Clemson and Georgia Tech have established themselves as teams to beat in the ACC after both won convincingly over the weekend. Early-season favorites Florida State and Virginia Tech now face an uphill battle to make the ACC Championship, while Wake Forest has surprised many with a 2-0 start in conference play. The ACC also impressed in nonconference play, going undefeated for the first time this season.

#8 Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC; Last Week: 1) – The Tigers have shown that they can compete with anyone in the country, at home and away. Saturday’s 23-3 win over Virginia Tech was the first road test of the season for Clemson, and they answered the call. The defense excelled, forcing two turnovers and allowing only 258 yards, while Tajh Boyd continued his stellar sophomore campaign. (10/8 vs. Boston College) #13 Georgia Tech (5-0, 2-0 ACC; LW : 3) – Whoever said that the option is dead obviously hasn’t watched Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets continued their dominance on the ground, finishing just south of 300 yards in a 45-35 win over N.C . State. However, weaknesses were exposed in the defense and the passing game. The question moving forward is whether or not the running game will be able to cover up the miscues made on the other side of the ball. (10/8 vs. Maryland) #21 Virginia Tech (4-1, 0-1 ACC; LW : 2) – The Hokies’ offense fell flat in their first real test of the season, doing the defense no favors en route to a disappointing loss to Clemson. The running game put up its usual solid numbers, but Logan Thomas continues to go through growing pains that make Hokie fans everywhere yearn for the days of Tyrod Taylor. (10/8 vs. Miami) #23 Florida State (2-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 4) – The Seminoles’ bye week could not have come at a better time, as the team is battered after two straight losses. All signs point to a return for E.J . Manuel next week, which should give Florida State’s offense some stability. (10/8 @ Wake Forest) North Carolina (4-1, 1-1 ACC; LW : 5) – A trip to East Carolina could have resulted in a devastating upset, but the Tar Heels answered the call and put the Pirates away in convincing fashion. Bryn Renner continues to shine, passing for four touchdowns, while Giovani Bernard had another big day, racking up 146 yards on the ground. The balance of the young offense has been vital to Carolina’s fast start. (10/8 vs. Louisville) Wake Forest (3-1, 2-0 ACC; LW : 6) – After a 27-19 road win in blustery Chestnut Hill, the Demon Deacons find themselves tied with Clemson atop the Atlantic Division. Wake Forest’s ability to close out games has been the difference thus far and could be the difference moving forward. (10/8 vs. #23 Florida State) Maryland (2-2, 1-0 ACC; LW : 8) – Maryland has been unimpressive since their win over Miami to open the season and now looks like a borderline bowl team. A shaky win over Towson did little to restore faith in College Park (10/8 @ #13 Georgia Tech) Miami (2-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 7) – Miami and Maryland have followed similar paths this season, looking impressive one week and falling flat the next. Bethune-Cookman presented little resistance, but the Hurricanes will need to play much better if they want to turn their season around and compete for the ACC Championship. (10/8 @ #21 Virginia Tech) Duke (3-2, 1-0 ACC; LW : 10) – This Blue Devils team has salvaged what looked to be a terrible season, putting themselves in contention for a bowl. Sean Renfree has shown leadership and poise that Duke has needed in their quarterback. (Bye) Virginia (3-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 9) – Don’t let the 3-2 record deceive you, this is not a good football team. The Cavaliers squeaked out another win, this time in overtime over lowly Idaho. Penalties and turnovers have been the story thus far for Virginia, who is lucky not to be 1-4. (Bye) N.C . State (2-3, 0-2 ACC; LW : 12) – It’s hard to believe that last year, this team won nine games and was in the running for the conference championship. Tom O’Brien’s seat continues to get hotter as the Wolfpack continue to search for their first win against an FBS opponent. (10/8 vs. Central Michigan) Boston College (1-4, 0-2 ACC; LW : 11) – There isn’t much left to say about this team, because the stats say it all. Nationally, the Eagles rank 77 th in passing, 94 th in rushing, and 99 th in points. That isn’t exactly a recipe for success in the ACC. (10/8 @ #8 Clemson)