Grading the Atlantic Coast Conference

Coastal Division

Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0 ACC) – The Hokies vaulted themselves to the top of the ACC the last two weeks, with wins at North Carolina and on the road against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Frank Beamer’s decision to un-redshirt Tyrod Taylor has uplifted a dreadful offense in the season’s first two games.

North Carolina (3-1, 1-1 ACC) – After losing 20 consecutive games out of state since 2002, the Heels have won back-to-back road contests against Rutgers and Miami despite T.J. Yates’ injury at quarterback. Brandon Tate is a threat every time he touches the
football and will be an All-ACC first teamer.

Duke (3-1, 1-0) – The Blue Devils recently snapped a 25-game conference losing streak with a 31-3 win against Virginia, the ACC’s new bottom dweller. Wide receiver Eron Riley ranks among the nation’s best at his position with six touchdown receptions. This weekend’s matchup with Georgia Tech will test the Dookies.

Georgia Tech (3-1, 1-1 ACC) – The Yellow Jackets are led by one of the ACC’s best redzone defenses and a rushing attack that’s averaging just over 300 yards a game. Add the throwback jerseys for the 2008 season and Ga. Tech looks for real.

Miami (2-2, 0-1 ACC) – Randy Shannon’s Hurricanes suffered a tough loss to North Carolina last Saturday in Miami, blowing a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Can the Canes’ bounce back with two freshman quarterbacks? Only time will tell.

Virginia (1-3, 0-1 ACC) – The Cavaliers are officially bad. Four touchdowns and four field goals in four games spells doom for Virginia.


Atlantic Division

Maryland (4-1, 1-0 ACC) – If the season ended today, the Terps and Hokies would meet in Tampa for the ACC Championship game. Maryland has quality wins over then-ranked Cal and in Death Valley against the Clemson Tigers, a team many predicted as the Atlantic Division’s winner this season.

N.C. State (2-3, 0-1 ACC) – Russell Wilson’s injury at the quarterback position has forced turnover-prone Harrison Beck into the starting role. Beck’s numbers this season are subpar with two touchdown passes and six interceptions. A key win against East Carolina’s helps the Wolfpack’s cause, but it’ll be another year or so before Tom O’Brien and his crew bring back winning ways to Raleigh.

Wake Forest (3-1, 1-0 ACC) – A 12-3 win at Florida State assured Wake Forest it was here to stay, the Deacons’ third straight win over the Noles’. Fast-forward a week later and Riley Skinner throws four INTs in a 24-17 loss to Navy. The Deacons’ final game of the season against Vanderbilt will be a crucial contest for the Commodores’ bowl hopes.

Clemson (3-2, 1-1 ACC) – So much for BCS Championship hopes Tiger fans. Clemson will now struggle to make a New Year’s Day bowl with early losses to Bama’ and Maryland. Tommy Bowden’s job might be on the line if the Tigers lose to South Carolina in November. Despite All-American caliber running backs in James Davis and C. J. Spiller, the Tigers are under achieving yet again.

Boston College (3-1, 0-1 ACC) – Armed with quite possibly the ACC’s best defense, Boston College has intercepted 10 passes this season and hasn’t allowed a single touchdown pass in four games.

Florida State (3-1, 0-1 ACC) – Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles still have a chance to make it to Tampa in December but they need a few upsets along the way. The Noles’ host Va. Tech Oct. 25 in Tallahassee and play Miami this weekend in pivotal matchups.