Last week was highlighted by two conference matchups that had enormous early season implications as to who would be coming out of both the Atlantic and Coastal divisions. Clemson played like a conference contender, while Georgia Tech showed that its triple-option offense can compete with anyone. With their victories, both teams have gotten off on the right foot in their respective divisions and could be meeting in Charlotte for the ACC Championship Dec. 3.
1. #13 Clemson (4-0, 1-0 ACC; Last Week: 4) – The Tigers have restored faith in its program with two straight wins over ranked opponents. Despite Florida State starting its backup quarterback, Clemson showed that it was prepared and focused after taking an early lead and holding it through the game. Tajh Boyd has provided leadership and consistency; attributes that the Tigers have been lacking the past few seasons. (10/1 @ #11 Virginia Tech)
2. #11 Virginia Tech (4-0, 0-0 ACC; LW : 1) – Nonconference play is now over for the Hokies and the real season is set to begin. As expected, Marshall presented little difficulty for Virginia Tech, as they were in control the entire game. The running game continues to be the rock upon which the House of Beamer is built. The two headed rushing attack of David Wilson and Josh Oglesby will need to continue their success if the Hokies expect to stay atop the rankings. (10/1 vs. #13 Clemson)
3. #21 Georgia Tech (4-0, 1-0 ACC; LW : 3) – The triple-option continues to give teams fits, as North Carolina fell victim to the Yellow Jackets’ deceptive scheme. Tevin Washington has shown he can get it done both on the ground and in the air, as he passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one more in the 35-28 victory. It seems that opponents can only hope to contain the highly potent Georgia Tech offense, as the numbers continue to show that it can’t be stopped. (10/1 @ N.C . State)
4. #23 Florida State (2-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 2) – Despite having two losses already, Florida State is still a good football team. The loss of E.J . Manuel has been evident, but backup Clint Trickett has been more than serviceable in relief. The defense let the Seminoles down against Clemson, so expect head coach Jimbo Fisher to make that a focus in the bye week. (Bye)
5. North Carolina (3-1, 1-1 ACC; LW : 5) – North Carolina played in one of the week’s marquee games and reaffirmed the notion that they have the potential to compete for a conference title. The defense slowed Georgia Tech’s high-powered offense by forcing turnovers, putting the offense in the position to win the game. Keep an eye on freshman phenom Giovani Bernard, who racked up 155 yards on the ground against the Yellow Jackets. (10/1 @ East Carolina)
6. Wake Forest (2-1, 1-0 ACC; LW : 8) – The Demon Deacons continue to have their eyes set on the post-season after their bye week. Wide receiver Michael Campanaro has been key to the offense’s success and should be fully recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered against N.C . State. (10/1 @ Boston College)
7. Miami (1-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 6) – After an impressive display against Ohio State, the Hurricanes fell flat at home, losing 28-24 to Kansas State. The good news is they still only have one loss in the conference, but the rushing defense, which gave up 265 yards to the Wildcats, will need to improve for the Hurricanes to even think about contending for an ACC title. (10/1 vs. Bethune-Cookman )
8. Maryland (1-2, 1-0 ACC; LW : 7) – Temple came into College Park and destroyed the Terrapins, 38-7. The question surrounding Maryland now becomes which team will show up, the one who beat Miami or the one who has lost two straight. (10/1 vs. Towson)
9. Virginia (2-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 10) – The bottom of the ACC has become a mishmash of underperforming teams, headlined by the Cavaliers. Virginia started the season strong, but inconsistent quarterback play has left the Cavs in a rut. (10/1 vs. Idaho)
10. Duke (2-2, 1-0 ACC; LW : 11) – Is there life in Durham? After a 48-27 win over Tulane, the Blue Devils are no longer looked at as a cake-walk in the conference. (10/1 @ Florida International)
11. Boston College (1-3, 0-1 ACC; LW : 12) – The Eagles finally have one in the win column after a convincing win over in-state rival Massachusetts. However, the Eagles will still need to prove themselves against FBS opponents to salvage what looks to be a lost season. (10/1 vs. Wake Forest)
12. N.C . State (2-2, 0-1 ACC; LW : 9) – The Wolfpack’s offense and defense were both sub-par in its 44-14 loss to Cincinnati. Things don’t look to be getting much better in the future, as injuries continue to ravage the defensive front. (10/1 vs. Georgia Tech)
