ACC September Wrap-Up

Boston College (2-1, 0-1 ACC): Not a bad start considering their rather low expectations this season. A shut out loss last week against a struggling VT team didn't help though.
 - September Grade: C

Clemson (2-1, 0-0 ACC): Like BC, after a tough off season and losing a lot of players, Clemson has exceeded their low expectations coming into the season. The could have really made a statement by beating  #16 Auburn on the road but they showed promising effort in their OT loss.
- September Grade: B-

Duke (1-3, 0-1 ACC): Duke needs work. Their defense is terrible, giving up an average of 48 points a game in their first hour match-ups this season. Although they took a big loss to #1 Alabama, losses to Wake Forest and Army were rather surprising.
 - September Grade: D+

Florida State (3-1, 1-0 ACC): Other than a hiccup at #10 Oklahoma, the Seminoles seem to be in good shape. They took a pounding against the Sooners but seem to have rebounded nicely, winning big against both BYU and Wake Forest. Look for the Noles to keep chugging along and if they can keep that up, they could have a great season.
 - September Grade: Solid B

Georgia Tech (2-2, 1-1 ACC): GT has been disappointing this season so far. A #16 ranking entering the season has been erased after losses to unranked Kansas and NC State. One bright spot is a 30-24 victory @ UNC. Their next three games are definitely winable, look for GT to rebound from a shaky start.
 - September Grade: C-

Maryland (3-1, 0-0 ACC): Not a terrible start for the Terps, but they haven't had much competition. a three point win over Navy and wins over Florida International and Morgan State have only showed Maryland's abilities to beat lesser opponents. Their one loss was to #21 West Virginia in a game that was never close. Maryland has an opportunity this season to turn some heads, and a 3-1 record is a good start.
 - September Grade: B-

#19 Miami (2-1, 0-0 ACC): The lone ranked team in the ACC, the Hurricanes have been one of the lone spotlights. a 36-24 loss to #2 Ohio State is the only thing keeping the Hurricanes back from an extremely successful September. Miami is looking like a strong contender for the Atlantic Division.
 - September Grade: B+

North Carolina (1-2, 0-1 ACC): A common ACC theme this month, disappointment. Hurt by their off field scandal and suspensions, the Tar Heels have struggled to get things going. Starting off in the NCAA rankings as #18, two losses, to #21 LSU and unranked GT, have put a damper on Carolina's high hopes. A win last weekend against Rutgers helped to straighten the course but they've got a long way to go.
 - September Grade: C-

North Carolina State (4-0, 1-0 ACC): Surprising and excellent start for the Wolfpack. Two big non-conference wins @ UCF and home vs. Cincinnati and a big road win against Georgia Tech have to Pack looking at a 4-0 start entering October. A great surprise in the rather disappointing ACC so far.
 - September Grade: A

Virginia (2-1, 0-0 ACC): Not a bad start for the Cavs. A three point loss to #16 USC is all that seperates them from a 3-0 start. Tough schedule from here on out but the Cavaliers have impressed in September.
 - September Grade: B+

Virginia Tech (2-2, 1-0 ACC): My oh my, where do we start. With a #10 ranking coming in to the season, the Hokies had national championship hopes on their mind. A 33-30 loss to #3 Boise State to open the season then a five point loss to FCS James Madison had the VT faithful shaking their heads. VT has won two straight since to end a dismal September at 2-2, when a 4-0 start was within their reach.
 - September Grade: D-

Wake Forest (2-2, 1-1 ACC): Impressive, potent offensive in their first two games (going 2-0); completely different team in their second two (going 0-2). Wake's defense needs some serious work, giving up 40 points a game so far.
 - September Grade: C+