ACC Power Poll

It took a half for the Yellow Jackets to get rolling, but they proved once again they are the cream of the crop in the ACC. Georgia Tech rolled to a 56-31 victory behind Jonathan Dwyer who rolled up a career-high 186-yards on the ground and three touchdowns on just 22 carries. Josh Nesbitt posted two touchdowns as well and found a bit of success through the air completing 6-of-13 for 193-yards including hitting Demaryius Thomas for four receptions for 76-yards. Tech’s defense struggled early, but stepped up late forcing four fumbles, recovering three. As mentioned, Georgia Tech did give up a lot of yards, 397 including 218 on the ground. The Jackets didn’t post a sack on the day and did give up an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Up next: Georgia Tech (8-1) hosts Wake Forest at 3:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN2.

The Hurricanes pulled up a 28-27 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday. Miami’s defense was torched for 555-yards, 408 passing. It was remarkable Miami made it a game as they only rushed for 26-yards on the ground and the pass offense wasn’t much better as Harris was sacked five times in the game. Harris stepped up when he had to late though completing two fourth quarter touchdown passes. Matt Bosher was solid as well averaging 43-yards on nine punts and put four inside the 20.

Up next: The Hurricanes (6-2) host Virginia, kickoff is set for noon on Raycom.

Virginia Tech’s run defense was exploited for the second straight week as North Carolina rolled up 181-yards in a 20-17 upset. The Tech line lost leverage a number of times including late to give up the final field goal. The offense struggled to put points on the board despite having good field position for much of the first half. Tyrod Taylor wasn’t nearly as accurate especially in the first half, but rebounded late to lead the team down the field for scores. The Hokies were able to get a pass rush particularly early in the game as Nekos Brown stepped up. Rashad Carmichael played outstanding for much of the game including an interception early in the fourth quarter that led to a go-ahead touchdown. While Ryan Williams did give up the key fumble late in the game, he played well posting 96-yards on 23 carries. In addition, Tech’s special teams unit was solid once again.

Up next: Virginia Tech (5-3) heads to East Carolina on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

The Blue Devils came from behind to beat Virginia on Saturday and few would have believed it at the start of the season, but now Duke is a contender in the Coastal Division race, tied with Georgia Tech with just one loss in the conference. Thaddeus Lewis has quickly become one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC, this time completing 24-of-40 passing for 343-yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was helped by outstanding performances from Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner who each had over 100-yards receiving. Duke’s defense stepped up holding Virginia to just 196 total yards. However, the Blue Devils need to finish drives as they converted just 9-of-20 third downs and settled for five field goals on the day.

Up next: Duke (5-3) heads to North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

The Tar Heels made a statement on Thursday night upsetting Virginia Tech in Lane Stadium. North Carolina’s offense was revamped in the victory posting 181-yards as Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston had no trouble paving the way. Greg Little was outstanding on the ground and through the air and Jheranie Boyd continues to come on with a big touchdown reception. The Tar Heel defense forced two turnovers on the night including a key one by Tydreke Powell in the final minutes. They also held Tech to just 256-yards of offense. Nevertheless, North Carolina had some troubles. The special teams struggled a bit giving up a 42-yard kickoff return to David Wilson. T.J. Yates was also a bit inconsistent and made an error under pressure turning it over inside the five.

Up next: The Tar Heels (5-3) face Duke at 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Clemson had no problem dismissing Coastal Carolina to the score of 49-3. The Tigers dominated the game. Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper posted 164-yards on the ground on 19 carries combined and each recorded touchdowns. Jacoby Ford posted two touchdowns one passing and one receiving and had 55 total yards of offense. Clemson did give up 143-yards on the ground to the FCS team. Kyle Parker struggled on the day completing just 7-of-16 and throwing two interceptions.

Up next: Clemson (5-3) plays against Florida State at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN.

Boston College defied critics by making themselves bowl eligible on Saturday with a big win over Central Michigan. Montel Harris ran wild for 136-yards and two touchdowns. He also was productive through the air with 37-yards receiving. David Shiniskie continues to get more comfortable in the offense completing 18-of-28 for 262-yards and one touchdown along with no interceptions. The Eagles defense stepped up big holding star quarterback Dan LeFevour to 152-yards passing. Clearly playing at home is a big motivator for the Eagles as they are now 6-0 in Boston, but do play two of their final three on the road. They have lost all three-road games this season to date.

Up next: The Eagles (6-3) have a bye.

The Seminoles outlasted NC State on Saturday 45-42. The offensive line is seeing improvement, particularly in the rushing game where they picked up 278-yards on the ground. Jermaine Thomas posted much of it, 186-yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense showed no signs of stopping the Wolfpack by giving up 538-yards of total offense. The defense once again struggled to get pressure on the opposing quarterback or halt the running game. In addition, Christian Ponder went out with injuries to his ribs and ankle. How effective he’ll be at Clemson is still a major question mark heading into this game.

Up next: Florida State (4-4) heads to Clemson at 7:45 p.m. on ESPN.

The Demon Deacons blew their chances on Saturday giving up a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. Tech muffed a punt late in the game that changed the outcome, but that wasn’t the only issue. Wake Forest missed a number of opportunities for interceptions on Jacory Harris. Josh Adams played well at tailback though accounting for 119 total yards and has proven to be a weapon through the air. The biggest question heading into the matchup against Georgia Tech is the health of starting quarterback Riley Skinner. He surffered a concussion late in the game and is questionable next week.

Up next: The Demon Deacons (4-5) head to Georgia Tech at 3:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN2.

Virginia had their chances late, but fumble by Jameel Sewell late and return for a touchdown by Charlie Hatcher put the game away for the Blue Devils. Even still, Virginia struggled to move the ball on offense picking up just 196 total yards. Sewell and Marc Verica combined for just 13-of-38 for 107-yards and one interception in the contest. Mikell Simpson didn’t find much success with 25-yards on the ground. Thaddeus Lewis abused the Cavaliers once vaunted pass defense to the tune of 343-yards. Virginia did have some success though, their defense picked up six sacks in the game and punt Nathan Rathjen averaged a solid 40.2-yards per kick. Tight end Joe Torchia is proving to be a weapon in the pass offense as he had 44-yards receiving and a score.

Up next: Virginia (3-5) visits Miami at noon on Raycom.

The Wolfpack offense scored at will in a 45-42 loss to Florida State. Russell Wilson threw for 349-yard and five touchdowns and Toney Baker finally broke out a tailback rushing for 112-yards on 19 carries. However, Wilson did throw two interceptions in the game. In addition, Jarvis Williams stepped up big at wide receiver hauling in three touchdowns on the day. NC State’s defense largely struggled on the day giving up 555-yards of total offense, but did pull in two interceptions.

Up next: The Wolfpack (3-5) face Maryland at 1:00 p.m. on ESPN360.com.

The Terrapins had a bye and will now look to break a three game losing streak against another struggling team, NC State. The Terrapins have given up 22 turnovers in eight games. In addition, Maryland’s defense is struggling to get teams off the field. The offense isn’t much better as the line play has been porous and allowed quarterback Chris Turner to feel plenty of pressure. He hasn’t had any help at tailback either as nobody has stepped up for Da’Rel Scott.

Up next: Maryland (2-6) heads to NC State at 1:00 p.m. on ESPN360.com.