Week 12 ACC Rankings

1. Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1). The Yellow Jackets learned that their ACCCG opponent will be Clemson, and they are pretty happy about it; the last time these two met this season, it was a thrilling game that came down to the last minute...with Georgia Tech coming out on top. Last Week: 1

2. Clemson (8-3, 6-2). The Tigers clinched the Atlantic Division without even playing a game last week, but apparently head coach Dabo Swinney and the rest of the Clemson team didn't get the memo. The Clemson defense played lights out in the second half against UVA. Last Week: 2

3. Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2). Another easy ACC win for the Hokies as they improve their league mark to 5-2. With Virginia as the last game on the schedule, look for that win total to increase by one after this week. Last Week: 3

4. North Carolina (8-3, 4-3). Easily the hottest team in the ACC right now, the Tar Heels find themselves ranked once again in the top 25. But even with a bowl game in the offings, head coach Butch Davis is focused on avenging back-to-back losses to rival NC State this week and a chance to finish 3rd in the division. Last Week: 4

5. Miami (8-3, 5-3). After struggling with Dook for three quarters, the Hurricanes finally put away the pesky Blue Devils. Miami is playing good football of late, and will be a tough out in postseason play. Last Week: 5

6. Florida State (6-5, 4-4). The bowl streak (barely) continues for head coach Bobby Bowden, but the guy who is the happiest is soon-to-be-retired defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, whose defense gave him a great send-off in his final home game in Tallahassee. Last Week: 7

7. Boston College (7-4, 4-3). Tough loss for the Eagles, and those QB struggles we all expected to see at the beginning of the season were front and center against a very good UNC defense. Finishing against Maryland should send BC into their bowl game on a high note. Last Week: 6

8. Dook (5-6, 3-4). The Blue Devils won't be participating in this year's postseason, but you still have to be impressed with the job that head coach David Cutcliffe has done in two short years in Durham. With his 9 wins, Cutcliffe has already surpassed the career totals of the last two Dook head coaches, Ted Roof and Carl Franks, and already has half the total amount of wins of Fred Goldsmith, the last Dook coach to post a winning record, and almost half the total amount of wins that former Dook coach Steve Spurrier had in his three-year tenure in Durham. Last Week: 8

9. Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5). This team has nothing to play for except pride against Dook this season. Senior QB Riley Skinner has been sporadic this year, and his performance mirrors the record of this football team. Hopefully this is not the beginning of the end of great things in Winston-Salem, where the Deacs have been very good under Jim Grobe's leadership. Last Week: 9

10. Virginia (3-8, 2-5). After getting completely shut out in the second half against Clemson, you really have to wonder when - not if - the decision to fire head coach Al Groh will come down. This team showed some flashes in the first half, but less than 50 total offensive yards in the second half won't win any ball games. Last Week: 10

11. Maryland (2-9, 1-6). The Terrapins played tough and almost spoiled Bobby Bowden's chances to continue his bowl streak, but in the end it ended the way almost every game has ended for Maryland this season - with a loss. If you are a Terps fan, you have to wonder: is offensive coordinator and coach-in-waiting James Franklin really that much of an improvement over current head coach Ralph Friedgen? Last Week: 12

12. NC State (4-7, 1-6). State fans continue to wonder what might have been this season with all the injuries in Raleigh. With rival North Carolina coming to town, the only thing the Wolfpack has to play for is to continue their two-game winning streak against the Tar Heels. Last Week: 11

Week 11 ACC Rankings

1. Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1). After (officially) clinching last week, ticket sales for the ACC Championship Game started to steadily increase in the Atlanta area. The Yellow Jackets have looked virtually unstoppable all year (save for a fluke game against Miami). Last Week: 1

2. Clemson (7-3, 5-2). This team continues to do what other Clemson teams had never been able to do under former head coach Tommy Bowden - live up to expectations, win big games, and take care of business. If Clemson wins next week (regardless of what Boston College does at home against North Carolina), they will clinch the ACC Atlantic division. Last Week: 3

3. Virginia Tech (7-3, 4-2). Beating Maryland should not have been hard for this team, and the Hokies proved that they are still a force in the ACC after winning back-to-back conference games. Redshirt freshman RB Ryan Williams is a lock for the ACC Newcomer of the Year, and has been since about Week 4. Last Week: 4

4. North Carolina (7-3, 3-3). In the league's best game last week, the Tar Heels came out with a wild victory over Miami. The win made them bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season (something not done since Mack Brown was the coach), and current coach Butch Davis has yet to lose to his former team since his arrival in Chapel Hill. Last Week: 6

5. Miami (7-3, 4-3). Hurricanes fans have to be disappointed. Although they needed a lot of outside help, going into last week's game they still had an outside shot at a BCS berth. Now they are looking at bowl games like the Music City Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl instead of the Cotton Bowl or the Sugar Bowl. Last Week: 2

6. Boston College (7-3, 4-2). This team needs to get it together. The Eagles pulled out a victory last week, but no one should need a last-second effort to beat a Virginia team who has looked average at best all season. With a hot UNC team coming into town, BC needs to collectively improve if they want to pull out another victory. Last Week: 5

7. Florida State (5-5, 3-4). Head coach Bobby Bowden can hold out hope for one more week that his 27-season bowl streak will continue. The Seminoles play Maryland this week, and barring a cataclysmic collapse they should come out with a victory, which would catapult them into postseason play. Last Week: 8

8. Dook (5-5, 3-3). Definitely a humbling loss for the Blue Devils, but they were up 10-0 early in the game and had it under control. This program has come a long way in two short seasons, and with more talent on both sides of the ball coming in next year, Dook might not be the doormat that everyone has grown accustomed to seeing. They can also still go to a bowl game with one more victory. Last Week: 7

9. Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5). Though this team has been eliminated from postseason play, they can still play spoiler to a very good Dook football team, and eliminate them from bowl eligibility if the Blue Devils lose to Miami this week. That could be enough for the Deacs to steal one. Last Week: 9

10. Virginia (3-7, 2-4). Officially eliminated from bowl participation, this Cavaliers program has to be wondering what direction it's going in. They had just one quality win this year (against an injury-depleted UNC), and their only other ACC win was against Maryland. They played well against BC, but in the end this team just could not finish. Last Week: 11

11. NC State (4-6, 1-5). The Wolfpack cannot go to a bowl game this season after their loss last week to Clemson, but they can still make Virginia Tech and UNC look a little worse by winning both remaining games. It's definitely a tall task, but State has been tough to beat in November under coach Tom O'Brien. Injuries have clearly robbed this team of a chance to compete this year. Last Week: 10

12. Maryland (2-8, 1-5). No chance against a more talented Virginia Tech team last week for the Terrapins. I'm starting to run out of things to say about Maryland; they have been so bad all year, it's a wonder that there are little to no rumors about a potential coaching change in College Park. Last Week: 12

Week 10 ACC Rankings

1. Georgia Tech (9-1, 6-1). Back-to-back weeks that the Yellow Jackets have dodged a bullet. For a team that is 7th in the latest incarnation of the BCS rankings, they must play better, no question. However, they clinched the Coastal division with this win, and that deserves a ton of credit. Last Week: 1

2. Miami (7-2, 4-2). This is the Miami team we're all used to seeing. Granted, last week's demolition came against a weak UVA team, but Miami has proved all season that they were worth the preseason hype. The Canes will be out for blood against UNC this week, looking to get their first win against former UM head coach Butch Davis. Last Week: 3

3. Clemson (6-3, 4-2). Down at halftime to FSU had everyone in Tigertown a little worried, but Clemson behind (who else?) RB C.J. Spiller produced a furious comeback and beat the Seminoles to move into sole possession of the top spot in the Atlantic division. Spiller has legitimate Heisman potential, but the Tigers will have to turn heads the rest of the year if that is going to gain any more momentum. Last Week: 2

4. Virginia Tech (6-3, 3-2). Good for the Hokies to get back on track against ECU. RB Ryan Williams especially needed to atone for his game-changing fumble the week before, and his 179 yard performance certainly made up for it. Tech won't win the ACC this year, but there is no reason to think that this season is a failure by any stretch. Last Week: 4

5. Boston College (6-3, 3-2). The Eagles had a bye week last week, but they didn't need any extra preparation to face a struggling Virginia team. What BC does need, however, is to take care of business the rest of the year if they want to make it to the ACC championship game. Last Week: 6

6. North Carolina (6-3, 2-3). This season has been a little disappointing for the Heels this year due to the inordinate amount of injuries, but it is always nice to beat your biggest rival when you have the opportunity. The toughest game left on the schedule is this week when the Hurricanes come to Chapel Hill. Last Week: 8

7. Dook (5-4, 3-2). Tough loss for the Blue Devils, but this season still has to be considered a vast improvement over what they've been watching in Wallace Wade Stadium for the last decade. It doesn't get any easier with Georgia Tech coming to town, but if the Blue Devils are for real an upset might not be out of the question. Last Week: 5

8. Florida State (4-5, 2-4). Seminole Nation: it's time to start worrying about any postseason chances this team might have left. With this loss the Seminoles need to win at least two of their next three to make it to a bowl game, starting this week against Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, and remember the Deacs have had FSU's number the last two or three years. And did I mention that QB Christian Ponder is out for the rest of the season with a separated shoulder? Last Week: 7

9. Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4). The Demon Deacons almost pulled out a miracle win last week, but unfortunately it was not to be as they fell to Georgia Tech in overtime. This team has been up and down all season, but it looks as though they will be staying home this postseason unless they can beat both FSU and Dook. Last Week: 9

10. NC State (4-5, 1-4). The first conference win for the Wolfpack happens in Week 10. Hardly what coach Tom O'Brien and his staff had in mind for this year, especially with QB Russell Wilson returning and high preseason hopes for the rest of the team. It doesn't look good for the immediate future either, with Clemson, Virginia Tech, and UNC left on the schedule. Last Week: 11

11. Virginia (3-6, 2-3). Coach Al Groh and the rest of the Cavaliers staff should be a little nervous for what is going to happen the rest of the season - and after the season - after getting thoroughly embarrassed by a more talented Miami team. With BC, Clemson, and VT left, UVA could be looking at a 3-9 campaign, and possibly a new head coach. Last Week: 10

12. Maryland (2-7, 1-4). Maryland is the first ACC team to be eliminated from postseason play, and it really should come as no surprise; this team has been awful. There was little to no offensive production for the Terps last week against an injury-depleted NC State team, and Maryland couldn't stop State from racking up over 400 yards of offense. This team will be lucky to win another game all year. Last Week: 12

Week 9 ACC Rankings

Lots of surprises this week (welcome to the ACC, where no one does what they're supposed to) and the race for a berth in the ACCCG just got a lot more interesting.

1. Georgia Tech (8-1, 5-1). Let's face it, Georgia Tech is the class of the league. But what does that say when they went into the half tied with Vanderbilt? Either Vanderbilt is better than their 2-6 record said going into the game, or GT dodged a huge bullet. I'm more inclined to go with the latter. Last Week: 1

2. Clemson (5-3, 3-2). Okay, so Coastal Carolina isn't the most difficult opponent, but the Tigers did what they were supposed to do: go in and dominate a much weaker team, and that's saying something for a program that has struggled to live up to expectations for the last two seasons. Losing DE DaQuan Bowers is a big loss going into this week's game against FSU. Last Week: 3

3. Miami (6-2, 3-2). It wasn't pretty, but the Canes snuck out of Winston-Salem with a win and that's all that matters. This team is essentially mathematically eliminated from the ACCCG, but winning games like the one last week will do a lot to help this program remember how to win (consistently) again. Last Week: 4

4. Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-2). Soul-crushing defeat for the Hokies last week to Carolina. The offense looked anemic, and the defense couldn't stop the Heels when it mattered the most. This is still a very good football team and will likely win out to finish the season, but Tech fans have to be disappointed. Last Week: 2

5. Dook (5-3, 3-1). The Blue Devils are in a great position; they control their destiny in the ACC, and they have a chance to defeat their most hated rival in their building after they are coming off a huge emotional win. If the Blue Devils catch UNC sleeping, they will be in great position for (gasp) a bowl game. Last Week: 6

6. Boston College (6-3, 3-2). Central Michigan hasn't lost in MAC play, but Boston College soundly defeated the Chippewas and became bowl-eligible in the process. If David Cutcliffe wasn't in the ACC, I could make a very strong case for Frank Spaziani for ACC Coach of the Year. Last Week: 5

7. Florida State (4-4, 2-3). It was closer than the experts thought, but the Seminoles still defeated an NC State team that gave them a lot of trouble. This week's game against Clemson is huge for FSU; if they can beat the Tigers, it gets them back to .500 in the league and they will be one win away from becoming bowl-eligible. Last Week: 9

8. North Carolina (5-3, 1-3). Biggest win in the last four years for the Tar Heels. Going into Lane Stadium on Thursday and coming out with a win rarely (if ever) happens, and yet Carolina got the win that absolutely saved their season. If they can get past hated rival Dook this week, they will be one win away from becoming bowl-eligible. Last Week: 11

9. Wake Forest (4-5, 2-3). Tough loss for Wake Forest, as they simply couldn't hold on against Miami. This team has definitely taken a step back this season, albeit a small one, and needs to regroup if they are going to become eligible for postseason play. Last Week: 8

10. Virginia (3-5, 2-2). Losing to Dook is never a good feeling, but Virginia fans had to know that the success this season wasn't going to last forever. The Cavaliers need to win out to go to a bowl, but with Miami, Clemson, and VT left on the schedule it doesn't look likely. Last Week: 7

11. NC State (3-5, 0-4). It was closer than the experts thought (so give coach Tom O'Brien a little credit for a productive bye week) but with half the ACC season gone the Wolfpack still has not tallied an ACC win. If they lose to a putrid Maryland team then they don't deserve to go to a bowl this year, plain and simple. Last Week: 12

12. Maryland (2-6, 1-3). The Terps didn't lose last week because of the bye week, and that's a good thing for Ralph Friedgen. Why? Because it gave him an extra week to clean out his office and put his house on the market. The Terps have been awful this year, and except for a gift from Clemson it is very possible that this team could only have 1 win this year. This week's game against NC State is huge for both teams; a loss for either team eliminates them from postseason play. Last Week: 10

Recap: UNC 20, VT 17

What a great win for the Tar Heel program. The team showed a lot of courage and heart, bounced back from a little adversity in a way that I haven't seen in this program since the early part of this decade, and went into one of the toughest environments in college football in front of a national audience and defeated a Virginia Tech team who Carolina had never beaten before since the Hokies' inception into the ACC.

However, there are a few things I picked up on that I am hopeful that the team will get fixed in time for their Homecoming contest against arch-rival Dook. First and foremost, last night proved to me once again that T.J. Yates is simply not the kind of quarterback who can win you the game. He's a nice player who can come up with some good throws, but overall he is too inconsistent to be considered an above-average quarterback at the collegiate level. Secondly, the defense - despite playing very well all game - gave up too many yards through the air. I understand that was the gameplan (load the box and force VT QB Tyrod Taylor to beat you with his arm) but the soft zone that had become defensive coordinator Everett Withers' calling card during his first year in Chapel Hill made a reappearance last night, and proved to be just as soft and lax as ever. Against a good QB like Dook's Thad Lewis, this team simply cannot allow that to happen.

Overall however this team was exceptional last night. I would count this among the programs five biggest wins this decade without question, and proved to me that this team is ready to be among the ACC's better teams. Though they are fighting for bowl eligibility (the Heels need to win 2 of their next 4 games to become eligible for postseason play), UNC showed that they can win the big game, despite a little adversity, and that they are ready to take the next step as a football program.

Week 8 ACC Rankings

Lots of crazy games in the ACC this week, and as a result the rankings have been shaken up.

1. Georgia Tech (7-1, 5-1). Is there any doubt that Paul Johnson's offense can work in the BCS? It may not be pretty according to some college football fans, but the Yellow Jackets are now the favorite to go to the Orange Bowl. Last Week: 1

2. Virginia Tech (5-2, 3-1). The Hokies got a week to stew over their loss to Georgia Tech that very well may cost them a chance at a third consecutive ACC championship and a BCS berth. Expect them to take their anger out on the reeling Tar Heels this week on Thursday night. Last Week: 3

3. Clemson (4-3, 3-2). In arguably the most important win of their season thus far, Clemson showed up and proved that they can take the ACC Atlantic division title away from Boston College. RB C.J. Spiller has been my pick for ACC Player of the Year since Week 3, and he keeps proving me right every single week. Last Week: 5

4. Miami (5-2, 2-2). The loss to Clemson ruined any shot the Canes had at a BCS berth, and their loss to Virginia Tech looms large now in the ACC Coastal division race. Unless Georgia Tech slips up somewhere on their schedule, Miami looks to be the third-best team in the division this year, an improvement from last year's campaign. Last Week: 2

5. Boston College (5-3, 3-2). The loss to Notre Dame doesn't look as bad on the scoreboard as it did when you actually watched the game. The Eagles made a valiant effort, but simply couldn't get past a very talented Irish team. This week should prove a little easier as they go against Central Michigan at home. Last Week: 4

6. Dook (4-3, 2-1). The Blue Devils won back-to-back ACC games for the first time since 1994, and are three wins away from becoming bowl-eligible. Wow. If there is a hotter coach at a non-powerhouse school than David Cutcliffe, let me know; there is no doubt that the Dook head man should be the ACC Coach of the Year. Last Week: 9

7. Virginia (3-4, 2-1). It's a slight step back to reality for the Wahoos with their lopsided loss against Georgia Tech, but let's be honest here: Virginia had been playing with house money the last four weeks. They still control their own destiny with games against Dook, Miami, and Virginia Tech. Last Week: 6

8. Wake Forest (4-4, 2-2). Humbling loss to Navy last week for the Deacs. They simply could not stop the triple option and couldn't get anything done on offense until it was too late. This is an average team (as demonstrated by their .500 record), and they need to find a way to win close games if they are going to go to a bowl game this year. Last Week: 7

9. Florida State (3-4, 1-3). The Seminoles finally got their first ACC win last week on a huge stage by posting a 24-3 comeback and stealing a win in Chapel Hill. Florida State has NC State this week, and I would look for Bobby Bowden to further silence his critics by getting his 2nd ACC win and getting back to .500. Last Week: 11

10. Maryland (2-6, 1-3). This team looks completely lost. Losing to Dook in football is no easy task, despite the momentum that the Blue Devil program has right now, and the Terps are easily one of the worst teams in the ACC. This bye week is crucial for this team to find some way to be competitive the rest of the season. Last Week: 10

11. North Carolina (4-3, 0-3). Perhaps this is dropping the Heels a little too low, but let's be honest: this team had the game in the bag on Thursday night and choked it away. Unless there is some grand recovery plan in the offing for this team, it is very conceivable that they could go winless the rest of the season. Last Week: 8

12. NC State (3-4, 0-3). The Wolfpack didn't play this week, but they still have lost two games by more than 20 points in back-to-back contests. With the way FSU QB Christian Ponder played last week, NC State should have a lot to worry about as they travel to Tallahassee. Last Week: 12

Instant Recap: UNC 27, FSU 30

...

What can you say? UNC had the game won; 24-6 in the 3rd quarter, only to let the Seminoles go on a 24-3 run to close the game. FSU QB Christian Ponder channeled his inner Johnny Unitas, going 33-40 for a career-high 395 yards and 3 TDs, and the lauded UNC defense could not stop FSU from scoring again...and again...and again.

As much as I hate knee-jerk analyses (it usually ends up in hasty remarks that you would later come to regret), I'm going to go against my better judgment and make a bold prediction here: the season is over for Carolina football.

Yes, I said it. You can all start looking forward to basketball season.

Though there are some positives to take away from this game - UNC RB Shaun Draughn had 120 yards on the ground, and the Heels had over 300 yards of total offense - there is simply no way this team can come back from an effort like this. To lose on the first-ever Thursday night game in Chapel Hill by squandering an 18-point 3rd-quarter lead accompanied by the amount of injuries on this football team is simply a killer; UNC will struggle to finish at .500 this season, and I highly doubt that this team will return to any form of postseason play this year.

Looking ahead it doesn't look any better. Virginia Tech will crush this team. Dook has a legitimate chance to beat Carolina for the second time this decade. Miami should win handily against UNC. Boston College is a better team than Carolina is at this point in time. NC State will look to continue their recent streak of dominance against the Heels, and they'll have momentum on their side playing at home. Frankly, it wouldn't be completely out of the question for UNC to go 0-5 to close out the season. Granted, I don't think it will happen, but the fact that it's not outside the realm of possibility is enough for me to declare this season a wash.

Move on, UNC football fans; it's time to look to next year for this program to once again try to live up to their "potential" or any expectations placed on them prior to the season.

And I'll leave with a thought that hadn't crossed my mind until tonight: what if what happened against FSU is as good as it ever gets in Chapel Hill?

The State of UNC Basketball

Coming off their second national championship in five years, the Tar Heels are clearly the cream of the crop in college basketball. With Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams at the helm and a storied history including the likes of Phil Ford, James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and now Tyler Hansbrough, it doesn't look like Carolina is slowing down anytime soon.

However, doubts remain about the current incarnation of the boys in Carolina blue. Gone are Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, Bobby Frasor, and Mike Copeland. Of those six, four of them have NBA futures. So how does UNC recover?

It all starts with the two seniors this year: Deon Thompson and Marcus Ginyard. For Thompson's entire career he has played in the shadow of the greatest collegiate player of the last 10 years; this year, he needs to capitalize on being the main option offensively in the post. Ginyard is coming back from a debilitating injury last season that forced him to miss all but a handful of games, but his noteworthy leadership and stellar perimeter defense will need to be complimented by some offensive output as well if this team wants to return to the Final Four.

Two other key contributors on this team are going to be Ed Davis and Larry Drew II. Davis could have gone pro after last season, but chose to stay in Chapel Hill another year to work on his offensive production. He will need to be a force in the paint opposite Thompson to be effective, and he proved that he's more than capable last season. Drew II will probably be the most scrutinized player on the floor this year; he replaces a player in Lawson who had an assist-to-turnover ration of just north of 4:1, and has little to no experience as the starter at Carolina. His development is key to this team's chances at success.

Keep an eye on the freshmen this year. The last time a class was slated to have this big of an impact was in 2006, with Hansbrough/Green/Frasor/Ginyard coming to Chapel Hill. John Henson was a consensus top-10 recruit, and his 6'10 length will be tested on the perimeter to start the season. Dexter Strickland will see key minutes at both guard positions. Leslie McDonald has a chance to be the Heels' most complete player as a freshman, and the Wear twins David and Travis will both earn playing time along the frontcourt.

The Heels also keep on reloading as well. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program, and Williams is one of the best in locating elite talent and selling the strong points of UNC. Guards Kendall Marshall and Reggie Bullock are set to join the team after this season (both are consensus top-50 players), and UNC remains in the hunt to add the services of Harrison Barnes, the #1 player in the 2010 class. The 2011 group looks strong as well with the Heels already holding commitments from in-state superstar P.J. Hairston and top-5 talent James McAdoo.

So where is the UNC basketball program headed? Well, it's hard to say, really; after winning a national championship critics think that there isn't anywhere to go but down, however the Heels seem to have great teams lined up for the foreseeable future. The answer might not be either up or down, but rather where will this program end up in terms of all-time runs? Will it rival what UCLA accomplished under John Wooden? Will it surpass Indiana and Kentucky in terms of national titles and all-time wins?

There are still a lot of variables out there that dictate how this year's team does; a perceived lack of outside shooting, proven point guard play, and potential lapses in overall offensive production could severely retard this team's goals. However, when you're playing for national championships every year, it's easy to expect excellence. This year and beyond, the Tar Heel basketball program looks to be the best in the country, and it's not hard to think that this could be the beginning of the next great college basketball dynasty.

Tar Heel Football: What's To Come

Getting an early morning to talk about what is yet to come for the gridiron Tar Heels this year, and give a sneak peak of what's yet to come.

I'm going to be honest (perhaps brutally so) with you guys: this season has essentially 3 must-win games left: FSU tomorrow night, Dook at home for Homecoming, and at NC State to finish out the season. If Carolina wins those games, they will go to a bowl game. The only other game that might be considered "winnable" for the Heels on the remaining schedule is at BC, but in Boston in late November it is going to be tough to win a football game against the home team. I think 7-5 is a good estimate of where this team will finish this season given certain injuries and possible returns (most notably TE Zach Pianalto and possibly C Lowell Dyer), and Carolina becomes bowl-eligible for back-to-back seasons for the first time since Mack Brown was the head coach.

Past this season, I think Tar Heel fans still have a lot to look forward to. I know a lot of people were expecting big things from this team THIS year, but (in continuing with the honesty theme) when injuries decimate a team like they have Carolina this season, it is so hard to come back from something like that. Critics will view this as an excuse, but to be honest there is no way this team could have been as competitive as they wanted to be without a healthy offense; even if the offense was healthy enough to be in the top 50 nationally this team might still be undefeated with the defense that has been assembled on the opposite side.

Next year (and no, it's not too early to start talking next year with this team) looks very bright. UNC recently picked up their 5th offensive line commitment for this class (obviously a huge need given the attrition over the last 3 months at that position), and are in the hunt nationally for some other big-name recruits, most notably South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore and Pennsylvania defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd. If either of those players commit to the Tar Heels, this recruiting class will be considered a sure-fire success. Add that to the majority of players returning healthy next season with added experience from this year, and I'm not sure that the Tar Heels don't have a legitimate shot to make some real noise in the ACC next year...and possibly win the league.

Final note about this season and next season: if the offense can find any way to consistently produce, I fully believe that team will be successful given what is on the other side of the ball. That is truly the bottom line for this UNC program; if Carolina can run the ball consistently and complete good passes down the field, even if they are 4- and 5-yard completions, I don't see any reason why this team cannot be an elite ACC football team.

Week 7 ACC Rankings

Now that every ACC team has played at least 6 games, these rankings reflect the true halfway point of the ACC footbal season. However, we can already start to see a few trends for this year: some teams (North Carolina, NC State, Florida State) were overrated at the beginning of the season, while some teams (Boston College, Miami, Virginia) might have been underrated a little bit. One thing is for certain: it's going to be very interesting to see how everyone does the second half of the season.

1. Georgia Tech (6-1, 4-1). Say what you want about Paul Johnson and his "gimmick" offense, but make no mistake about it: more than halfway through their ACC schedule, the Yellow Jackets are sitting pretty in the conference standings at 4-1. Beating VT last week is a huge boost for their BCS stock as well. Last Week: 3

2. Miami (5-1, 2-1). This team continues to be a bright spot for the league. If they can run the table (which seems likely given that the hardest part of their schedule is behind them), they could give the ACC (gasp!) a second BCS team. Last Week: 2

3. Virginia Tech (5-2, 3-1). So there's no reason why this team cannot still be a fantastic two-loss team. In fact, I would expect this team to have a legitimate shot to finish the season at 10-2 (remaining schedule: UNC, @ECU, @UMD, NCSU, and @UVA) and possibly play their way into the Chick-fil-A Bowl provided Miami does not slip up. Last Week: 1

4. Boston College (5-2, 3-2). You never know what you're going to get with BC, but one thing is for sure - Montel Harris is a legitimate star at RB. It looks as though it could be down to the Eagles and Clemson to take the ACC Atlantic Division crown - if either of them really wants it. Last Week: 5

5. Clemson (3-3, 2-2). This team has been hovering in the middle of the pack in the ACC all year, but last week they looked impressive against a surprising Wake Forest team. If the Tigers can get a big win in Miami this week, they control their destiny for Tampa Bay and the ACC Championship Game with a win over BC already. Last Week: 6

6. Virginia (3-3, 2-0). After starting the season 0-3, the Cavs have come back to actually be in position to control their own destiny in the ACC. Problem: they haven't played Georgia Tech, Miami, or Virginia Tech yet, and all of those teams are better than the Maryland team UVA saw last week. Last Week: 8

7. Wake Forest (4-3, 2-2). Big loss to Clemson last week, and it definitely puts the Deacs in a hole for any chance at an ACC title with losses to both BC and now the Tigers. However, don't sleep on coach Jim Grobe; this team still has Miami and Georgia Tech on its schedule and they could be a huge spoiler going forward this season. Last Week: 4

8. North Carolina (4-2, 0-2). Even though the Heels didn't play a game last week, they still lost two more players for the season in RBs A.J. Blue and Jamal Womble. The Heels' game against FSU this week on Thursday night is an absolute must-win for both teams. If Carolina wins they are still in the hunt for a bowl game; if not, this season is essentially over with a brutal schedule remaining. Last Week: 9

9. Dook (3-3, 1-1). Suddenly, the win over NC State doesn't look as large for the Blue Devils, who enjoyed a bye week last week. This team has some talent, and if they can put it together on both sides of the ball, they could actually become bowl eligible. Last Week: 7

10. Maryland (2-5, 1-2). Though this team lost to UVA last week, they were in a position to win until a costly late 3rd-quarter interception return for a TD. It seems as though the Terrapins are always just a little bit short in close games, and in the end that simply doesn't get the job done. Last Week: 11

11. Florida State (2-4, 0-3). With a bye week to prepare for Thursday night's game against UNC in Chapel Hill, the Seminoles are faced with an absolutely desperate situation. If they win, there is still some hope left in the season with Clemson, Wake Forest, and Maryland still on the schedule; if not, it could be the (actual) end of the Bobby Bowden era in Tallahassee. Last Week: 12

12. NC State (3-4, 0-3). Back-to-back losses by more than 20 points to conference opponents has a way of getting a team absolutely demoralized. Luckily for the Wolfpack, they have a bye this week. Otherwise, we could be talking about another soul-crushing, lopsided demolition of a team once thought to be on the verge of breaking out. Last Week: 10

Bye Week For The Heels

Thank God for bye weeks.

This could not have come at a better time for Carolina. Between the onslaught of injuries from the start of training camp, to the offense simply not being able to execute, this team needed a break to recooperate, and understand what is yet to come this year.

The coaching staff will be using this break as a final opportunity to take a deep breath before the last half of the season, and with a daunting schedule this Carolina team will absolutely need it. Florida State comes to Chapel Hill next Thursday in the first-ever weekday game in Chapel Hill, then the Heels travel to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech a week later. Home contests against Dook and Miami follow on back-to-back weeks, and UNC closes out the season traveling to both Boston College and NC State.

There's little doubt this season has not gone as planned for the Tar Heels. Before the injuries and bad execution, there were high hopes of 10 wins (still a possibility, albeit highly unlikely), an ACC title, and possibly taking the next step under coach Butch Davis towards becoming a perennial ACC power in football. With most of those dreams dashed by the wayside and/or put on hold until next year, it's time for the coaching staff and the players to show what they are really made of. Will this team quit and finish the season in the same anemic fashion that they did last year, or will they finally show their fans that they have learned to finish not only games but seasons?

We will all find out next Thursday night in Chapel Hill against the Seminoles.

College Basketball Preview: UNC

All right, so as everyone knows this is the time of year where everyone around Chapel Hill starts to get really excited. Late Night with Roy is coming up, and that means basketball players dressed like the Beach Boys and dancing to some ridiculous pop song, the best Roy Williams impersonation by a player, and (possibly) the return of Divine Noel and/or Martha Vineyard. Fun for the whole family, no doubt.

But what about the product on the court for the Tar Heels? After all, they lost all-everything Tyler Hansbrough, dynamic Ty Lawson, versatile Danny Green, and deadly Wayne Ellington along with valuable contributors Bobby Frasor and Mike Copeland. Who can replace that level of production?

Start with the two seniors on this team, forwards Marcus Ginyard and Deon Thompson. Both have championship experience, but they've also experienced failure and disappointment. Thompson will be the primary option in the post, alongside sophomore Ed Davis, while Ginyard will be counted on to provide stellar defense and unyielding intangibles.

With a few key contributions - I see sophomore guard Larry Drew II and junior forward Will Graves as the players with the largest burdens headed into the season - and a little luck - look out for freshmen John Henson and Dexter Strickland this year - this team could end up back in the thick of it for the ACC title...and maybe more.

Basketball Preseason Rankings: ACC

So with the college basketball season right around the corner, it's time to make a useless, completely baseless preseason ranking...I mean, a completely true, absolutely accurate preseason ranking that will be set in stone! Mark it down, these are going to stick all year!

All right, seriously; here's how I see it going into the season.

1. North Carolina. This team lost almost every important contributor from last season's national championship team, including all-time ACC great Tyler Hansbrough. However, the most important loss for this team is PG Ty Lawson, who left early to go to the NBA. Sophomore Larry Drew and true freshman Dexter Strickland will be counted on to run the all-important point guard position for the Heels, and if they can play well there is no reason this team cannot repeat as regular season ACC champions.

2. Dook. Everyone can talk about how Dook isn't Dook, and how coach Mike Krzyzewski isn't completely focused on his primary job with his secondary Olympic obligations, but the bottom line here is that even with three legitimate guards on this roster (senior Jon Scheyer, junior Nolan Smith, and freshman Andre Dawkins), this team is still one of the better teams in the league. SF/PF Kyle Singler could actually be the best player in the ACC coming into the season.

3. Clemson. Two words for this team: Trevor Booker. The return of the senior forward helps this team out tremendously; he is by far their best player and really helps them on both ends of the floor with his physicality and tenacity. However, he doesn't have to do it all by himself, and the team that coach Oliver Purnell has surrounded Booker with might be his best yet since he began at Clemson.

4. Wake Forest. They lost two big-time contributors in James Johnson and Jeff Teague, but this team has everything necessary to be competitive in the ACC. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu will be counted on to be Wake's go-to guy, and fellow big men Ty Walker, Chas McFarland, and Tony Woods will make this team very hard to defend.

5. Maryland. Say what you want about guard Greivis Vasquez, but he just might be the most complete player in the ACC headed into the season. He proved in big games that he can carry the load, and he can also distribute the ball to his teammates, especially forward Landon Milbourne who will break out this year as one of the league's best players.

6. Georgia Tech. This ranking may seem a little high for the Yellow Jackets, but with a guy like Derrick Favors, your chances to win become a lot better. He may only be a freshman, but he is already Tech's best player and will be the focal point of the opposition every time they play. And I will never underestimate a Paul Hewitt team; the man is one of the more underrated coaches in America.

7. Boston College. Guard Tyrese Rice is (finally) gone, but this team will still be dangerous. Players like Rakim Sanders, Joe Trapani, and Tyler Roche need to help replace the scoring, and one of them will also need to replace the leadership that Rice represented. With no incoming recruits, the burden falls on guard Biko Paris to step up and play well as the only option at PG for the Eagles.

8. Florida State. If you want to watch a long, athletic team this season, watch the Seminoles. They have a stud in center Solomon Alabi, and freshman guard Michael Snaer could very well be a first-team all-ACC freshman performer. Coach Leonard Hamilton has quietly been building a good team in Tallahassee, and they could take the next step this year.

9. Virginia. This team looked good at times last year, but it wasn't enough to save coach Dave Leitao's job. New head man Tony Bennett comes in and has already made an impact in Charlottesville, and he has a great player on the roster already in guard Sylven Landesberg. The Cavs might take a year two adjust under Bennett, but don't be surprised if they make a splash this year.

10. Virginia Tech. This is without a doubt junior guard Malcolm Delaney's team. Gone are scorer A.D. Vassallo and tough guy Cheick Diakite, and Delaney has to be the guy for this team if they want to stay competitive in the ACC. Forward Jeff Allen also has to continue his development if the Hokies will be a factor this year.

11. Miami. Flip a coin here between Miami and NC State for last in the ACC. I came up with Miami at 11th, and it really makes sense. Guard James Dews, along with forwards Dwayne Collins and Cyrus McGowan have big game experience and can lead this team to a few surprise wins. Coach Frank Haith will definitely have his work cut out for him this season.

12. NC State. It is quite conceivable that NC State's best player is forward Dennis Horner. If you are coach Sidney Lowe, that has to keep you awake at night. There is definitely some young talent on this roster - and some intriguing players like 7'1 Australian freshman center Jordan Vandenberg - but it could be a long year in Raleigh unless those young players step up.

College Basketball Preview: ACC

All right, everyone, it's that time of year again. The hardwood has been polished (yeah, I really did just type that...you guys are dirty), the balls inflated (all right, this is getting a little out of control)...whatever. It's college basketball season, and that means that everyone will once again be touting the ACC as the best college basketball conference in America.

They are right. This is not an opinion. This is a fact. The ACC is the best college basketball conference in America.

Consider this: of the last 10 national champions, four of them have been from the ACC (Dook in 2001, Maryland in 2002, UNC in 2005 and 2009). Between UNC and Dook, those two teams have appeared in the Final Four 32 times (the next closest conference combination is Ohio State and Indiana with 18). The ACC will be home to the college basketball program with the most wins in history once UNC passes Kentucky this season (the Tar Heels are currently four games behind the Wildcats in the win column), and has boasted great players like Michael Jordan, David Thompson, Len Bias, Ralph Sampson, Tim Duncan, and Bobby Hurley.

This year promises to be a great year for the ACC in college basketball. North Carolina is the defending regular-season champion and the defending national champion, while Dook is the defending ACC tournament champion. While both those teams will be expected to maintain their high level of play, there are high expectations for nearly every school in the league.

Wake Forest came on strong last year with a group of talented freshmen including PF Al-Farouq Aminu, and figure to be in the mix again this year with a tall and dominant frontcourt.

Georgia Tech adds arguably the #1 recruit in the country in PF Derrick Favors to the fold as they look to stir the pot.

Maryland has a sleeper for the ACC POY in PG Greivis Vasquez and looks to be a factor in the title race.

Clemson returns PF Trevor Booker and adds a talented recruiting class to a team poised to take the next step into that elite basketball stratosphere. And the list goes on...and on...and on.

Over the past few years, there have been some great stories in college basketball. Coaches like Billy Donovan, Mark Few, and Jay Wright have solidified their places in the pantheon of great college coaches. Players like Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and Blake Griffin have wowed the crowds with their skill and ability. Programs like Indiana, Memphis, and Louisville have been rocked by scandal. But one story has remained the same:

The ACC is the best conference for college basketball in the country. And this season promises to be one of the best in recent memory.

Week 6 ACC Rankings

Almost halfway done with the college football season for a lot of teams, and the ACC picture is starting to come into focus. Here are the rankings halfway through:

1. Virginia Tech (5-1, 3-0). It's not even close; it has been made abundantly clear after the Hokies' demolition of Boston College to the tune of 48-14 that they are the best program in the league, and right now the conference's only legitimate hope for a BCS national championship contender. Last Week: 1

2. Miami (4-1, 2-1). This team has made a lot of headlines this season, and rightfully so; true sophomore QB Jacory Harris is arguably the best QB in the conference (it's between him, VT's Tyrod Taylor, and NC State's Russell Wilson) and could very well be the ACC's next Heisman winner before his career is over. Last Week: 2

3. Georgia Tech (5-1, 3-1). In a high-scoring game against FSU, the Yellow Jackets proved they can be offensively dominant even in close games. This week will be the biggest test for this team as they go up against Virginia Tech, but they do get the benefit of having the Hokies in Bobby Dodd Stadium. This will be the game to watch in the ACC this week. Last Week: 3

4. Wake Forest (4-2, 2-1). Big win for the Deacs over Maryland last week. Though the Terps haven't been great this season, they were on top of the division before playing Wake, and a win for the Demon Deacons puts them in the driver's seat in the wild ACC Atlantic Division. Last Week: 6

5. Boston College (4-2, 2-2). Even though the Eagles were humbled against Virginia Tech, they should keep in mind two things: first, VT is a juggernaut and easily the best team the Eagles will face all year, and second, they are still in the mix to win the division. Big game against NC State this week. Last Week: 4

6. Clemson (2-3, 1-2). The Tigers had a bye week last week, so their status remains mostly unchanged. RB C.J. Spiller is my pick to be ACC POY after the season, but he can't do it by himself if Clemson is going to live up to the lofty preseason expectations. Maryland is a big game this week both for Clemson's season and any shot they want at the division title. Last Week: 7

7. Dook (3-3, 1-1). Last week's win over NC State wasn't just a huge win for the Blue Devils' season, it was a statement about the direction of this entire program. If there was any doubt about where head coach David Cutcliffe was taking this program, the answer after last week is a resounding "UP". Last Week: 8

8. Virginia (2-3, 1-0). Don't look now, but the Cavs just went from ACC doormat to the second-hottest team in the league behind Virginia Tech. Indiana may not be a "quality" opponent, but UVA has been clicking on both sides of the ball for two straight weeks and could be a very tough out the rest of the season. Last Week: 11

9. North Carolina (4-2, 0-2). Carolina needed a huge win against FCS opponent Georgia Southern, and they got it by a 42-12 margin. Headed into the bye week this team needs to get healthy and get ready for arguably the most difficult second half of the season in college football: FSU, @VT, Dook, Miami, @BC, and @NCSU. Last Week: 12

10. NC State (3-3, 0-2). Suddenly the Wolfpack doesn't look as good as some (myself included) thought they did. They didn't just lose to Dook; they were flat-out embarrassed by a team they hadn't lost at home to in a quarter-century. It may be time to temper expectations for this team if they're going to continue to struggle against less-talented teams. Last Week: 5

11. Maryland (2-4, 1-1). Back to reality for Maryland. This week's loss to Wake Forest proved that the Terps were incredibly lucky to get past Clemson the week before, and once again there are whispers circling around College Park about the job security of head coach Ralph Freidgen. Last Week: 9

12. Florida State (2-4, 0-3). This season is quickly becoming a disaster for Florida State. Revered head coach Bobby Bowden is being second-guessed at every turn by almost everyone in Tallahassee, and this program seemingly has no direction and no plan for the future. They need this bye week to regroup and figure out a way to defeat North Carolina, or else this season could be over for the Seminoles. Last Week: 10

Recap: UNC 42, GSU 12

Nice comeback win for the Heels as they throttle an over-matched Georgia Southern team in a game that was never really in doubt after Carolina went up 21-7 in the second quarter. LBs Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter both had defensive touchdowns while CB Kendric Burney and LB Zach Brown tallied INTs for the Tar Heel defense, who looked incredibly motivated and hungry from the outset.

The offense also played well, and the key to that was OG Jonathon Cooper's return to the lineup. Cooper solidified what has been an injury decimated offensive line and helped the Heels rack up four rushing touchdowns on the day. Though there were some other injuries in this game for the offense (RBs A.J. Blue and Jamal Womble, as well as replacement OC Cam Holland), they executed better than in previous weeks and started to get a good rhythm.

The starters should definitely feel good about where they are headed into the bye week; a lot of those guys are replacement starters who have gained valuable experience throughout this injury-plagued season, and to be sitting at 4-2 isn't the end of the world for this team. Granted, there are some very tough tests ahead (including at Virginia Tech, which looks to be the toughest remaining game left on UNC's schedule), but if Carolina has a good bye week, gets healthy, and comes out strong against Florida State, they could be right back in the thick of things with the majority of their ACC schedule left on the table.

Further Reaction to UNC-UVA

So last week's game against UVA has come and gone, and 16-3 in favor of Virginia still looks like an anomaly. I mean, here is a team that hadn't won a game, had lost to three non-BCS opponents (albeit a good team in TCU) including one FCS school, but they still are able to come into Chapel Hill and beat Carolina for the 7th time out of 8?

Here's a startling statistic for all you Carolina fans: Butch Davis is 2-6 against major UNC rivals. He was absolutely crushed by Wake Forest in 2007 and by NC State last season, and lost by 13 points to a UVA team that hadn't won a game all season before they came to Chapel Hill. Getting good recruits is nice, but what good is it if you can't win on the field?

I think it's apparent that a change needs to be made. I'm sticking with Davis because of his track record in improving the quality of talent on the roster, which is something that Carolina desperately needs and has since Carl Torbush became the coach in 1998. But there is simply no reason for offensive coordinator John Shoop to remain in Chapel Hill past this season; he was unsuccessful with the Bears and Raiders in the NFL, and he has been an uncreative flop since his arrival at UNC. If Davis and Carolina continue to be committed to the pro-style offense (which I think is the right call), then they should look at coordinators who have success with those schemes when looking for their next OC, because I can assure you that Shoop's days are numbered in Chapel Hill.

Week 5 ACC Rankings

1. Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0). Close win against Dook, but this team still has all the goods to make it back to the BCS this season. RB Ryan Williams is a lock for ACC Newcomer of the Year. Last Week: 1

2. Miami (3-1, 2-1). 3-1 against a brutal 4-game schedule is impressive, but unless Virginia Tech stumbles in conference play, the Canes will be on the outside looking in at the Orange Bowl. Last Week: 3

3. Georgia Tech (4-1, 2-1). This team is kicking itself for losing to Miami, but they could really shake things up in the Coastal if they take care of business the next two weeks against FSU and VT. Last Week: 2

4. Boston College (4-1, 2-1). I am officially a believer in this team. It may not be pretty or flashy, but this Eagles team has quietly risen to the top of the Atlantic Division for the third year in a row. Last Week: 7

5. NC State (3-2, 0-1). The Wolfpack is back and playing great football, despite losing to Wake Forest last week. I can definitely see this team winning the Atlantic if they can get past BC. Last Week: 4

6. Wake Forest (3-2, 1-1). Big win for the Deacs against NC State. This could be a momentum maker for the season, and I will never count out a Jim Grobe-coached football team. They could surprise some people in ACC play. Last Week: 9

7. Clemson (2-3, 1-2). Tough loss last week against a Maryland team who tried to give the game away multiple times. Clemson must find a way to be more consistent or else they will underachieve yet again this year. Last Week: 5

8. Dook (2-3, 0-1). Hanging in there against the defending ACC champions deserves a little credit. Dook may not get to a bowl this year, but if they do they will look back on games like last week's and use it as a learning experience. Last Week: 10

9. Maryland (2-3, 1-0). I'm not ready to christen the Terps just yet because they beat a perennial underachiever in Clemson, but they did hold on for the win despite some key mistakes. That deserves some recognition. Last Week: 11

10. Florida State (2-3, 0-2). Severe underachievement does not begin to describe what is happening in Tallahassee right now. Despite having the talent to win the conference, this team has fallen flat since the outset and is scrambling to become bowl-eligible. Last Week: 8

11. Virginia (1-3, 1-0). Massive win for the Hoos last week against UNC. It may have been the first win of the season, but getting over that hurdle was extremely important for this team. They could turn it around and be a factor in the ACC if they play like that the rest of the year. Last Week: 12

12. North Carolina (3-2, 0-2). This will be a back-to-basics year for the Heels. While the defense is one of the best in the country, they are greatly overshadowed and undone by an offense that is among the worst in the country. This team may not become bowl-eligible unless it gets healthy - and quick. Last Week: 6

Recap: UNC 3, UVA 16

Break out the black, Carolina fans. The hope for UNC to reach the ACC Championship Game this season is officially dead.

The Tar Heels were simply terrible against a hungry Virginia team looking for its first win, and the Cavaliers found it against an opponent who they have now defeated 7 out of the last 8 meetings. This is a cause for concern for Carolina fans, and the first real reason to criticize head coach Butch Davis since his arrival in Chapel Hill; as Carolina's head coach, Davis is a paltry 2-6 against UNC's major rivals (Virginia, Dook, NC State, and Wake Forest).

Major concerns once again lie on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line injuries continue to impact TJ Yates (who played admirably well despite throwing two INTs) and disrupt any attempts at offensive rhythm. Those injuries were compounded even further at the end of the fourth quarter with starting left tackle Kyle Jolly going down with what appeared to be (at best) a hyper-extended right knee. Defensively, it was the same story against Georgia Tech and Connecticut this year; the defense was on the field for the majority of the afternoon, and eventually just broke under the punishing ground attack for UVA.

Unless this UNC team gets healthy in a hurry, it doesn't look good for any chances at the postseason this year. UNC plays FCS opponent Georgia Southern next week, a very talented and disciplined team who will be looking to come away from Kenan Stadium with a monstrous upset. After that comes a mercifully placed bye week, followed by a brutal back stretch of Florida State, Virginia Tech, Dook, Miami, Boston College, and NC State. If UNC goes into the bye week 4-2, gets healthy in the next two weeks, and solves some of the arrhythmia on offense, then maybe a bowl game is still within reach. If Carolina can't get healthy fast enough, this team could be in real danger of going 4-8 or 5-7 this season. With this loss, Carolina simply has no more room for error this year if they expect to go to a bowl game in December.

Week 4 ACC Rankings

1. Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0). Massive win against Miami, and Tech has rocketed back up into the top 10 in both polls. There is little doubt that they are still the class of the conference.

2. Georgia Tech (3-1, 2-1). Got past a ranked UNC team with ease, and proved that they can bounce back from a crushing loss. This team is for real, despite the injuries.

3. Miami (2-1, 2-1). Back to reality for the Canes, but this team still has a very bright future. If they can beat a weakened Oklahoma this week, Miami could be back - for good.

4. North Carolina State (3-1, 0-0). Battling back from a deficit is never easy, but NC State showed they were up to the challenge against Pitt. They have looked very good since their slop-fest against South Carolina.

5. Clemson (2-2, 1-1). TCU is a tough team, but Clemson looked ready for the challenge and played well enough to win. With Florida State reeling, it looks like the Atlantic Division is Clemson's to lose right now.

6. North Carolina (3-1, 0-1). Bitter pill to swallow last week after getting rocked by an angry Georgia Tech team. The Heels have the benefit of going up against UVA and FCS Georgia Southern back-to-back to get back on track.

7. Boston College (3-1, 1-1). Every time I want to count this team out, they prove me wrong. The Eagles introduced a little Wildcat formation last week, and pulled out a huge OT win against Wake Forest.

8. Florida State (2-2, 0-1). The Seminoles are really struggling this year, and it's surprising given the expectations preseason. Their next game against BC could be a season-defining moment for both teams.

9. Wake Forest (2-2, 0-1). No one expected the Deacs to compete this season, but they had a chance to prove the doubters wrong against BC and failed to capitalize. It could be a long year in Winston-Salem.

10. Dook (2-2, 0-0). The Blue Devils finished their out-of-conference schedule at .500, which isn't terrible. What is terrible is the fact that one of those losses came to FCS Richmond, and it won't get easier with the ACC schedule approaching.

11. Maryland (1-3, 0-0). The Terps lost again, this time to a mediocre Rutgers team that has looked at times completely lost on the football field. This could be the end of the Friedgen era in College Park.

12. Virginia (0-3, 0-0). Good news: the Cavs didn't lose last week. Bad news: Virginia had a bye week. If the 'Hoos can somehow find a way to beat UNC this week, then all hope may not be lost for the season. But I wouldn't hold my breath.