ACC Bounces Back After Sub-Par Performances

The ACC wins the "ACC-Big East Challenge" taking two of three Saturday. This is big, because since expansion, when the ACC "annexed" three Big East members, bringing predictions of the demise of this league, the Big East has actually out-performed the ACC. The play of new members South Florida, Louisville, and Cincinnati, the revival of Rutgers and the improvement of West Virginia had overshadowed ACC success until this weekend.

Maryland's win at No. 10 Rutgers was the biggest win on Saturday. The Terps not only shook off the effects of a demoralizing 28-point rally by Wake the previous Saturday, Ralph Friedgen pushed and prodded his charges after they lost a 14-3 lead late in the first half. Maryland not only re-took control and re-established its lead, the Terps also applied the defensive clamps in the fourth quarter when Rutgers had a chance to tie the game.

Virginia also won its "ACC-Big East" game, crushing Pittsburgh 44-14. The Cavaliers should now contend for the Coastal Division Championship. The terrible start at Wyoming is all but forgotten as UVA posts four straight wins – three of them in the ACC.

N.C. State is the only ACC team to lose out of the conference this weekend, falling to Louisville. The Pack played slightly better defensively, but injuries and turnovers raise questions about when this team will have a decent chance to win again.

Florida State, this week's Wolfpack opponent, played impressively in upsetting Alabama. The Seminoles' defense seems to have returned to its glory days. Xavier Lee has begun to give the 'Noles some offense, with his ability to help the running game and find at least some of his open receivers.

Boston College remains the ACC's highest-ranked team. As we've said many times in this space, the Eagles' ability to win the championship depends on the improvement of their secondary. They certainly can move the ball.

Georgia Tech couldn't stop B.C., but the Yellow Jackets did shut down Clemson. The Yellow Jackets' defense received a boost from Tashard Choice's return and the offense's ability to control the ball and keep the defense off the field. John Tenuta's schemes seemed to confound what had appeared to be a very balanced and explosive Clemson attack.

Clemson is a better team than it showed Saturday. Missed field goals and other mistakes in the kicking game seemed to take some of the starch out of the Tigers.

Virginia Tech demonstrated in its win over North Carolina it has a great defense and kicking game but just an average offense. Tyrod Taylor, when healthy, gives the Hokies an extra running threat, which they need. He throws adequately. But the VT line does not dominate as it once did, meaning when the Hokies drop passes and commit penalties, they no longer have the talent to overcome these mistakes.

North Carolina, though 1-4, continues to show improvement. The Tar Heels had a real chance to beat Virginia Tech. Ryan Houston's fumble inside the Tech 5 and T.J. Yates' interception in Tar Heel territory led to a 14 point swing. Still Carolina had a chance to tie until Tech wiped out T.J. Yates' bootleg pass on third and two. Houston, despite the fumble, brought much needed strength and power to the Heels' running game. And Anthony Elzy proved to be the biggest story of all. Entering the game at 17-3, Elzy ran outside and between the tackles, showing a combination of speed, toughness, and elusiveness. If Houston and Elzy can continue to run as they did on a strong Tech defense, Carolina will win some games. The Tar Heel defense is getting better.

Miami seemed to take a step back against Duke. The Hurricanes should know better. Duke extended them to the very last play a year ago. On Saturday, Duke was in the game until the final two minutes. Miami just didn't seem to have the seem energy it showed against Texas A&M on either side of the ball.