College Football Mid-Season Report Card: ACC Atlantic Division

We are half way through the season, so it is time for a review of what each team has accomplished in the season’s first half.

This year no team has truly set itself head-and-shoulders above the pack (where are you, Texas and Florida?), and parity seems to be the norm for this season (Boise St., Cincinnati, Iowa, and TCU all occupy spots in the top 10). Each major conference has multiple members ranked in the AP poll, and there are still several teams that could vie for a spot in the National Championship game.

Certain teams came into 2009 with sky high expectations (Ole Miss, Rutgers, Ohio St., Ball St., and Oklahoma) and have fallen flat on their faces in the early going, while others have exceeded expectations and made their presence known in the early stages of the '09-'10 college football season (Houston, Pittsburgh, Idaho, Nebraska, and Arizona).

So here we go:

ACC Atlantic Division (Listed by current standings)

Boston College: Record: 5-2 (3-2 in ACC)

Boston College has played solid football throughout the season’s early going. Wins over Northeastern and Kent State were predicted, but a loss against a troubled Clemson squad and a shellacking at the hands of Virginia Tech have hurt the Eagles in the early going. A surprise win against Florida St. and an absolute massacre of NC St. have the Eagles looking optimistically at the season’s second half.

The second half is not overly difficult to navigate, with games against UNC and Central Michigan and trips to Virginia and Maryland in store. Boston College’s biggest test will be its game this week at Notre Dame. Boston College has a five game winning streak against the Irish and continuing that streak on Saturday would not only give the Eagles a win in the “Holy War”, it could also propel them to a strong finish.

Overall Grade: B+

The Eagles will only go as far as their defense can carry them. Their defense has been solid in wins, but was abysmal in the Eagles' loss to Virginia Tech, surrendering 441 yards of offense. The Eagles need 25-year-old freshman wonder child Dave Shinskie to step up in the second half if they have any inclinations of remaining in first in the ACC Atlantic Division.

Clemson: Record: 3-3 (2-2 in ACC)

In Dabo Swinney’s first full year as the head coach of the Tigers, Clemson has seen itself involved in a host of close games. Clemson’s three losses have been by a combined 10 points against Maryland, TCU, and Georgia Tech.

Wins against Middle Tennessee St., Boston College, and a good Wake Forest team have been solid victories in which the stalwart defense has kept opponents in check.

The second half does not look favorable for Clemson. Road games at Miami and South Carolina are treacherous, while home dates with Florida State and a resurgent Virginia team could dispel any dreams Clemson has of playing in the ACC championship game. Kyle Parker needs to get more comfortable in the passing game to take pressure off all-world talent running back C.J Spiller.

Overall Grade: B-

Clemson knew coming into the season that it would have to win early on in the schedule to go bowling. The loss against Maryland was bad, just bad. The second half is imposing and does not play out well for the Tigers. Clemson’s 11th ranked defense will have to carry the load down the stretch, and Spiller will have to get more involved if Clemson is to see the postseason.

Wake Forest: Record 4-3 (2-2 in ACC)

Wake Forest has had a solid opening slate of games with wins against Stanford, NC State, Elon, and Maryland. Quarterback Riley Skinner has been efficient in the early going for the Demon Deacons and has been the ACC’s third most proficient passer,  responsible for 251.1 yards per game.

A beating at the hands of Clemson is Wake Forest’s lone blemish, as its other two defeats have been close losses against tough Baylor and Boston College teams.

Wake Forest’s second half just sent a chill up and down my spine. Games against Navy, Miami, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Duke could all spell trouble for the Demon Deacons.

All of their remaining games, minus the one versus Florida State, are against teams with .500 or better records. Wake Forest will struggle to find footing down the stretch, and Wake may be missing out on some action during the winter.

Overall Grade: B-

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