1. #8 Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC; Last Week 1) – Despite losing Tajh Boyd to a hip strain for much of its game against Boston College, Clemson continued its ACC dominance. The defense continues to shine and the offense has consistently provided a balanced attack. The Tigers, who have three wins against ranked opponents, look to be the ACC’s best chance at a National Title. (10/15 @ Maryland)
2. #12 Georgia Tech (6-0, 3-0 ACC; LW 2) – Paul Johnson has worked his magic, equaling last year’s win total in six short weeks. The Yellow Jackets continue to put up big numbers on the ground, but the passing game has been lacking in recent weeks. If the air attack can get in order, Georgia Tech will be even tougher to beat, but completing only 31% of its passes may keep the Jackets from a perfect season, no matter how strong their running game may be. (10/15 @ Virginia)
3. Wake Forest (4-1, 3-0 ACC; LW 6) – Wake Forest finds themselves tied atop the Atlantic division after holding off a Florida State team that was predicted by many to win the ACC. The Demon Deacon defense forced five turnovers on the day, crippling the Seminoles vaunted passing game. Josh Harris also had his first breakout game of the season, rushing for 136 yards on only 13 carries. (10/15 vs. #19 Virginia Tech)
4. #19 Virginia Tech (5-1, 1-1 ACC; LW 3) – It was a nail-biter in Blacksburg, but the Hokies came away with the victory, capped off by Logan Thomas’s late touchdown run. Thomas had a breakout performance, completing 23 of 25 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Virginia Tech defense has a lot of work to do after giving up 519 total yards and forcing no turnovers against a Miami team that has given up the ball consistently this season. (10/15 @ Wake Forest)
5. North Carolina (5-1, 1-1 ACC; LW 5) – The Tar Heels have quietly been having a strong season, getting off to a quick start that has them one win away from bowl eligibility. If North Carolina wants to continue to be in the discussion for winning the Coastal Division, they will have to put the slow starts behind them in ACC play. (10/15 vs. Miami)
6. Florida State (2-3, 0-2 ACC; LW 4) – It was assumed that the Seminoles would go into Winston-Salem and easily put away Wake Forest after having a bye week to get ready. However, Florida State looked ill-prepared and unfocused, as they turned the ball over five times and committed 13 penalties for 109 yards. (10/15 @ Duke)
7. Maryland (2-3, 1-1 ACC; LW 7) – While Maryland put up a fight against Georgia Tech, its quarterback play doomed them from the beginning. This season, Danny O’Brien was supposed to show that he was one of the conference’s elite quarterbacks, but he has now been benched by Randy Edsall , as controversy abounds in College Park. (10/15 vs. #8 Clemson)
8. Miami (2-3, 0-2 ACC; LW 8) – – Jacory Harris has put up his best games the past two weeks, but they have both resulted in losses for the Hurricanes. While an ACC title isn’t in the cards, a solid bowl birth should be attainable (10/15 @ North Carolina)
9. Virginia (3-2, 0-1 ACC; LW 10) – The Cavaliers have a well-timed bye leading into their matchup with Georgia Tech. Quarterback Michael Rocco will need to limit his interceptions moving forward for Virginia to be competitive in conference play. (10/15 vs. #12 Georgia Tech)
10. N.C. State (3-3, 0-2 ACC; LW 11) – After five weeks, the Wolfpack finally have its first victory over an FBS opponent. Mike Glennon looked good against Central Michigan, but the defense needs to continue its improvement; the upcoming bye is sure to help. (Bye)
11. Duke (3-2, 1-0 ACC; LW 9) – Heading into its first true ACC test of the season, the Blue Devils have a good amount of momentum. Three straight wins have given Duke confidence as they prepare for the heart of their conference schedule. (10/15 vs. Florida State)
12. Boston College (1-5, 0-3 ACC; LW 12) – The lone bright spot for the Eagles thus far has been the play of linebacker Luke Kuechly, who leads all FBS players in tackles. (Bye)