The old hierarchy in the new ACC is in shambles. Perennial champ Florida State has lost back to back conference games. Heir apparent Miami is neither heir nor apparent heir after losing to FSU and Louisville, while barely beating Houston. Now Virginia Tech has suffered two conference losses.
Since joining the ACC, Frank Beamer's Hokies had won nine consecutive conference games on the road. But Thursday night the Hokies were whipped in every respect at Boston College.
There are some common weaknesses among the ACC's former "Big Three." None of them run the ball very effectively and none of them are exactly loaded at wide receiver. At least, none of the three schools has a consistent deep threat week in and week out (see Calvin Johnson or John Dunlap). Neither Drew Weatherford, nor Kyle Wright, nor Sean Glennon is a strong enough quarterback to overcome the lack of running game and big play wide receiver.
This is bad news for the ACC's standing nationally. However, it is great news for football lovers who want to see an underdog win the league championship. Yes, N.C. State fans, I mean you.
With the possible exception of Clemson, which at this point looms as the ACC's most complete club, no team in the league is playing as well as N.C. State since coach Chuck Amato installed Daniel Evans at quarterback. Furthermore, the Wolfpack controls its own destiny. It has already beaten Boston College, which looked impressive in that 22-3 win over Tech. The Wolfpack has already taken care of Florida State. Wake Forest, which was unbeaten until squandering a two touchdown lead in the fourth quarter to Clemson, must come to Raleigh Saturday. State could be unbeaten in ACC play when it takes on Clemson Nov. 11.
Here's what you have to like about State: The Pack protects its quarterback. Daniel Evans makes smart reads and throws the ball accurately to perhaps the best collection of tall, speedy receivers in the league. State also has a running game and a decent defense. Its kicking game is one of the best.
Clemson has more experience and depth, but the Tigers also have injuries. At this point, NC State has as much chance as anyone to represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship game.
