ESPN College Football

2011 overall record: 10-4
2011 conference record: 6-2 (1st)
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Andre Ellington, C Dalton Freeman, DE Malliciah Goodman, LB Corico Hawkins, LB Jonathan Willard, FS Rashard Hall

Key losses

T Phillip Price, G Antoine McClain, T Landon Walker, NG Brandon Thompson, DT Rennie Moore, DE Andre Branch, TE Dwayne Allen

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Andre Ellington* (1,178 yards)
Passing: Tajh Boyd* (3,828 yards)
Receiving: Sammy Watkins* (1,219 yards)
Tackles: Rashard Hall* (89)
Sacks: Andre Branch (10.5)
Interceptions: Jonathan Meeks* (3)

Spring answers

1. Boyd more consistent: Quarterback Tajh Boyd looked more comfortable and had a better handle of offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ wide-open spread offense in his second season in the system. The Tigers were red-hot out of the gates in 2011 but struggled with consistency and turnovers in the second half of the season. Clemson had only eight turnovers while starting the season with an 8-0 record, but had 16 in its 2-4 finish.

2. Venables takes over defense: New defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who was hired from Oklahoma to replace fired defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, installed a 4-3 defense with simpler terminology. The Clemson defense was shredded in a 70-33 loss to West Virginia in the Discover Orange Bowl. Venables opened up every starting job on defense this spring.

3. Two is better than one: Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins was the country’s top freshman last season, catching 82 passes for 1,219 yards with 12 touchdowns. But junior DeAndre Hopkins showed this spring he might be just as good. Hopkins caught 72 passes for 978 yards with five touchdowns in 2011. With tight end Dwayne Allen moving on to the NFL, the Tigers need another big-play weapon.

Fall questions

1. Sammy Watkins: Watkins, an All-American receiver during his freshman season in 2011, was arrested last week on misdemeanor drug charges. Coach Dabo Swinney hasn’t yet announced what punishment, if any, Watkins will face. If Watkins misses any game action, his absence might really hurt the Tigers in their season opener against Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.

2. Offensive line overhaul: After losing three starting offensive linemen and five seniors who played in the line rotation in 2011, the Tigers had to rebuild the unit this spring. Morris feels good about his starting five after moving nose tackle Tyler Shatley to right guard. Morris said Shatley brings some toughness to the offensive line. The rest of the line looks like this going into preseason camp: left tackle Brandon Thomas, left guard Kalon Davis, center Dalton Freeman and right tackle Gifford Timothy. It has to hold up for the offense to be effective.

3. Defensive line: The Tigers lost a trio of standout defensive linemen in tackles Brandon Thompson and Rennie Moore and end Andre Branch. Clemson brings back all of its starting linebackers and most of its secondary, but Venables will have to rebuild his defensive front with young players.

Our series continues today with the Tigers, who return a conference record-setting quarterback. Of course, he is not eligible for this distinction, so we turn our attention elsewhere.

For a look at Boston College from Monday, click here.

Clemson: center Dalton Freeman

2011 stats: It's tough to measure an offensive lineman by numbers, but Freeman's credentials make that a little easier in this case. He has 143 career knockdowns and 2,402 snaps under his belt, having started 36 of 40 games the past three seasons. He is on pace to beat the school record for starts by an offensive lineman (48).

What he means to the Tigers: We know, we know. Sammy Watkins is the superstar of this team. Heck, we even said a short while ago that he will be the superstar of this conference. We stand by that, as Watkins' star power and big-play capability may be unmatched in the ACC. But we're not talking about the best or flashiest player. We're talking about the most important. Take Freeman off this team and who knows what happens. He was first-team All-ACC last season, finishing as a finalist for the Rimington Award, which is given to the nation's top center. He is one of only two returning starters on the offensive line, this coming off a season in which the Tigers set school records for points, touchdowns, total offense and passing offense. Watkins and the rest of Clemson's skill players don't get the chance to produce the way they did last year if Freeman and the rest of the line don't provide a solid foundation up front. That will be more challenging this season with three new starters, but Freeman will provide a calming presence, which, as we saw last year, increases the chances for more big plays from Clemson's offense.

Offensive linemen are some of the most interesting, well-spoken players to interview, and Clemson center Dalton Freeman is no exception. He graduated this past December, but life hasn’t gotten much easier. He will graduate again in August with a second degree, and he’s also one of just two starters returning on Clemson’s offensive line. How Clemson fares up front is the biggest key to whether or not the Tigers can repeat as Atlantic Division and ACC champs in 2012. I spoke with Freeman recently about his outlook on the offensive line heading into spring ball. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

How comfortable are you with the guys who are around you, or are going to be competing for time around you?

Dalton Freeman: I’m very comfortable. It’s obviously pretty tough when you lose as many guys as we have. Experience is something you really can’t coach. For us, it’s going to be an interesting spring, but I’m very excited about the young talent we have, and the guys we continue to recruit and who come in year in and year out. That’s why we do recruit, is to replace those guys. It’s going to be interesting to see who accepts that role and steps up.

How do you feel your role is going to change?

DF: I feel like this year I’m going to have to be a lot more of a coach on the field. In the years past, we’ve had a lot of experienced guys and I’d always kind of been the younger guy. We were very comfortable, didn’t have to make as many calls, knew what each other was thinking. Now I think I’m really going to have to spell everything out just because of the experience factor. They’re not going to be used to playing in front of people, with the crowd noise, things like that. That’s not a bad thing, because it keeps me on my toes and I’ll be constantly reminded of what I need to do. I’ll be able to get everybody on the same page.

How important do you think it is that you guys come together quickly?

DF: It’s very important. I’ve been eating lunch with them every now and then and trying to bond with them off the field. Obviously we’re doing a lot in the weight room and football-related, but you really can’t start jelling until you put those pads on and you’re out there, day in and day out, but we’re a pretty close group and I feel like we’ll only get closer. This spring will be really interesting to see who wants to step up and take the initiative.

Who are some of the guys or names Clemson fans should know or will get to know on the line this year?

DF: I think the person to watch is the true freshman who’s already enrolled, he graduated high school early and came in, Isaiah Battle. He’s one of the most athletic kids I’ve ever been around. He’s just a specimen. He had offers to play basketball. He’s very good on the hardwood, but he’s extremely athletic and seems to be picking up what we’re doing pretty quick. It’s just going to be a matter if he can get used to the speed of the game.

Do you feel like there’s pressure on your group because you guys are returning so much other talent at receiver, running back and quarterback?

DF: Yeah, definitely. I feel like there’s pressure every year on the offensive line, though, as well as any other position, because when we are experienced and expected to play well, there’s a lot of pressure and all eyes are on us. This year is the flip side, but there’s still a lot of pressure. Everybody doesn’t know what to expect and they’re counting on us to either make or break the season. It’s a good thing, and I like the pressure. I think our guys do, too, and we take it as motivation.

Do you remember, what was it, 2008 when coach Tommy Bowden got fired? It was kind of a similar situation. Remind me what your role was that season.

DF: I was getting redshirted. I came in and he got fired after six games or so. I didn’t actually play any that year.

The only reason I bring it up is because it was a similar situation. The line struggled, but you guys had so much talent at the other positions. Have you looked back on that year as a cautionary tale, or am I reading too much into it, which is very possible.

DF: Personally I have not looked back, but I have had many people approach me and talk about it.

Oh really?

DF: Yeah, it’s kind of funny you bring it up. It is something that circulates, and we obviously are starting to kind of think about that. We don’t want to be the Achilles' heel of the team. I don’t think there’s going to be a drop-off. I think we’ll be able to surprise people. We did a good job of recruiting. We’ve got a great offensive coordinator, a great offensive line coach. And they’ve done a great job of developing our younger players. It’s just a matter of them going out and doing it.

Our offseason spotlight series continues today with Clemson. A reminder: This series features individual players, position groups and coaches who really need to have big offseasons — starting this spring.

Spotlight: Offensive line.

2011 summary: The senior-laden group comprised of Phillip Price, Brandon Thomas, Dalton Freeman, Antoine McClain and Landon Walker fared remarkably well with a new offensive line coach, a new offensive coordinator, a first-year starting quarterback, and a new system. The Tigers paved the way for the nation’s No. 24 scoring offense at 33.57 points per game. They were integral in blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher (Andre Ellington), 1,000-yard receiver (Sammy Watkins) and 3,000-yard passer (Tajh Boyd).

The skinny: You can argue the defensive line needs an equally big offseason, but consider this: At this time in 2008, coming off of the 2007 season, Clemson ranked in the top 25 and had James Davis, C.J. Spiller, Cullen Harper and Aaron Kelly — all of whom were returning from fantastic seasons. The Tigers were a top-10 preseason pick, but had to replace four starters on the offensive line. Clemson finished 7-6 and midway through the season, Tommy Bowden was fired. Even with all of those outstanding skill position players returning, Clemson couldn’t get it done up front, and it was a major factor in the team’s implosion that year. This spring, the Tigers have to replace three starters up front, as Freeman and Thompson are the only two returning starters. The staff moved Tyler Shatley from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He’s a 6-foot-3, 295-pound redshirt junior who is a quick athlete and could play a role in 2012.

More in this series:

• Boston College

With national signing day quickly approaching, we’re going to take a look at the recruiting needs of each school in the ACC, starting with the Atlantic Division. These needs are based on current rosters and anticipated departures in the near future. Here’s a look at who has what holes to fill in the 2012 class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Linemen: The depth here continues to be a priority on both sides. The decision of defensive end Max Holloway to declare early for the NFL draft was an unexpected loss, and tackle Dillon Quinn will be a senior. Offensively, the Eagles will have to replace two veterans and leaders in center Mark Spinney and guard Nate Richman.

Linebackers: All-American Luke Kuechly’s decision to leave early for the NFL draft was expected, but the staff is looking for about two or three more linebackers in this class.

Receivers: This was a young group to begin with, as Alex Amidon and Bobby Swigert were both true sophomores, but the staff could use one or two more in this class.

CLEMSON

Linemen: The Tigers will lose three starters on the defensive line and three more on the offensive line from the 2011 ACC championship team. Center Dalton Freeman is a returning starter, but he will be a senior. Six players on the final two-deep depth chart on the offensive line were either seniors or graduate students in 2011, and four on the defensive line two-deep must be replaced.

Running back: Andre Ellington is entering his senior year, and while Mike Bellamy is back in school and in the good graces of coach Dabo Swinney, the future of the position is uncertain. Rod McDowell played well in the bowl game, and D.J. Howard has been a backup.

Defensive backs: The Tigers could start three seniors in the secondary in 2012: Xavier Brewer, Rashard Hall and Jonathan Meeks.

Kickers: The Tigers will lose punter Dawson Zimmerman, opening up an opportunity for a true freshman to play immediately.

FLORIDA STATE

Pick and choose: The Noles have built up enough depth that they can now be selective. Instead of building a class heavy on offensive linemen, Florida State can now pick and choose the best at each position. The Noles need at least one running back, one or two quarterbacks, a few offensive tackles, a linebacker to help replace Nigel Bradham and a safety or two.

Kickers: The Noles have big shoes to fill with the graduation of punter Shawn Powell, and kicker Dustin Hopkins is entering his final season.

MARYLAND

Running back: This is a position where a true freshman could see some playing time this year. Justus Pickett returns, along with Brandon Ross, who redshirted last year.

Quarterback: The Terps ended the 2011 season with only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster in Danny O’Brien and C.J. Brown. Both will be juniors and nobody is behind them.

Cornerback. Maryland has to replace Trenton Hughes and Cameron Chism at cornerback, leaving Dexter McDougle the only one with any significant playing time.

NC STATE

Defensive line: The staff already has about six linemen committed and ends were a particular focus. Half of the linemen in the two-deep depth chart for the Belk Bowl were either juniors or seniors.

Secondary: This should be a strength for NC State in 2012, but the staff needs to prepare for the future here. Cornerback C.J. Wilson will be a senior, along with safeties Earl Wolff and Brandan Bishop.

Quarterback: Mike Glennon is already listed as a graduate student, and his backup, Tyler Brosius, redshirted this past season. The position is thin and the future uncertain behind Glennon.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive line: The Deacs will lose four starters up front, but coach Jim Grobe has only played one true freshman there in 11 years. He has several redshirt freshmen and sophomores who are expected to fill in, but the staff wants to continue to build the depth at the position.

Tight end: Wake Forest will graduate its top two tight ends and will turn to two redshirt sophomores in Neil Basford and Johnny Garcia who have yet to catch a pass. It’s possible this could be a spot where an exceptional freshman could see playing time.

Defensive backs: The Deacs have to replace starting free safety Josh Bush and starting strong safety Cyhl Quarles. Cornerback Kenny Okoro will be a redshirt senior.

It's time to wrap up the 2011 season with the top performers from the bowl games. No, they’re not all from Florida State and NC State. Although they could be …

Offense:

QB: Mike Glennon, NC State: He was named the MVP of the Belk Bowl after throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns to lead NC State past Louisville 31-24.

RB: Preston Lyons, Georgia Tech: The senior fullback started in place of injured David Sims and rushed for 138 yards in the overtime loss to Utah. Before this, Lyons had never rushed for more than 50 yards in a game.

RB: David Wilson, Virginia Tech: He broke the school’s single-season rushing record in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Michigan with 82 yards on 24 carries. He finished the season with 1,709 yards. His 11-yard run on his second carry of the third quarter enabled him to surpass Ryan Williams’ mark of 1,655 yards set in 2009.

WR: Rashad Greene, Florida State: He had five catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in the 18-14 win against Notre Dame and was named the MVP of the Champs Sports Bowl. His 15-yard touchdown catch with just over 13 minutes to play gave the Noles a 15-14 lead.

WR: T.J. Graham, NC State: He finished with seven catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the win against Louisville. He also had three kick returns for 63 yards and one punt return for two yards.

WR: Kris Burd, Virginia: He had six catches, 103 yards, two touchdowns and a broken collarbone. He became only the third player in school history to score two receiving touchdowns in a bowl game.

OT: Zebrie Sanders, Florida State: He was the lone senior on an offensive line that started four freshmen. He posted a career-high grade of 94 percent in his final game at left tackle.

OT: Rob Crisp, NC State: Hey, no other lineman in the ACC had a reception in a bowl game. Granted, his teammates keep ribbing him for rumbling and fumbling, but Crisp played a good game, paving the way for the offense from the right tackle spot.

G: Josue Matias, Florida State: As one of four true freshman starters on the Noles’ line, Matias posted a grade of 82 percent from the left guard position in his first career start.

G: Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech: Even with guard Omoregie Uzzi sitting out with an injury and suspended tackle Phil Smith on a bus back to Atlanta, Tech rolled up 311 rushing yards and 448 total yards against a Utah defense that was ranked among the nation’s best entering the Hyundai Sun Bowl.

C: Dalton Freeman, Clemson: Freeman had an 84 percent grade and four knockdowns in helping Clemson to 443 yards and 33 points against West Virginia.

Defense:

DE: Brandon Jenkins, Florida State: He finished with two tackles (both solo), including one sack for minus-10 yards. His sack in the third quarter took Notre Dame out of field goal range.

DT: Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest: He finished with six tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery in the loss to Mississippi State.

DT: Markus Kuhn, NC State: He finished with three tackles, including 1.5 for a loss of seven yards. He also had one sack for a loss of six yards in the win against Louisville.

DE: J.R. Collins, Virginia Tech: He finished second on the team with seven tackles and had one tackle for loss in the loss to Michigan in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

LB: Nigel Bradham, Florida State: He closed out his career with a team-high nine tackles (eight solo) against Notre Dame, finishing the season with a team-leading 86. He was the first FSU player to lead the team in tackles for three consecutive years since All-American Marvin Jones (1990-92). Bradham also added his third career interception in the win.

LB: Tariq Edwards, Virginia Tech: He finished with a team-high eight tackles, one sack for a loss of seven yards and two tackles for a loss of eight yards in the loss to Michigan.

LB: Audie Cole, NC State: The senior ended his career with a team-high 10 tackles, including a pair of sacks and four tackles for loss.

DB: David Amerson, NC State: He had two interceptions and returned one of them 65 yards for a touchdown in the Belk Bowl win against Louisville. He became the ACC’s leader in interceptions in a single season with 13. It was one shy of the Football Bowl Subdivision record set by Al Worley of Washington in 1968.

DB: Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech: He intercepted a pass by Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson in the first quarter. The interception marked his second of the season and the second of his career.

DB: Merrill Noel, Wake Forest: He had a team-leading seven tackles and one interception for 18 yards in the 23-17 loss to Mississippi State.

DB: Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State: With Notre Dame inside the 5-yard line, Joyner intercepted his team-best fourth pass of the season. His 77-yard kickoff return after Notre Dame went up 14-0 was the longest kickoff return by a Seminole this year. It was also the third-longest in FSU bowl and Champs Sports Bowl history.

Special teams:

P: Shawn Powell, Florida State: He punted 8 times for 378 yards and a 47.2-yard average. He had three punts of more than 50 yards and landed two inside the 20-yard line. His performance sealed his title as the nation’s leader in punting.

P/K: Justin Myer, Virginia Tech: Myer entered the game 0-for-2 on the season but made field goals in the Allstate Sugar Bowl of 37, 43, 36 and 25 yards, recording a field goal in every quarter and tying Georgia’s Billy Bennett (2003) for the BCS bowl record. The four field goals tied for second-most in Sugar Bowl history. Myer missed on his fifth try, a 37-yard attempt in overtime. The field goals were the first in Myer's collegiate career. The Hokies made six field goals of 30 or more yards all season entering the game.

A/P: Sammy Watkins, Clemson: Despite the loss, Watkins broke two school records in the Discover Orange Bowl and finished with 205 all-purpose yards, giving him 2,282 for the season -- second-most in ACC history. He had seven kick returns for 143 yards, and he had five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Editor’s Note: Tune into the “AT&T ESPN All America Team Show” on Saturday (ABC, 1:30 p.m. ET) to see who ESPN’s writers and experts selected.

ESPN.com is announcing its all-conference teams today, and there was only one change here from the all-conference ACC team that the members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Associated voted on in late November. Offensively, the biggest toss-up was Wake Forest receiver Chris Givens vs. UNC’s Dwight Jones, but Givens did more with fewer catches. Defensively, it was difficult. I can understand why Virginia Tech and Florida State coaches and players felt slighted, but in the end, there were better individual performances elsewhere. Here’s a look at ESPN.com’s All-ACC team:

The 2011 All-ACC football team, as voted on by 45 members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, was released on Monday. A first-team vote was worth two points and second-team vote one. Unanimous selections are marked with an asterisk. Disclaimer: I did not vote for this team. The only all-conference team I participate in is the one I compile for ESPN.com, which hasn't been released yet. Here is the team as voted on by the members of ACSMA:

FIRST TEAM

Offense

QB-Tajh Boyd, Clemson (71)

RB-David Wilson, Virginia Tech (90)*

RB-Giovani Bernard, North Carolina (66)

WR-Sammy Watkins, Clemson (86)

WR-Chris Givens, Wake Forest (69)

OT-Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech (86)

OT-Zebrie Sanders, Florida State (46)

OG-Austin Pasztor, Virginia (49)

OG-Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech (45)

C-Dalton Freeman, Clemson (44)

TE-Dwayne Allen, Clemson (78)

K-Dustin Hopkins, Florida State (75)

Spec.- T.J. Graham, NC State (45)

Defense

DE-Andre Branch, Clemson (79)

DE-Quinton Coples, North Carolina (64)

DT-Joe Vellano, Maryland (68)

DT-Matt Conrath, Virginia (55)

LB-Luke Kuechly, Boston College (90)*

LB-Sean Spence, Miami (82)

LB-Zach Brown, North Carolina (48)

CB-David Amerson, NC State (86)

CB-Chase Minnifield, Virginia (47)

S-Matt Daniels, Duke (80)

S-Josh Bush, Wake Forest (41)

P-Shawn Powell, Florida State (85)

SECOND TEAM

Offense

QB-Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech (49)

WR-Dwight Jones, North Carolina (58)

WR-Conner Vernon, Duke (34)

RB-Lamar Miller, Miami (62)

RB-Andre Ellington, Clemson (26)

OT-Oday Aboushi, Virginia (43)

OT-James Hurst, North Carolina (30)

OG-Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech (35)

OG-Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina (31)

OG-Joe Looney, Wake Forest (31)

C-Tyler Horn, Miami (32)

TE-George Bryan, NC State (29)

K-Chandler Catanzaro, Clemson (37)

Spec.-Sammy Watkins, Clemson (33)

Defense

DE-Brandon Jenkins, Florida State (51)

DE-James Gayle, Virginia Tech (25)

DT-Brandon Thompson, Clemson (43)

DT-Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest (30)

LB-Terrell Manning, NC State (44)

LB-Julian Burnett, Georgia Tech (34)

LB-Steve Greer, Virginia (23)

CB-Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech (36)

CB-Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech (34)

S-Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech (33)

S-Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State (23)

P-Alex King, Duke (22)

This story was supposed to be about No. 7 Clemson shedding its shell, about a team infamous for imploding finally, finally shaking that reputation by coming from behind to beat Wake Forest and clinch the Atlantic Division. It was supposed to be about Clemson being done “pulling a Clemson.”

And then tight end Dwayne Allen opened his mouth and spoke the truth, like he always does.

It’s not over yet.

“Two years ago after clinching the division we laid an egg against South Carolina,” he said. “We had just come off a senior day at home, we clinched the division and we knew we were going to play for the ACC title. Going to South Carolina was just like nothing, it didn’t mean anything. I don’t want my guys to let down because we’re playing for more than that.”

They’re playing for an outright Atlantic Division title, not a shared title with Florida State.

They’re playing to maintain their spot among the top-10 teams in the country.

They’re playing the role of spoiler, to keep NC State out of the postseason.

And they’re playing to become the first team in the Atlantic Division to go undefeated against division opponents.

In order to accomplish all of those, though, Clemson has to avoid, well, you know -- being Clemson. The Tigers are preparing for their game Saturday at NC State on guard of a letdown. NC State desperately needs this win to have a chance to become bowl eligible. The Wolfpack will have home field advantage and a lot to lose. Much like in 2009, the Tigers are coming off a big win on senior day. They’ve got the grand prize of playing for the ACC title already wrapped up, but in the past two games, Clemson has come precariously close to watching it all slip away. A 21-point third quarter by Wake Forest almost changed the Atlantic Division race, but the Tigers squeaked out a 31-28 win on a last-second, game-winning field goal.

“We haven’t been playing like we know how to play and that’s the biggest problem,” Allen said. “We’re not satisfied. Not to discredit Wake Forest, but we came out and we laid an egg in the third quarter. That third quarter was horrible. Might have been the worst third quarter I’ve ever been a part of …

“We’re the seventh-ranked team in the nation and we haven’t playing like it lately,” he said. “I want that explosive offense to come back that’s been missing the past couple of weeks. Going in to NC State, we have the opportunity to really win our division outright. … It could go down as a tiebreaker with us and Florida State. I want to win the division outright.”

It could be close. Clemson won last year’s game 14-13, and nine of the past 14 games in the series have been decided by eight points or less. Clemson has won seven straight games in the series, but it hasn’t won 10 games in a regular season since winning the national title in 1981.

Offensive lineman Dalton Freeman said this is a “totally different team” and a different set of coaches, which has led to a different mindset, demeanor and level of expectations.

“I don’t know if it’s the leadership of the team, or the coaches, or the combination of everything,” he said, “but our confidence level and our will to win and our will to prepare to win is so much better than it’s ever been in the past.”

In turn, so are the results -- so far.

Here are the ACC's Players of the Week, as announced and written by the league offices in Greensboro, N.C.:

OFFENSIVE BACK – Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech, r-So., QB, 6-6, 254, Lynchburg, Va.

For the second time this year, Thomas accounted for five touchdowns as the Hokies went to Georgia Tech and came away with a win. The sophomore completed seven passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns and picked up two rushing touchdowns and 70 yards on the ground.

RECEIVER – Danny Coale, Virginia Tech, r-Sr., WR, 6-0, 200, Lexington, Va.

Coale had only two catches, but both of them were big as the Hokies went to Georgia Tech and came away with a 37-26 win. His first catch was a 63-yard touchdown catch late in the first half to give Virginia Tech a 21-10 lead and then his second was a leaping catch down the sideline on a key third down. Coale finished with two catches for 97 yards and a score in the win.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Dalton Freeman, Clemson, r-Jr., C, 6-5, 285, Pelion, S.C.

Freeman led Clemson’s offensive line effort to 522 yards of total offense in the 31-28 win over Wake Forest. Freeman was playing with a heavy heart as his grandfather had passed away earlier in the week. Freeman graded 93 percent with five knockdowns for his 86 plays and provided a key block on both of Andre Ellington’s touchdown runs. He did not allow a sack.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Matt Conrath, Virginia, Sr., DT, 6-7, 280, Oak Lawn, Ill.

Conrath led the UVa defense with nine tackles in Virginia's 31-21 victory against Duke to improve the Cavaliers' record to 7-3 and 4-2 in conference play. Conrath had two tackles for loss, forced a fumble and blocked a Duke field goal attempt in the first quarter after the Blue Devils had driven to the Virginia 7-yard line with no score in the game. It was the fifth blocked kick during his career and his third this year. The Cavaliers held Duke's running game to just 34 yards on 29 carries, 70 yards below its season average. Duke scored just seven points in the second half as UVa pulled away after the game was knotted 14-14 at the half.

LINEBACKER – Luke Kuechly, Boston College, Jr., LB, 6-3, 237, Cincinnati, Ohio

Kuechly recorded a game-high 18 tackles, including nine during a 13-minute stretch of the fourth quarter as Boston College held for a 14-10 win over NC State. He missed a few plays after suffering a bruised right elbow early in the third quarter. Kuechly extended his nation-best streak to 32 games with double-digit tackles, and in the third quarter became the fifth player in ACC history to reach 500 tackles in his career.

DEFENSIVE BACK – Chase Minnifield, Virginia, Sr., CB, 6-0, 185, Lexington, Ky.

Minnifield had five tackles and broke up two passes in Virginia's 31-21 victory against Duke. He came up with the big play on defense, intercepting a pass and returning it 54 yards for a score to put UVa up 21-14 early in the third quarter. Minnifield’s interception was his third of the 2011 season and the 13th of his career. It was his first pick-six.

SPECIALIST – Shawn Powell, Florida State, Sr., P, 6-4, 235, Rome, Ga.

Powell was nothing short of brilliant in helping the Seminoles win the field position game against the rival Hurricanes. He punted five times for 274 yards -- a 54.8-yard average -- and with the help of his coverage units finished with a net average of 47.4 yards. Powell’s opening punt of the game sailed 51 yards and was angled out of bounds at the Miami 1-yard line. He also pinned the Canes back at their own 6-yard line with a 39-yard punt -- his shortest of the game. In all he had four punts over 50 yards, including two over 60 (66, 63). The ACC leader in punting (47.1), Powell would lead the nation if he had two more punt attempts to meet the minimum standard of 3.6 per game. The Seminoles are ranked second nationally in net punting average. For his performance against Miami, Powell was selected National Punter of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards.

ROOKIE – Alex Twine, Maryland, Fr., LB, 6-0, 220, Gaithersburg, Md.

Twine posted a career-best 12 tackles in Maryland’s 45-21 loss to Notre Dame. In just his third career start, the sure-tackling outside linebacker posted 3.0 tackles for loss, the most by any Terrapin defender this season, and one sack. Twine has played in all 10 games, but has averaged 10.0 tackles in his three starts.

CLEMSON, S.C. -- On Monday, Clemson was on fall break and the players were allowed to sleep in before attending an offensive meeting at 10 a.m.

That’s when offensive coordinator Chad Morris woke them up.

“I’ve never seen him that fired up,” center Dalton Freeman said.

Clemson fans might say the same about the Tigers’ offense on Saturday against North Carolina.

Seven different players accounted for touchdowns in Clemson’s 59-38 romp of the Tar Heels, including defensive end Kourtnei Brown, who returned two turnovers for scores. It seemed as if Clemson had more playmakers than North Carolina had defenders on the field. Only one other time in school history -- against Wake Forest in 1981 -- had Clemson scored more points against an ACC opponent. The Tigers’ ability to distribute the ball coupled with the unselfish attitude from playmakers young and old are what has separated the program, now 8-0, from the rest of the ACC this year.

Receiver Sammy Watkins might be the best freshman in the country, but he doesn’t have to be for Clemson to win.

“Today was probably the most complete game we’ve had as far as distributing the ball and sharing the wealth,” quarterback Tajh Boyd said. “There is a lot to go around. If somebody game-plans for this person or that person, we do have other options out there. It’s exciting to see, and that’s probably the most rewarding thing I took from today, was that you come back into the locker room and you see the smiles on these guys’ faces because they are getting shown love. We’ve got too many playmakers. It’s a quarterbacks dream to have those type of players out there.”

Against North Carolina, receiver DeAndre “Nuke” Hopkins was Boyd’s favorite target, with nine catches for 157 yards and a touchdown. He was one of five different receivers who caught touchdown passes, a single-game school record. Even with Watkins drawing the bulk of the attention from UNC’s defense, he still finished with eight catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.

“I think that’s the key to our success,” coach Dabo Swinney said. “First of all we’ve got really, really good players. We’ve hit some home runs with recruits from that standpoint. … The key for us is it’s not like you can just defend one guy. We have a lot of guys who can make plays. We have a lot of backups who can make plays. We’ve got a quarterback who can pull the trigger and make a decision, and the offensive line is playing some really, really good football. That’s a good combination to have.”

And it’s only the beginning. Clemson has 42 freshmen (redshirt or first-year) among the 85 players on scholarship. The Tigers have played 13 true freshmen, none of whom have had more of an impact that Watkins, but Mike Bellamy and receiver Martavis Bryant have also been key contributors this year.

“You’re going to see that distribution continue to spread, especially next year, because these guys are going to be sophomores and even better,” Swinney said. “There’s not a lot of distance between our skill guys from a talent standpoint. There’s just not much difference at all. That’s a big blessing for us. That’s the bottom line, they know that everybody is going to have an opportunity to make a play in this offense. We’re not sitting there throwing to one guy.”

And if there’s anyone on the roster who still feels the need to be THE guy?

“The door’s right there,” Swinney said. “That’s the least of my worries. I am the last guy to coddle guys. This is a team sport. Our guys know that. It’s one team, one dream. You’re going to have a hard time making it at Clemson if you’re not a team guy.”

And opponents are going to continue to have a hard time stopping Clemson without an extra defender or six on the field.

As Clemson jogged off the field at halftime of its season opener against Troy, the Tigers were booed for their 16-13 deficit.

One week later, they found themselves tied at 21 at the half against unheralded FCS opponent Wofford.

Ready or not, here comes Auburn. And Florida State. And Virginia Tech.

“It’s a bigger challenge the next 10 games,” coach Dabo Swinney said when asked about the next three. “All you can do is measure where you are. We’re a team that’s a little bit of a work in progress, and that’s probably how it’s going to be here for a little bit. We’re very capable. We have a lot of potential. If we continue to give the kind of effort they’re giving, and keep showing up, and we do a great job of coaching ‘em up, we’ll see if we can find a way to keep winning, that’s the bottom line. We’ll find out Saturday if we’re ready for the next step.”

After a shaky start against two teams Clemson was expected to handle easily, the Tigers now enter the ‘champion’s row’ part of their schedule, which includes the defending national champs, the 2010 Atlantic Division champs, and last year’s Coastal Division champs. If the Tigers are going to have any chance of coming out on the winning end, those within the program know they have a lot of work to do.

Problem is, time is running out to do it.

“If we start looking at our schedule, it would probably be easy to get overwhelmed,” said center Dalton Freeman. “So we’re just trying to treat every game like the Super Bowl, because we know, our slogan this year has been ‘One team, one dream.’ That dream is to be a championship team. We can’t do that unless we take care of business each and every week. I don’t think anybody really looks at the big picture and says, ‘Wow, what a challenge.’ I think we look at it as a great opportunity. For us to have that dream, we have to have a great schedule. If we do the right things, with our schedule, we can skyrocket to the top.”

Only three overtime points separated Clemson from the national champions last year.

These teams are vastly different, though, than they were a year ago. Clemson has given its offense a makeover with first-year starting quarterback Tajh Boyd and first-year offensive coordinator Chad Morris. Auburn opened the Mississippi State game with seven underclassmen starting on defense. Together they allowed 531 yards of offense and 27 points.

In the first week of the season, Clemson and Auburn combined to play 25 true freshmen and 47 total freshmen including redshirts. While both have a dramatically different look to them this fall, starting at quarterback, both teams have one very important trait in common as they prepare to face each other on Saturday: They have found ways to win.

Auburn just happens to have done it much longer.

“Listen, Auburn is the national champion until somebody can knock ‘em out,” Swinney said. “So far, nobody has been able to do that. Whether we were up 17, or Alabama was up 24, whatever, Auburn is the team that has put a 17-game winning streak together. It hasn’t always been pretty, but they’ve found a way to win, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”

So says a coach whose team had to win ugly against Troy and Wofford this season. Last year’s loss to Auburn was the start of a three-game losing streak for Clemson, and the Tigers could be in for a similar slide this year if they don’t improve quickly.

“For us, it’s almost -- I wouldn’t say revenge -- but we know we can do it,” Freeman said. “We were right there last year. We just want another chance to try and go out and finish the job, but we’re going to have to play a lot better than we did the last two weeks and get everybody on the same page.”

Last week was really the last chance for everyone not to be.

ESPN.com is releasing its preseason all-conference teams today. You’ll notice this one has a few differences in it from what was voted on at ACC’s media days. Here are the ACC players who get my vote:

OFFENSE

WR Conner Vernon, Duke

WR Dwight Jones, North Carolina

TE George Bryan, NC State

T Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech

T Andrew Datko, Florida State

G Brandon Washington, Miami

G Omoregi Uzzie, Georgia Tech

C Dalton Freeman, Clemson

QB Danny O’Brien, Maryland

RB Montel Harris, Boston College

RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech

DEFENSE

DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina

DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State

DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina

DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson

LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

LB Sean Spence, Miami

LB Kenny Tate, Maryland

CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia

CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami

S Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Will Snyderwine, Duke

P Shawn Powell, Florida State

SP Greg Reid, Florida State

Happy August! Shark week, anyone?

• Is Virginia most likely to lose to an FCS team this fall?
• David Glenn weighs in on the firing of former UNC coach Butch Davis.
• Two more UNC recruits talk about their decision to stay true to the Tar Heel blue.
• Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson is as proud of Albert Rocker as he is of any of his former players who made it to the NFL. And he should be.
• Another inspirational story about an ACC football player contributing beyond the field.
• Former UNC receiver Greg Little is already moving up the Cleveland Browns' depth chart.
• Clemson center Dalton Freeman will be at the center of line coach Robbie Caldwell's attention.
• Christian Ponder is now Donovan McNabb's backup.

Boston College: Linebacker Luke Kuechly led the nation last year with 110 tackles -- so many that his dad often gave him grief last year about how many were legitimate. “He’s always like, ‘You just walk by the ball and they give you tackles,’” Kuechly said with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘Dad, man, I’m working for those.’ He said, ‘No, you’re not, they’re just tallying them up for you.’”

Clemson: The pace of Clemson’s offense has sped up under first-year coordinator Chad Morris, and it starts at the heart of the line. Instead of looking to the sideline and getting the play, Clemson center Dalton Freeman said he’s running straight to the ball. “When you’re looking at the sideline for a couple of years, waiting to hear the signal, to going straight to the ball and getting into your stance, it’s a big transition but it’s been a smooth one.”

Duke: Quarterback Sean Renfree said his improved decision-making was the biggest difference down the stretch last season. “Towards the end of the season I was thinking you don’t have to score every series,” he said. “Do the little things to give yourself a chance in the fourth quarter.” Renfree, who’s visibly bigger, faster and stronger, said he’s much more confident entering his second season as starter.

Florida State: The Seminoles are already preparing for their Sept. 17 home game against Oklahoma. “I watch film on them every day,” said defensive end Brandon Jenkins. “That’s a key factor.” Jenkins said last year’s 47-17 loss stuck with them for a long time, but they’re “going to try to change that this year.” He said the Noles have grown most in leadership and maturity since that loss.

Georgia Tech: While Georgia Tech might not find its next 1,000-yard rusher this fall, A-back Roddy Jones said the Jackets will get their yards by committee this year. “I think there will definitely be at least two,” he said of the B-backs. “We have four who are capable of doing the job. I don’t think any of them will be as explosive as [Jon] Dwyer was, but every single one is capable of being as effective as Anthony [Allen] was.”

Maryland: Linebacker Kenny Tate said his move from safety to linebacker isn’t as significant as some might think. “It’s really not a huge change,” he said. “… I still have the freedom to move around, I’m just closer to the line.” Tate said he has heard that the move could be a boost in his NFL stock because he can showcase his ability to blitz and also play safety.

Miami: The Hurricanes will be hunkered down in a hotel to stay focused during the first few weeks of summer camp, according to center Tyler Horn -- who said the team could use it. “Obviously what we did last year was not good enough,” Horn said. “The focus has been an emphasis and being mentally tough … Nothing but good can come out of it.”

North Carolina: Quarterback Bryn Renner lost a video game to offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper, and Cooper immediately got the silent treatment. Cooper said Renner is “very competitive. He hates to lose.” One of the adjustments Renner will have to make, Cooper said, is accepting the ups and downs of his position. “You’re not always going to be the glory guy, you’re going to have to take some of the falls with it as well.”

NC State: Tight end George Bryan said he kept his personal feelings out of former quarterback Russell Wilson’s decision to transfer. He didn’t know until he found about it on TV. “I trust whatever decision was made,” he said. Bryan said he hopes Wilson does well at Wisconsin. “If it’s on TV, I’ll definitely watch it and be cheering for him.”

Virginia: Cornerback Chase Minnifield said he “doesn’t have many expectations” for himself: Just an All-American, All-ACC, and the best corner in the country. “I don’t really care what my interceptions are,” he said. “I think a good corner is a guy who doesn’t give up too many passes and doesn’t give up any touchdowns. If I can get that done, I’ll be all right.”

Virginia Tech: Safety Eddie Whitley said he has seen quarterback Logan Thomas making “big strides, even from spring to now.” Whitley said Thomas is ahead of the curve, but expects opponents to disrespect Thomas’ IQ and arm strength. During voluntary workouts this summer, Thomas would run a play, and ask Whitley what coverage the defense was in and why, and how he can throw the ball better against it.

Wake Forest: One priority for the defense is creating turnovers, as the Demon Deacons ranked tied for No. 94 in the country last season with 17. Linebacker Kyle Wilber said the players were young, “cocky and arrogant” and thought they were going to easily strip the ball last year. “If we don’t help out our offense and put them in the best position they can be in, how do we expect to win?”