NCAAF, Team News / Analysis, Rankings, Clemson Tigers, Duke Blue Devils, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Miami (FL) Hurricanes, North Carolina Tar Heels, Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Tech Hokies, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, North Carolina State Wolfpack, Florida State Seminoles, Boston College Eagles
1. Clemson (3-0, 0-0 ACC; LW: No. 1) -- Sammy Watkins returned the starting lineup in high fashion, racking up 119 total yards and a touchdown off six touches. He'll need to come up huge in order for the Tigers to beat Florida State this Saturday. Next up: at Florida State, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC).
2. Florida State (3-0, 1-0; LW: No. 3) -- The Seminoles have not faced a quality opponent yet, but that does not deter from the fact that they've allowed a total of three points this season and have two straight shut outs. Next up: vs. Clemson, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC).
3. North Carolina State (2-1, 0-0; LW: No. 4) -- NC State has rebounded nicely since its disheartening season opener against Tennessee. It will play a tough FCS squad this weekend before going back at it in terms of quality opponents. Next up: vs. The Citadel, Saturday, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN3).
4. Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1; LW: No. 5) -- Although they lost to Virginia Tech earlier in the season, the Yellow Jackets are playing very well and could vie for the Coastal Division. Next up: vs. Miami (Fla.), Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (RSN).
5. Virginia Tech (2-1, 1-0; LW: No. 2) -- When you lose handily to a Pitt team that was slaughtered by an FCS school at home and an average Big East team on the road, you drop quite a few spots in the rankings. Next up: vs. Bowling Green, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET (ESPNU).
6. Miami (2-1, 1-0; LW: No. 8) -- This just goes to show how big of a drop-off there is in the latter half of the conference standings. The Hurricanes are a 6-6, 7-5 football team. Next up: at Georgia Tech, Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (RSN).
7. Virginia (2-1, 0-1; LW: No. 6) -- Virginia got handled by a superior Georgia Tech team last week, but its still good enough to rank seventh in the ACC. Next up: at TCU, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET (ESPN).
8. Duke (2-1, 0-0; LW: No. 9) -- The Blue Devils took care of NC Central 54-17, but the real story is the return of receiver Blair Holliday from a freak July jet ski incident. Next up: vs. Memphis, Saturday, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN3).
9. North Carolina (1-2, 0-0; LW: No. 10) -- It's not too often that a team loses and moves up in the rankings. Thanks to Wake Forest, Maryland and Boston College, this is possible. Next up: vs. East Carolina, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU).
10. Maryland (2-1, 0-0; LW: No. 11) -- Randy Edsall likely needs a bowl appearance to keep his job, but after that bad loss to Connecticut, there's not a great possibility of that happening. Next up: at West Virginia, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET (Fox).
11. Wake Forest (2-1, 1-1; LW: No. 7) -- Everyone knew the Deacons were going to lose to Florida State. I don't think anybody was prepared for a 52-point shutout. Next up: vs. Army, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network).
12. Boston College (1-2, 0-1; LW: No. 12) -- There's not much a defense can do when an offense can't put up enough points. Next up: BYE
