There is reason to doubt the staying power of the leaders in the ACC. While Atlantic Division front-runner Maryland ranks last in the league in total offense, Coastal Division leader Miami ranks last in total defense.
Lurking close behind are several potent teams. Saturday will begin the process of separation as all eight teams that are .500 or better in league play face each other.
N.C. State (4-2, 1-1 Atlantic) at Maryland (4-2, 2-0 Atlantic) » This is a bad matchup for the Terps at quarterback with senior Mike Glennon against freshman Perry Hills. But Glennon could have difficulty vs. the potent Maryland defense.
Florida State (6-1, 3-1 Atlantic) at Miami (4-3, 3-1 Coastal) » This isn’t the rivalry it used to be. The Hurricanes could be without quarterback Stephen Morris (ankle), which would put even more pressure on a defense that yields a whopping 506.6 yards per game.
Virginia Tech (4-3, 2-1 Coastal) at Clemson (5-1, 2-1 Atlantic) » The Hokies never go quietly, but they will have to if they fall for the third straight time to the Tigers. One positive: Their moribund running game came alive as freshman J.C. Coleman rushed for 183 yards in a win over Duke.
North Carolina (5-2, 2-1 Coastal) at Duke (5-2, 2-1 Coastal) » Did the Blue Devils’ bubble burst last week? After opening with a 20-0 lead at Virginia Tech, they were outscored 41-0 the rest of the way. They haven’t won in Chapel Hill since 1988.
– Kevin Dunleavy
