Clemson remains atop this week’s Power Rankings, after taking its place among the competitors for the National Championship following a convincing win over North Carolina, which kept them undefeated on the season. After a fast start to the 2011 campaign, Georgia Tech has now lost two straight games to division opponents, making its quest for the Coastal Division crown a difficult one.  Virginia Tech appears to be the team to beat in the Coastal, which would set up a rematch with Clemson in Charlotte for the ACC Championship.

1. Clemson (8-0, 5-0 ACC; Last Week 1) – The Tigers continued their impressive run with a 59-38 win over North Carolina, and Dabo Swinney has Clemson at 8-0 for the first time since the 2000 season. While a National Championship birth isn’t out of the question, the Tigers will need to win-out and have three of the four teams ahead of them lose to sneak their way in. (10/29 @ Georgia Tech)

2. Virginia Tech (7-1, 3-1 ACC; LW 2) – After a lackluster first half, the Hokies came back and trounced Boston College, led by the stellar play of running back David Wilson.  Virginia Tech also seems to have found its groove on the defensive side of the ball, holding its past two opponents under 17 points after giving up 35 to Miami. (10/29 @ Duke)

3. Miami (4-3, 2-2 ACC; LW 5) – It seems like new life has been found in Miami, as the Hurricanes have impressed in their past two contests.  Running back Lamar Miller continues to show why he was in early season Heisman discussion, and the defense was lights out, holding a potent Georgia Tech offense to seven points while forcing three turnovers. (10/27 vs. Virginia)

4. Florida State (4-3, 2-2 ACC; LW 4) – The Seminoles have finally showed that they can beat quality opponents. After starting the season with wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Charleston Southern, Florida State has now beaten two ACC opponents to bring its conference record to 2-2. While losses to Clemson and Wake Forest have all but eliminated them in the Atlantic Division, finishing the season at 9-3 is still a realistic possibility. (10/29 vs. N.C . State)

5. Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2 ACC; LW 3) – What happened to the high-powered offense that ran its way to a 6-0 start? Apparently those days have passed, because the Yellow Jacket rushing attack has left much to be desired the past two weeks. Against Miami, Georgia Tech fell flat, accumulating only 211 total yards, far below its season average.  The Rambling Wreck’s BCS hopes have quickly come crashing down in just two short weeks. (10/29 vs. Clemson)

6. Wake Forest (5-2, 4-1 ACC; LW 7) – While it hasn’t always been pretty, the Demon Deacons continue to find ways to win. The offense stalled against Duke, but was still able to get a big play from wide receiver Chris Givens to pull out the one point victory.  Cornerback Merril Noel has been one of the biggest surprises in the nation, leading the country in pass breakups and anchoring a secondary that has been key to Wake’s success thus far. (10/29 @ North Carolina)

7. N.C . State (4-3, 1-2 ACC; LW 10) – This week’s win over Virginia could mark a turning point for the Wolfpack , as State looks to rebound from a disappointing first half of the season. Mike Glennon has looked capable in recent weeks, but limiting turnovers could be the difference between playing in the postseason or starting the offseason early. (10/29 @ Florida State)

8. North Carolina (5-3, 1-3 ACC; LW 6) – North Carolina’s season is quickly taking a turn for the worst. After a 5-1 start, the Tar Heels have lost two straight, as Brynn Renner has struggled under center. The normally solid UNC defense was torn apart by Clemson, and the offense turned the ball over six times; not exactly a recipe for success. (10/29 vs. Wake Forest)

9. Virginia (4-3, 1-2 ACC; LW 8) – This week was a defining moment for Virginia football, and not in a good way. The Cavaliers could have continued to build momentum and pushed for the Coastal Division title after a big win against Georgia Tech. Instead, they fell flat, losing to N.C . State at home. (10/27 @ Miami)

10. Maryland (2-5, 1-3 ACC; LW 9) – The Terps came into this season with high expectations and have provided nothing but letdowns. Their Labor Day victory over Miami seems a distant memory, and quarterback controversy continues, as Danny O’Brien has been reinstated at starting quarterback. (10/29 vs. Boston College)

11. Duke (3-4, 1-2 ACC; LW 11) – The Blue Devils dominated the second half against Wake Forest, but came up empty handed and were unable to get their first win against the Demon Deacons since 1999.  The likelihood of making their first bowl game since 1994 continues to dwindle. (10/29 vs. Virginia Tech)

12. Boston College (1-6, 0-4 ACC; LW 12) – After another loss, the Eagles still have yet to win a conference game and are mathematically eliminated from the conference championship race. Their best chance to avoid a winless season in the ACC comes next week against fellow cellar-dweller, Maryland. (10/29 @ Maryland)