This week, the ACC has the opportunity to restore some of the respect that it has lost in recent years.  A slew of high profile games mark the schedule, including one against reigning National Champion Auburn and another against the current #1 team in the country, Oklahoma.  With four matchups against ranked teams, this Saturday is a crucial turning point for the conference as a whole.

#5 Florida State – 2-0 (Last Week: 2) – The Seminoles’ first true test of this season comes this week with a matchup against #1 Oklahoma.  Their offense, which is averaging 48 points per game, has been spectacular, and the defense has not been far behind.  A victory by FSU would vault them to the top of the rankings and avenge last season’s loss to the Sooners. Expect a hard-fought battle that will go down to the wire and help figure out the BCS landscape in the coming weeks. (9/17 vs. #1 Oklahoma) #13 Virginia Tech – 2-0 ( LW : 1) – Last week’s 17-10 win over East Carolina showed the good and bad in this year’s team.  Their defense shined, only allowing 112 total yards to a team that played exceptionally against South Carolina the week before.  However, the offense fell flat, especially in the passing game, as quarterback Logan Thomas threw for 91 yards on 8/20 passing.  Virginia Tech will rebound this week, but doubts are rising in Blacksburg, and the Hokies are no longer looking like the favorites to win the conference. (9/17 vs. Arkansas State) Maryland – 1-0 ( LW : 4) – Maryland had the week off after beating Miami to open the season.  Their matchup with #18 West Virginia, whose offense is similar to the Hurricanes, offers Randy Edsall and company another opportunity for a statement victory.  Expect quarterback and North Carolina native Danny O’Brien to have another big game and put his name among the ACC’s elite playmakers . (9/17 vs. #18 West Virginia) Georgia Tech – 2-0 ( LW : 8) – The potent Yellow Jacket offense has put up huge numbers on the ground and in the air against two weak opponents.  Their 49-21 drubbing of Middle Tennessee should have them prepared for Kansas on Saturday.  The Jayhawks struggled last week against Northern Illinois, so Georgia Tech should get a nonconference victory to add to their resume before the start of their ACC slate. (9/17 vs. Kansas)  North Carolina – 2-0 ( LW : 3) – The Tar Heels were lucky to escape with a win against Rutgers, especially considering they turned the ball over five times.  Quarterback Bryn Renner looked pedestrian compared to his debut, throwing three interceptions as well as struggling down the stretch.  Luckily, the Tar Heel defense was able to hold on despite all of the turnovers, avoiding what would have been an embarrassing home loss to an inferior opponent. (9/17 vs. Virginia) Miami – 0-1 ( LW : 5) – Ohio State meets with the Hurricanes in Miami for a matchup between the two schools who have been surrounded by scandal all season.  Newly eligible quarterback Jacory Harris will have an immediate impact, lending experience and athleticism to an offense that needs a spark. (vs. #17 Ohio State) Wake Forest – 1-1 ( LW : 9) – The Demon Deacons continued their home winning streak against N.C . State, highlighted by the inspired quarterback play of Tanner Price.  While the offense shone, the defense, specifically the secondary, will need to improve, as another late game collapse looked imminent. Expect head coach Jim Grobe to tighten the loose screws against Gardner-Webb. (9/17 vs. Gardner-Webb). Clemson – 2-0 ( LW : 6) – Two uninspired performances have left Clemson fans worrying about their upcoming clash against reigning National Champion Auburn.  If the Tigers can come away with a win and exploit their SEC opponent like Utah State did, fans of the orange and white will breathe easier.  If not, head coach Dabo Swinney’s seat will get a little hotter, and panic mode sets in in Death Valley. (vs. #21 Auburn) Virginia – 2-0 ( LW : 10) – The Cavaliers just barely squeaked by Indiana, managing a field goal as time expired that sent them back to Charlottesville victorious, despite giving up a 20 point lead in the second half.  UNC will provide a good test to see whether or not the Cavs has what it takes to compete in the ACC this season. (9/17 @ North Carolina)   N.C . State – 1-1 ( LW : 7) – The concerns about the defense were legitimized as the Wolfpack went into Winston-Salem and gave up 34 points to the Demon Deacons.  While the offense has showed that it can put up points, quarterback Mike Glennon will need to play well for a full game before the Pack turn the season around. South Alabama should provide the confidence boost that State needs. (9/17 vs. South Alabama) Boston College – 0-2 ( LW : 11) – Easily the biggest disappointment in the ACC thus far, Boston College was embarrassed by Central Florida, losing 30-3 last Saturday.  The Eagles’ offense has been unable to put anything together, leaving the defense to carry the team. (9/17 vs. Duke) Duke – 0-2 ( LW : 12) – The Blue Devils hung with Stanford for a half but eventually succumbed to their high energy offense. This week they take on fellow bottom feeder Boston College in a matchup that will put the losing coach’s job in jeopardy. (9/17 @Duke)