The ACC performed well against their nonconference opponents, going 2-2 versus ranked teams. While Florida State lost to Oklahoma, Miami and Clemson both came away with impressive wins that returned respectability to the conference. With conference play beginning, we are starting to get a better picture of the contenders and pretenders in the ACC.
1. #13 Virginia Tech – (3-0, 0-0 ACC; Last Week: 2)– This week, Arkansas State was the victim of the Hokies’ stifling defense. Logan Thomas turned his best performance yet, throwing for 292 yards and completing 63.6 percent of his passes. The running game also continues to be strong, averaging over 210 yards per game. (9/24 @ Marshall)
2. #11 Florida State (2-1, 0-0 ACC; LW: 1)– While they played well against #1 Oklahoma, the Seminoles fell short, losing 23-13. The game may have had a different result if starting quarterback E.J. Manuel had not missed much of the second half after going down with a shoulder injury. Despite the loss, FSU showed they are more than a one-trick-pony, as the defense gave the Sooners fits all night, limiting Heisman hopeful Landry Jones to 199 yards passing while forcing two interceptions. (9/24 @ #21 Clemson)
3. #25 Georgia Tech (3-0, 0-0 ACC; LW: 4)– Once again, the Yellow Jackets showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC, as they demolished Kansas 66-24, earning the recognition of the media and a spot in the Top 25. Their triple option attack has resulted in huge numbers, as the Rambling Wreck lead the nation in total yards, rushing and scoring. Their 59 points and 675 yards per game have put them comfortably atop the national leaderboards and have made up for holes in their defense. (9/24 vs. North Carolina)
4. #21 Clemson (3-0, 0-0 ACC; LW: 8)– Making the biggest jump this week is Clemson, who removed early season doubts with a 38-24 win over defending National Champion Auburn. The ACC’s Tigers ended the SEC’s Tigers 17-game winning streak, which was the nation’s longest active streak. The offense had their best showing of the season, accumulating 624 yards, paced by Tajh Boyd’s 386 passing yards. (9/24 vs. #11 Florida State)
5. North Carolina (3-0, 1-0 ACC; LW: 5)– Everett Withers has taken a program on the verge of destruction and put together a solid start to the season. The Tar Heels bounced back after a poor showing against Rutgers, beating Virginia 28-17. Bryn Renner had an impressive outing as well, minimizing risks and throwing for two touchdowns. (9/24 @ #25 Georgia Tech)
6. Miami (1-1, 0-1 ACC; LW: 6)– Now that they’re back at full strength, the Hurricane’s look like they can play with anyone. Their defense looked much improved, stifling Ohio State en route to a 24-6 victory. Al Golden looks to have his team back on track despite an early season loss to Maryland. (9/24 vs. Kansas State)
7. Maryland (1-1, 1-0 ACC; LW: 3)– The Terrapins put themselves in position to beat West Virginia, but a late interception ended their comeback hopes. Despite the loss, Danny O’Brien showed that he is the leader the Terps have been looking for under center. (9/24 vs. Temple)
8. Wake Forest (2-1, 1-0 ACC; LW: 7)– Tanner Price has been stellar so far this season, giving the Demon Deacons a consistency they haven’t seen since Riley Skinner graduated. Their 48-5 victory over Gardner-Webb gave the defense the opportunity to gain some confidence moving forward. (Bye)
9. N.C. State (2-1, 0-1 ACC; LW: 10)– The Wolfpack finally put together four good quarters of football, headlined by Mike Glennon’s 4 touchdown performance. Cutting down on penalties was also key to the convincing 35-13 win over South Alabama. (9/22 @ Cincinnati)
10. Virginia (2-1, 0-1 ACC; LW: 9)– North Carolina exposed some major weaknesses in the Cavalier’s defense, who gave up 222 yards on the ground. While Virginia’s offense has put up good numbers, they’re unable to carry the team by themselves. (9/24 vs. Southern Mississippi)
11. Duke (1-2, 1-0 ACC; LW: 12)– That’s right, Duke is atop the ACC standings, having beaten Boston College 20-19 in Chestnut Hill. While they won’t stay there, it is a nice consolation for a team that has struggled mightily this season. (9/24 vs. Tulane)
12. Boston College (0-3, 0-1 ACC; LW: 11)– Could things get worse for the Eagles? After an embarrassing loss at home to Duke, it looks like a lost season in Massachusetts. (9/24 vs. Massachusetts)
