Atlantic Division
Boston College (3-1, 1-1)
Next game: vs. Florida State, 3:30 p.m. Saturday
ESPN's College GameDay is taking flak for picking this matchup of unranked teams over Oklahoma-Miami, LSU-Georgia and USC-Cal. The popular show hasn't been to Chestnut Hill since BC's inaugural ACC game in 2005. ... Freshman Dave Shinskie, who tossed three touchdown passes in an overtime win over Wake Forest, gets his second start. He's not a typical freshman. Teammates call the 25-year-old who spent six years playing pro baseball "Uncle Dave." ... Justin Tuggle, son of Falcons great Jessie, started the first three games but only got in for one play against Wake.
Clemson (2-2, 1-1)
Next game: at Maryland, noon Saturday
The Tigers followed a familiar script against No. 11 TCU last week, coming up just short of the signature win they've chased for years. ... C.J. Spiller, who had a career-high 31 touches and 227 all-purpose yards, joined Reggie Bush as the only players in NCAA history to surpass 2,500 yards rushing, 1,000 yards receiving, 1,500 yards in kickoff returns and 500 yards in punt returns. ... Left tackle Chris Hairston hopes to return Saturday from a sprained MCL. ... Backup quarterback Willy Korn told The (Columbia) State that while he's disappointed he didn't play against TCU or Georgia Tech, he's not transferring.
Florida State (2-2, 0-1)
Next game: at Boston College, 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Frustration is rising in Tallahassee, where the Seminoles are still reeling from the 17-7 loss to South Florida. "It's time for us to grow up and play," offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. "What team do we want to be? Are we content to be average like we have been?" ... Do-it-all corner Greg Reid (Lowndes) continues to be a bright spot, racking up 129 return yards last Saturday. ... For the first time all season, every defensive tackle was able to practice Tuesday, including senior Justin Mincey (knee).
Maryland (1-3, 0-0)
Next game: vs. Clemson, noon Saturday
The Terps had a losing September for the first time since 1997. They also have an unsightly minus-10 turnover ratio. "If we keep playing like this, we're not going to win a game the rest of the year," said quarterback Chris Turner, who committed four turnovers in last week's 34-13 loss to Rutgers. Tailback Da'Rel Scott has coughed up three fumbles in two weeks. ... Under coach Ralph Friedgen, Maryland is 5-3 against the Tigers. Four of the last five have been decided by four points or less.
N.C. State (3-1, 0-0)
Next game: at Wake Forest, 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Sophomore Russell Wilson has thrown 12 touchdown passes in the last three games. He's also taking 15 credit hours and will play baseball in the spring. "I like to have a lot on my plate," said Wilson, who plans to graduate in three years. ... Wide receiver Donald Bowens, who missed all of last season with a back fracture, is "just getting back to football shape," coach Tom O'Brien said. The junior ranks seventh among active ACC players with 59 career catches. ... Led by defensive end Willie Young (5 1/2 tackles for loss), the Pack is allowing an ACC-low 201 yards per game.
Wake Forest (2-2, 0-1)
Next game: vs. N.C. State, 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Coach Jim Grobe put the Demon Deacons in full pads Monday after their sloppy 27-24 overtime loss to Boston College, which included four illegal procedures and a game-ending fumble at the 4-yard line. ... Wake leads the ACC in total offense (412 yards per game). Wideout Marshall Williams (five catches per game) is trying to become the third straight Wake receiver to lead the ACC in receptions, following D.J. Boldin and Kenneth Moore. ... Until last year's 21-17 loss in Raleigh, Wake had won three straight over the Wolfpack.
Coastal Division
Duke (2-2, 0-0)
Next game: vs. Virginia Tech, noon Saturday
Freshman Desmond Scott forced himself into the backfield rotation by running for 100 yards and a score on 16 carries against N.C. Central. It was Duke's first 100-yard rushing performance since 2005. "He's going to be in the mix," coach David Cutcliffe said. "You don't think you're ever ready for Virginia Tech, but he is going to play." ... Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis twisted his ankle last Saturday but will start against the Hokies. Backup Sean Renfree will keep getting spot duty. Lewis missed last year's 14-3 defeat in Blacksburg with a foot injury.
Miami (2-1, 2-1)
Next game: vs. Oklahoma, 8 p.m. Saturday
The Hurricanes fell eight spots to No. 17 after their washout in Blacksburg. They'll play their fourth straight ranked opponent in ABC's primetime slot. ... Quarterback Jacory Harris on his reputation: "I guess in the media, I've been a little bit too arrogant, some people say, because I'm a very confident person. So I'm going to change it up and be like, 'You know, it is going to be a challenge. They're a wonderful team and I might be a little nervous coming into this game.'" ... Linebacker Colin McCarthy, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, leads Miami with 25 tackles.
North Carolina (3-1, 0-1)
Next game: vs. Virginia, noon Saturday
Following an embarrassing offensive performance, the Tar Heels get the perfect pick-me-up: a home game against Virginia. UNC rushed for 17 yards against Georgia Tech but the Cavaliers are giving up 181 per game. ... Running back Shaun Draughn isn't seeing a lot of holes behind UNC's inexperienced line. "I feel like I just need to run harder and hit my holes when they're there," he said. "You need to have patience at the same time, but you can't wait to hit what you see."...The Tar Heels will try to break a three-game skid against UVA. ... Quarterback T.J. Yates misses tight end Zack Pianalto, who hurt his foot celebrating a touchdown catch in Week 2; he's likely out again Saturday.
Virginia (0-3, 0-0)
Next game: at North Carolina, noon Saturday
The off week came at a good time for senior quarterback Jameel Sewell, who set a school record with 69 passing and rushing attempts in 37-34 loss at Southern Miss. He ran 23 times. ... The Cavaliers are giving up the most sacks in the nation (4 1/3 per game). ... But Virginia' strong showing last time out has the team believing it can turn things around in conference play. "The season is to be played out, rather than to be seen in microcosm," coach Al Groh said. ... Safety Corey Mosley must control his aggressiveness: he's drawn a 15-yard penalty each game, two for late hits.
Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0)
Next game: at Duke, noon Saturday
The sixth-ranked Hokies are on letdown alert after whipping Miami 31-7. Duke doesn't get the juices flowing like the three top-20 opponents Virginia Tech has faced. "There's a lot of examples of guys coming off of great wins and then the very next week getting beat," coach Frank Beamer said. Last year, the Hokies struggled against the Blue Devils, winning 14-3. ... Redshirt freshman Ryan Williams is averaging 123 rushing yards per game, tied for sixth nationally. He's already won ACC rookie of the week three times. In high school, splitting time with other backs, Williams never carried 20 times a game. He ran 34 times for 150 yards against Miami in a rainstorm last Saturday and said he could have handled another 20 carries.
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