this week’s matchup with Wake Forest. Clemson will be looking to keep their slim National Title hopes alive, as they benefited from a number of losses by teams above them. Standout wide receiver Sammy Watkins will continue to make his case for Biletnikoff Finalist and All-American status. (11/12 vs. Wake Forest)
2. #10 Virginia Tech (8-1, 4-1 ACC; LW : 1) – A week off gave the Hokies time to analyze and break down their poor performance against Duke. Defense continues to be Virginia Tech’s strong suit, while the offense’s inconsistency has been costly. Frank Beamer will need to create some more late season magic to ensure that his team represents the Coastal Division in Charlotte. (11/10 @ Georgia Tech)
3. #21 Georgia Tech (7-2, 4-2 ACC; LW : 3) – Paul Johnson has brought his team back from two consecutive losses and into contention for the Coastal Division. The running game continues to baffle opponents and the defense seems to be coming around. (11/10 vs. Virginia Tech)
4. Florida State (6-3, 4-2 ACC; LW : 4) – It’s a shame that the Seminoles performed so poorly early in the season, because, right now, they look like they could beat anyone. Florida State crushed Boston College on Thursday night, employing a balanced attack on offense while forcing four turnovers on the defensive side of the ball. If things go their way, there’s still an outside chance of an Atlantic Division title. (11/12 vs. Miami)
5. Virginia (6-3, 3-2 ACC; LW : 7) – The Cavaliers are the surprise team of the ACC and are bowl eligible for the first time since 2007. While Virginia has had its ups and downs, they are currently on a hot streak that could land them in the ACC Championship. Even if they fall short, 2011 could mark the year where the once historic program turns around. (11/12 vs. Duke)
6. Miami (5-4, 3-3 ACC; LW : 8) – The Hurricanes could have easily folded after a tough loss at home to Virginia, especially against a Duke team that has been playing well recently. However, Al Golden rallied the troops and beat the Blue Devils in convincing fashion. While fans may want to quickly forget the turmoil of this season, Golden has shown a resilience and commitment that any program would be proud to see. (11/12 @ Florida State)
7. N.C . State (5-4, 2-3 ACC; LW : 11) – Three weeks ago, the Wolfpack was winless in conference play and appeared to be staying home for bowl season. However, Tom O’Brien now has State in position to make the postseason after beating North Carolina for the fifth straight year, a victory that may have turned down the heat on his hot seat for the time being. (11/12 @ Boston College)
8. Wake Forest (5-4, 4-2 ACC; LW : 6) – Playing under the lights in what was one of the biggest games in school history, the Demon Deacons put together a solid performance against a quality Notre Dame team. While they played well, inconsistent play crippled Wake Forest as they fumbled and missed a field goal on two consecutive trips to the red zone with the game on the line. (11/12 @ Clemson)
9. North Carolina (6-4, 2-4 ACC; LW : 5) – The Tar Heels have been up and down all season, looking like one of the best teams in the ACC one week and one of the worst the next. Everett Withers’s inability to get the most out of his players on a consistent basis may have solidified his status as interim head coach. (Bye)
10. Duke (3-6, 1-4 ACC; LW : 9) – After keeping games close their previous two weeks, the Blue Devils were back to their old ways against Miami. Duke has all but solidified another postseason at home. (11/12 @ Virginia)
11. Boston College (2-7, 1-5 ACC; LW : 10) – The Eagles had the table set for an upset with a primetime Thursday night game at home against Florida State but couldn’t answer the call. Change seems to be on the horizon, as Boston College is now officially eliminated from bowl eligibility. (11/12 vs. N.C . State)
12. Maryland (2-7, 1-5 ACC; LW : 12) – Randy Edsall’s first season in College Park was not supposed to go this way. The Terrapins can no longer make a bowl and have not won since Oct. 1 against Townson . (11/12 vs. Notre Dame at Landover , MD)
