1. Virginia Tech (5-1, 2-0)—Last week: 1
Virginia Tech, got a much-needed bye week to prepare for upcoming road games at Boston College and Florida State. Win both of these and the Hokies can start making reservations for Tampa.
2. Wake Forest (4-1, 2-0)—Last week: 3
The Deacs did enough to beat a reeling Clemson team 12-7, and stay in control of the ACC's Atlantic Division. In a game they where they completely outplayed the Tigers, Wake Forest struggled with their red zone offense. The defense has only given up 10 points to 2 ACC opponents. That's impressive.
3. North Carolina (5-1, 1-1)—Last week: 4
Virginia Tech is lucky they played this team early in the year, because the Heels are quickly turning into one very good team. Despite being outgained 472-322 yards by Notre Dame, the Heels made enough plays, even without star wide receiver Brandon Tate at 100 percent to win another come-from-behind game. Remember, they came back against the Canes down in Miami, too for a win earlier this year.
4. Georgia Tech (5-1, 2-1)—Last week: 2
The Yellow Jackets narrowly avoided what would have been a humiliating loss to mid-level FCS team Gardner-Webb 10-7. Tech's offensive line made Gardner-Webb's defense look like the 85 Chicago Bears, and that can't make Paul Johnson happy.
Somewhat in Tech's defense, they were playing third quarterback Calvin Booker who at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds is ill-equipped to run the triple option offense. The defense has only given up 14 points in their last three games, but overall this was Georgia Tech's worst game of the year.
5. Florida State (4-1, 1-1)—Last week: 5
Florida State gets NC State on Thursday night. With games against Virginia Tech and at Georgia Tech, the Noles can't afford any slip ups against the Wolfpack, or they can kiss any chance at the Atlantic Division title goodbye.
- B/R Ticket Guide
6. Boston College (4-1, 1-1)—Last week: 6
Chris Crane had huge game at quarterback last week against NC State. If he continues to play at that level, BC has a shot against Virginia Tech this week.
7. Miami (3-3, 0-2)—Last week: 8
They beat Central Florida 20-14, I guess that was good. The offense continues to struggle, gaining only 216 yards of offense, and that won't cut it against most of the teams in the ACC.
The defense, though, had a super game, giving up 78 yards of total offense to UCF. There are drives longer that.
8. UVA (3-3, 1-1)—Last week: 12
I consider the Cavs' turnaround nothing short of remarkable. A 35-20 victory over East Carolina, and Virginia has outscored their last two opponents 66-20.
Marc Verica is playing very solid at quarterback and Cedric Peerman ran for 173 in the triumph. I don't think anyone will overlook the Cavaliers the rest of the season.
9. Maryland (4-2, 1-1)—Last week: 9
I'm guessing the Terps will defeat Atlantic Division leader Wake Forest, then lose to NC State the week after. Who know's with Maryland this season. If we know anything about them, it's that they are unpredictable.
10. Clemson (3-3, 1-2)—Last week: 7
From No. 9 in the nation to No. 10 in the ACC in six weeks. The Tigers are by far the ACC's most disappointing team, and offensively have only scored seven points in their last six quarters.
Tommy Bowden is getting desperate and will start local golden boy sophomore Willie Korn at quarterback. If this doesn't work, could the Tigers miss a bowl game? Next up is Georgia Tech, who have their own issues to work out.
11. Duke (3-2, 1-1)—Last week: 10
If the Dukies want any shot to get bowl eligible, they'll have to beat Miami at home, in a game that is winnable.
12. NC State (2-4, 0-2)—Last week: 11
NC State gets Florida State on Thursday. A win would do a lot to salvage this season. The Pack, especially under Chuck Amato a few years ago, had a lot of success with the Noles. I don't think they have the personnel to beat an improving Florida State this season though.
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