Ranking the ACC After Week Five of College Football Action

Jeffrey FannSep 27, 2008

1. Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0)—Last week: 2

Very Solid win at Nebraska. The Hokies appear to have found an offense, and Tyrod Taylor is rapidly improving. Next week against Western Kentucky shouldn't be a problem.

2. Georgia Tech (3-1, 1-1)—Last week: 3

No game this week, which is good, as it allowed starting quarterback Josh Nesbitt some time for his hamstring to heal. Think about this: Mississippi St. has played LSU, Georgia Tech, and Auburn, in the last three weeks. Guess which game was over at halftime? Yeah, the Jackets'.

3. Wake Forest (3-1, 1-0)—Last week: 1

Strangely, Wake Forest looks like it overlooked the game with Navy. Surprising loss, which obviously doesn't affect ACC standing, but Wake Forest needs to learn how to play with the target on its back, as it now has to play like the division favorite it currently remains.

4. North Carolina (3-1, 1-1)—Last week: 6

Who is Cameron Sexton? Cameron Sexton, you know Cameron Sexton, the guy who threw the winning touchdown at Miami in the final minute. Well, he's the toast of Chapel Hill right now.

What a gutty win for the Heels. Butch Davis is moving the Heels in the right direction. A couple of interesting non-conference games for the Heels coming up with Connecticut and Notre Dame next.

5. Maryland (4-1, 1-0)—Last week: 7

Break out the Terps! Maryland really had no business beating the Clemson Tigers Saturday, but it hung around, and took advantage of Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence's and coach Tommy Bowden's baffling second-half playing calling.

The Terps are starting to look a lot like last year's Gator Bowl Virginia team. They just find ways to win.

6. Florida State (3-1, 0-1)—Last week: 8

Not much trouble with Colorado today, as the offense showed some life, scoring 39 points.

Next week's battle with Miami just isn't what it used to be. Fifteen years ago, the winner probably played in the national title game; these days, the winner looks to get bowl eligible.

7. Clemson (3-2, 1-1)—Last week: 4

I didn't it think was possible, but Tommy Bowden is finding a way to blow his best opportunity ever to the win the ACC. Someone explain to me the second-half play calling...please?...I'm serious, becuase I have no idea what the Tigers were trying to do.

8. Boston College (3-1, 0-1)—Last week: 9

Beating Rhode Island doesn't mean a whole lot other than you got the walk-ons in. BC can't afford to lose to NC State next week.

9. Miami (2-2, 0-1)—Last week: 5

What the heck happened to that defense that was supposed to be so good, blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead? You know Randy Shannon might be able to recruit, but at the moment he's looking more like Tommy Bowden than Nick Saban. Division title hopes took a major hit today.

10. Duke (3-1, 1-0)—Last week: 11

Here come the Blue Devils! Simply took care of business against Virginia. First ACC win since 2004.

The Dukies are officially a pretty decent team. If they can find a way to win at Georgia Tech next week, they will climb over several teams on this list.

11. NC State (2-3, 0-1)—Last week: 10

I was a little surprised they got clobbered at home against South Florida. Wolfpack are still very much a work in progress. It will be tough for them to win more than four games this season.

12. UVA (1-3, 0-1)—Last week: 12

Losing 31-3 against Duke?! The Dukies are much improved, so no disrespect to the Blue Devils, but, my goodness, are the Cavaliers one terrible team. If I had a 13th spot, the Cavs would have it.