ESPN College Football

2011 overall record: 3-9
2011 conference record: 1-7 (6th, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 0

Top returners
WR Conner Vernon, WR Brandon Braxton, RT Perry Simmons, RG Laken Tomlinson, C Brian Moore, QB Sean Renfree, DE Justin Foxx, DT Sydney Sarmiento, DE Kenny Anunike, LB Kelby Brown, LB Austin Gamble, CB Ross Cockrell, S Jordon Byas, S Walt Canty

Key losses
WR Donovan Varner, LT Kyle Hill, NG Charlie Hatcher, CB Johnny Williams, S Matt Daniels, PK Will Snyderwine, P Alex King

2011 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Juwan Thompson* (457 yards)
Passing: Sean Renfree* (2,891 yards)
Receiving: Conner Vernon* (956 yards)
Tackles: Matt Daniels (126)
Sacks: Kenny Anunike* (4)
Interceptions: Matt Daniels (2)

Spring answers

1. Sean Renfree keeps improving: Coach David Cutcliffe has talked about a pro future for Renfree. Getting to pick the brain of Cutcliffe's pupil, Peyton Manning, probably doesn't hurt. Neither does turning in another strong spring, as Renfree returns for his third year as a starter hoping, once again, to help the program take the next step.

2. Offensive line is cohesive: Much of the production from last season's unit is back, and the group will only grow closer with an offseason volunteer trip to Ethiopia, where 11 of Duke's offensive linemen currently are. The unit could help pave the way for a talented incoming running back class, along with returning starter Juwan Thompson.

3. Conner Vernon ready to make plays: Cutcliffe has said it will take playmakers for Duke to take the next step, and he certainly has one in Vernon, who enters 2012 within striking distance of the ACC receiving record. Having an experienced quarterback such as Renfree throwing to him should help him in the pursuit.

Fall questions

1. Will the defense step up? It is Year 2 under coordinator Jim Knowles and his 4-2-5 scheme, and plenty of talent is back. Still, the unit loses safety Matt Daniels and ranked near the bottom of most defensive categories among ACC schools last season.

2. Can the Blue Devils handle this schedule? FIU and Stanford aren't exactly nonconference cupcakes, especially for a school that has traditionally been an ACC bottom-feeder. Time will only tell if those first two games, regardless of outcome, serve the Blue Devils well before jumping into their conference slate.

3. Is this The Year? Duke holds the longest current bowl-less drought, having not played in the postseason since 1994. Three of Duke's nine losses last season came by a combined seven points, perhaps suggesting that the team was closer to breaking through than many would think. There is plenty of returning talent in key spots, but a tough schedule and recent history suggest that it will still take a huge effort for the Blue Devils to extend their season.

Duke begins spring practices today with an experienced quarterback in three-year starter Sean Renfree, one of the ACC’s most accomplished receivers in Conner Vernon, and an experienced, more athletic offensive line. So what can Duke fans expect in a season that should feature a wide-open Coastal Division race? I caught up with Vernon on Tuesday to get his take on the Blue Devils this season. Vernon is the only player in ACC history with multiple seasons of 70-plus receptions (73 in 2010; 70 in 2011). With 198 career receptions, he is now 34 catches away from matching the league record of 232 held by Clemson’s Aaron Kelly (2005-08). With 2,675 career receiving yards, Vernon needs 842 yards to equal the conference mark of 3,517 yards held by Florida State’s Peter Warrick (1996-99). He’s a key piece to Duke’s bowl hopes this year, but he’ll be limited a bit this spring because he’s still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered at the end of last season.

Here are the highlights of our conversation:

What’s different about Duke football this year? What can Duke fans be encouraged about?

Conner Vernon: Definitely just how young of a team we were last year, and how a lot of them have really grown up a lot and shown flashes of greatness early. That’s something Coach Cut [David Cutcliffe] has preached a lot about this offseason, about being great, and that good isn’t good enough anymore. A lot of guys have stepped up big, and a lot of young guys have stepped up big. My impression is that that’s created a lot of competition with the older guys and we’re looking forward to starting [today].

You mentioned that Coach Cut said good isn’t good enough at this point. What’s it going to take for you guys to take the next step?

CV: That’s something we’re going to figure out and we’ll find that out as a team. The competition level is going to keep going up at practice, which is going to push more guys. That’s what we need. We have a great recruiting class coming in and last year’s class, a lot of those guys have stepped up and it’s going to be fun. That’s what I think he’s trying to get at, letting guys know we have a lot of guys coming in who are great and are going to push us to the limit and it’s going to be good for all of us.

Just from a personal standpoint, how badly do you want to see all of this hard work finally translate into a bowl game this year?

CV: Oh, more than anything I’ve ever wanted. Not only do the players who have been here for the last four or five years, coaches, staff, Duke University itself, the fans and alums, it’s time to put Duke back on the map, get to that bowl and get over the hump. This whole university and the people around it definitely deserve it.

Because you guys have been so close under Cutcliffe, but it hasn’t happened, why is everyone still believing and buying in?

CV: Because it shows. It shows out there. I’m sure you can ask any team in the ACC that it’s shown and it’s something that they can’t take Duke for granted anymore. Even though the win-loss column may not show it, you can tell teams are respecting Duke a lot more. It’s only going to get better.

I look at what you guys have coming back on offense and it seems pretty good with Sean Renfree being in his third season as a starter. What do you think you guys are capable of this year offensively?

CV: The sky is the limit for us. We have some set offensive goals and we’re hoping to achieve them, but from a passing standpoint and running standpoint, we look very good.

Without [Donovan] Varner and [Cooper] Helfet it seems like you’re the main man out there. How do you feel your role will change out there, not that you haven’t been a productive part of Duke’s offense in recent years?

CV: I think I’m going to have to take more of a leadership role. Cooper and Donovan were leaders on the offense, along with Sean. Just them being seniors as a group and gone, it’s kind of like it’s my turn now. I would say just trying to take more of that role and it’s definitely going to be my biggest challenge this offseason.

You’re 34 catches away from setting a league record, and 842 yards away from another league record. How much do you think about those things and care about them, and are they goals of yours for the season?

CV: They’re definitely subplots of this trip, my four years here. But definitely my first and foremost goal is putting Duke football back on the map and getting to that bowl game and having more wins than losses this year. If the record comes, great, but the only record I’m really worried about is the one for Duke’s team at the end of the year. I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen, and I’m sure if we’re in a bowl game this year those records will be right there behind it. I’m looking forward to the challenge, but Duke comes first before the individual records.

Much of the focus in the Coastal Division race has been around Virginia Tech, but don't forget: Virginia can win the division if it wins out. First, though, it has to get past Duke, which has won three straight in this series and is once again pushing the Cavaliers to their limit.

Duke relies on its passing game, and quarterback Sean Renfree's 64-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Varner in the second quarter is exactly the kind of play Virginia's defense can't allow. Both teams have struggled on third downs, but two factors could be the difference in the second half: Turnovers and Virginia's ability to run the ball. Perry Jones is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and he's also got three catches for 30 yards. Virginia has already lost a fumble, but neither quarterback has thrown an interception. Yet.

If Virginia is going to snap this three-game losing streak to the Blue Devils, it's going to need to counter Duke's passing game in the second half, win the turnover battle, and continue to run the ball well.

Here’s a look at 10 thinks to keep an eye on in Week 11, in no particular order:

1. Virginia Tech’s defensive changes. Coordinator Bud Foster has revamped his starting lineup in preparation for Georgia Tech’s spread option offense. Jack Tyler will get his first start of the season at middle linebacker, and defensive end J.R. Collins will move to defensive tackle. Tyrel Wilson will take Collins’s spot at defensive end, and for the second straight year, cornerback Kyle Fuller will play linebacker. There are a lot of redshirt sophomores in the lineup who will get their first look at the Jackets’ unique offense. How they handle that -- some in new positions -- will be critical.

2. Georgia Tech’s rushing defense. The Yellow Jackets have allowed four different 100 yard ACC rushers this season, and Virginia Tech’s David Wilson is looking for his ninth 100-yard game of the season. The Jackets played well in their upset win over Clemson, but can they make the stops against the nation’s leading rusher and get the Hokies off the field?

3. The ACC standings. This is a critical week for the conference race. Clemson can clinch the Atlantic Division with a win over Wake Forest, Virginia Tech can eliminate Georgia Tech and Miami with a win in Atlanta, and Georgia Tech can move into a tie for first place with Virginia with a win.

4. Clemson running back Andre Ellington: He missed the Georgia Tech game with an ankle injury, and Clemson in turn missed him. Ellington is not only the team’s top rusher, but his ability to block and hang onto the ball should be a noticeable upgrade to Clemson’s offense against Wake Forest.

5. Standout receivers in Death Valley. The ACC’s top two receivers in receptions/per game will highlight Saturday’s matchup. Wake Forest junior wide receiver Chris Givens is 68 receiving yards away from tying Ricky Proehl’s single-season record of 1,053 which he set during the 1989 season. Clemson’s Sammy Watkins is No. 2 in the ACC at 108 receiving yards per game, while Givens leads with 109.4.

6. Miami running back Lamar Miller against the nation’s No. 3 rushing defense. Florida State is holding opponents to just 78.89 rushing yards per game, but Miller is coming off a 147-yard performance against Duke and became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2002.

7. Florida State’s receivers against Miami’s secondary. A total of 10 Seminoles with at least five receptions are averaging more than 10.5 yards per catch. No team in the nation has more receivers averaging 10.5 yards per reception with a minimum of five catches. Miami’s defense can’t key in on one player, and the Canes rank No. 95 in pass efficiency defense.

8. Duke’s passing game against Virginia’s defense. The Hoos are No. 20 in the country in pass efficiency defense, and Duke has the No. 3 passing offense in the ACC. Virginia safety Rodney McLeod had three interceptions last weekend against Maryland, but Duke receivers Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner are two of the best in the league.

9. NC State receiver T.J. Graham. He needs 55 yards to break the ACC career kickoff return mark. Earlier this season, Graham became the first Wolfpack receiver with three consecutive games with more than 100 yards since Jerricho Cotchery had five straight at the end of 2003.

10. Maryland’s red zone defense. Over the past four games, Notre Dame has converted 17 red zone trips into 15 touchdowns. That is the highest touchdown percentage on red zone visits for the Irish over any four-game stretch since 2000. As much as Maryland’s defense has struggled this year, the Terps have fared well in the red zone, and are tied for No. 20 in the country in red zone efficiency defense.

Thanks as always to the sports information directors throughout the league for this week’s notes:

ACC: The ACC leads all leagues in pass plays of 75 or more yards. When Virginia running back Perry Jones took a short pass from quarterback Michael Rocco 78 yards for a touchdown against Miami, it was the eighth scoring pass play of 75 yards or longer in the conference this year. The Pac-12 is second (6), followed by the Sun Belt (5), the SEC, Conference USA, the Mid-American and Big Ten all with four. The WAC has had three such plays and the Big East two. NC State and Georgia Tech each have had two scoring pass plays of 75 or more yards and they are joined by Virginia, Miami, North Carolina and Wake Forest all have one 75+ yard scoring play each. -- Mike Finn

BOSTON COLLEGE: Linebacker Luke Kuechly had 20 tackles in the loss to Florida State, the fourth 20-plus tackle performance of his career. He needed just one half to extend his streak of double-digit tackles to 31 consecutive games, the longest active streak in FBS college football. After Thursday’s game, Kuechly has 491 career tackles and ranks seventh on the ACC career tackles list. -- BC’s postgame notes

CLEMSON: When Clemson plays Wake Forest on Nov. 12, the Tigers can clinch the Atlantic Division for the second time in three years. Two years ago, the Tigers won the division with a victory over Virginia on senior day. Now the 2011 Clemson seniors can do the same thing. The Tigers also will be looking to finish the home schedule with a 7-0 record, which would be the first undefeated finish in Death Valley since 1990 (6-0). -- Tim Bourret

DUKE: Donovan Varner is aiming to become the first player in ACC history with three seasons of 60-plus receptions. He is one of 12 players in league history with two seasons of more than 60 catches. With 51 this season, Vernon has become just the third player in Duke history to have three seasons with 50 or more pass receptions, joining Clarkston Hines and Scottie Montgomery. -- Art Chase

FLORIDA STATE: With Lonnie Pryor's fourth-quarter rushing touchdown against BC on Thursday night, FSU has now scored 15 rushing touchdowns in the last five games. Quite a turnaround when you consider Florida State had just three in the first four games of the season. -- FSU postgame notes

GEORGIA TECH: Between 1967 and head coach Paul Johnson’s arrival in 2008, Tech went 2-29-1 at home against teams ranked in the top 10. Johnson is 2-0 at home against top-10 teams -- a win over No. 4 Virginia Tech in 2009 and a victory against No. 6 Clemson Oct. 29. -- Dean Buchan

MARYLAND: Defensive tackle Joe Vellano has had double-digit tackles in three of the past four games, including 10 in Saturday’s Boston College game. The nation’s leader in tackles among defensive linemen (7.75 per game), Vellano is averaging 10.6 stops over the past five games, including a career-best 20 vs. Georgia Tech (10/8), a mark which still ranks tied for seventh on the 2011 FBS single-game tackle chart and is the most for defensive lineman since 2006. -- Shawn Nestor

MIAMI: With 45 more receiving yards, senior wide receiver Travis Benjamin will become just the sixth player in program history to reach the 2,000-yard plateau. Benjamin is on the verge of joining former UM and NFL greats Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Michael Irvin, Lamar Thomas and Leonard Hankerson. -- Miami game notes

NORTH CAROLINA: In North Carolina’s six wins this season, the Tar Heels are outscoring their opponents 49-0 in the first quarter. In the three losses, opponents are outscoring Carolina 30-14. UNC outscored its opponents 42-3 in the first quarter through the first six games of the season but was outscored 27-7 in the next two games vs. Miami (17-0) and Clemson (10-7), both losses. The Tar Heels bounced back to lead Wake Forest, 14-0, in the first quarter last weekend. -- Kevin Best

NC STATE: NC State quarterback Mike Glennon and UNC quarterback Bryn Renner last played against each other in high school. Glennon attended Westfield High School in Centreville, Va., and Renner was two years behind him at West Springfield High. Those schools are just 18 miles apart according to Google Maps. In 2007, the two quarterbacks squared off in the Virginia high school playoffs, with Glennon’s Westfield squad coming out on top. The two also played against each other in Little League basketball and other youth sports. -- Annabelle Myers

VIRGINIA: Virginia is averaging 186.4 rushing yards per game. That number is the second-highest amount by the Cavaliers in the past 12 seasons. During that time, only the 2004 team (242.8) had a higher rushing average than the current 2011 squad. Virginia rushed for 1,672 yards in 2010 through 12 games. Through eight games, UVa has rushed for 1,491 yards, needing 182 yards to surpass its 2010 total. -- Jim Daves

VIRGINIA TECH: Coach Frank Beamer earned his 248th career victory last Saturday when the Hokies won at Duke -- their school and ACC record 11th-straight road victory. With one more win, Beamer will tie Lou Holtz (249) for eighth place all-time in FBS wins. That next opportunity will come on Nov. 10 when the Hokies travel to Atlanta for an ESPN-televised game at Georgia Tech. -- Bryan Johnston

WAKE FOREST: When Notre Dame visits BB&T Field on Saturday, the Irish are guaranteed of playing in front of their smallest audience in a number of years. If Wake Forest were to equal its stadium record attendance of 37,623 set against North Carolina in 2004, it would be the smallest crowd to watch a Notre Dame game since 1981 when Air Force drew 36,700 fans to Colorado Springs. BB&T Field, with a listed seating capacity of 31,500, is the smallest stadium to host a Notre Dame game since Dec. 1, 1945 when the Irish played the Great Lakes Naval Training Station (22,000). -- Steve Shutt

Whatever happens on the field between NC State and UNC on Saturday will be hard to top what's happened off of it this week:

• I told you guys earlier this week I liked NC State coach Tom O'Brien for his bluntness. Here's why: ZING.
• Interim coach Everett Withers' jabs might hurt his chances at being the head coach in the long run. (Ya think?)
• Andrew Jones writes that both coaches were in the wrong.
• From the streets of Miami to ... Duke?? Donovan Varner used to be a hot head. Now he's got the hot hand.
• FSU's streak of 30 straight bowl games? Um, yeah, that's a big deal.
• How bad was it for BC? Pret-ty bad.
• Clemson's offense still has one problem: It's quarterback is not a rushing threat.
• Part of Miami's problem has been with its pass defense.
• Wake Forest quarterback Tanner Price has started to get fired up.
• The Maryland seniors who will play their final game in Byrd Stadium on Saturday have seen more in their College Park careers than they probably ever imagined they would.

Noles? Or Eagles?

• Georgia Tech's offensive line is still dealing with injuries to Jay Finch and Will Jackson.
• Wait, the interim coach of a school under the microscope in part for an NCAA investigation that looked into academic misconduct is taking a jab at NC State's academics? Love it.
• Wait, wait I can be TOBing, too!! Maybe in the next video blog ...
• Maryland receiver Ronnie Tyler has a few regrets about his suspension. He thought he was done because he broke curfew.
• Virginia is preparing for Maryland's offensive system, not two different quarterbacks.
• BC is entering its game against Florida State with a postseason mindset.
• FSU coach Jimbo Fisher has heaped a lot of praise on starting quarterback EJ Manuel, giving him lots of credit for the three-game winning streak.
• Miami's Adewale Ojomo appears to be set at defensive tackle instead of end.
• Two of Duke's best players are Miami natives, and receivers Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner are heading home this weekend in search of a win and a school record.
• Maryland offensive lineman Justin Gilbert is ready to get back in the game after two knee surgeries.

Thanks as always to the sports information directors throughout the league for this week’s notes:

ACC: ACC players accounted for one-third of the total number of players chosen to be semifinalists for the prestigious Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker. Boston College’s Luke Kuechly, Miami’s Sean Spence, North Carolina’s Zach Brown and NC State’s Audie Cole all made the cut, the most of any league.

BOSTON COLLEGE: Linebacker Luke Kuechly extended his streak of games with 10 or more tackles to 29 in Saturday’s loss at Virginia Tech. Kuechly had 19 stops against the Hokies. He’s not the only Eagle on a streak, as receiver Bobby Swigert has caught at least one pass in 19 straight games.

CLEMSON: Defensive end Kourtnei Brown became only the third player since the NCAA began keeping records on defensive touchdown returns in 2000 to return a fumble and an interception for scores in the same game. Brown returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of Clemson’s 59-38 win over North Carolina and added a 26-yard fumble return for a score in the third quarter. He was named the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week.

DUKE: Receivers Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon are both chasing the school’s all-time receptions leader, Clarkston Hines, who set the school record with a then ACC-record 189 catches from 1986-89. Varner is right behind Hines with 180 grabs while Vernon is in third place with 175 receptions.

FLORIDA STATE: Freshman tailback Devonta Freeman has had consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in back-to-back wins by the Seminoles. Freeman, who ran for 109 yards at Duke and 100 on 11 carries against Maryland, is the first FSU true freshman to reach 100 yards in consecutive games since Chris Parker did it in 1988. The Seminoles host NC State on Saturday, where Freeman will try and match Greg Allen, who in 1981 was the last FSU true freshman to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark in three consecutive games. Allen did it with 202 at LSU, 322 against West Carolina and 109 against Miami.

GEORGIA TECH: With their next ACC win, the Jackets will secure their 17th straight season at .500 or better in the league. That’s a conference record.

MARYLAND: Receiver Quintin McCree established career highs in catches with nine and yardage with 177 against Florida State last weekend. He entered the game with 269 career receiving yards. His total against FSU was the second-highest by a Terrapin in any game in the past decade. Torrey Smith had 224 against NC State last season.

MIAMI: Entering Thursday night’s game against Virginia, receiver Tommy Streeter ranked fifth nationally with 20.4 yards per reception. Of Streeter’s 28 receptions on the season, 12 have gone for 25-yards or more, including catches of 57, 51 and 26 yards against Virginia. The 6-foot-5 speedster also has seven touchdowns receptions on the season, leading the team.

NORTH CAROLINA: Freshman T.J. Thorpe leads the ACC and is 15th in the nation with a 29.3 kickoff return average. He returned a third-quarter kickoff against Clemson 100 yards for a touchdown. It is just the second 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in school history. The other was Tyrell Godwin at Stanford in 1998. It is just the 14th time in ACC history that a player has returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The last player to do so was Maryland's Josh Wilson against Georgia Tech in 2006.

NC STATE: The last six times that the Pack has played FSU when they were ranked, NC State has pulled off four victories. Florida State was not ranked in 2007, '08 or '09 and State dropped all three of those contests. The series is tied 5-5 in the past 10 matchups, and in nine of those games, the score was decided by 10 points or less. The average margin in those 10 games has been just 7.1 points.

VIRGINIA: Virginia held Miami scoreless in the first quarter. UVa has now held seven of eight opponents in 2011 scoreless in the first quarter. Only Southern Miss managed one touchdown, serving the only points yielded against UVa in the first quarter.

VIRGINIA TECH: Running back David Wilson has five straight 100-yard rushing games; he is the second Hokie (Ryan Williams, 2009) to do so. Wilson has totalled between 123 and 136 yards in all five games. He has seven 100-yard performances on the year. The ACC record is 10, held by Williams in 2009 and North Carolina’s Don McCauley in 1970.

WAKE FOREST: Coach Jim Grobe earned the 100th win of his career last weekend with a 24-23 win over Duke. Grobe posted a 33-33-1 record in six seasons at Ohio University from 1995-2000. He has gone 67-62 in 11 seasons at Wake Forest. Grobe has a record of 36-49 in ACC games during his tenure, a winning percentage of .424. Prior to Grobe’s arrival, Wake Forest had managed just a .282 winning percentage in ACC games. Overall, Grobe’s winning percentage at Wake Forest stands at .519 while his predecessors had managed just a .398 winning percentage.

North Carolina and Wake Forest are the only two teams in the ACC that can become bowl eligible this weekend and they happen to be playing each other. So one thing to keep an eye on is the six-win mark in Chapel Hill. Beyond that, here are 10 things to keep an eye on this week, starting Thursday night when Miami hosts Virginia:

1. Turnovers at Miami. Miami’s past two opponents have both turned the ball over on their first touch. North Carolina fumbled a kickoff, and Georgia Tech started with an interception. UVa had four turnovers last weekend in the loss to NC State, and is No. 107 in the country with 18 turnovers lost this season.

2. Special teams at Miami. In the loss to NC State, Virginia blocked a field goal attempt for the second game in a row and the third time this season. Miami defensive back JoJo Nicolas fell on a muffed punt in the end zone for a touchdown last week, highlighting a strong performance on special teams for the Canes against Georgia Tech. UVA is No. 13 in the country in kickoff return yardage defense, and Miami is No. 15.

3. BC’s bowl streak. The Eagles have already lost six games this season; a loss to Maryland would make them ineligible to compete in a bowl game for the first time since 1998. BC’s active streak of 12 consecutive bowl games is tied with Oklahoma as the seventh longest in college football, and is the longest in school history, and its streak of non-losing seasons is the longest in the modern era of BC football.

4. Maryland’s quarterbacks. Coach Randy Edsall said his starter will be a game-time decision, as both Danny O'Brien and C.J. Brown have been competing for the starting job this week. O’Brien played well at Florida State when he relieved the injured Brown, but Brown replaced O’Brien in the starting lineup for the Clemson game two weeks ago.

5. Clemson’s record books. With an average game on Saturday, Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins could establish four freshman records, three at the ACC level and one school record. Watkins needs just five receptions, 35 receiving yards and one touchdown reception to become the ACC freshman record holder in all three areas. He also has 1,391 all-purpose yards and needs just 25 to break C.J. Spiller’s Clemson freshman all-purpose record for a season.

6. Long scoring drives in Atlanta. Clemson’s No. 76-ranked rushing defense could be conducive to Georgia Tech hanging on to the ball for some pretty long drives on Saturday. Over the past two weeks, Georgia Tech has produced touchdown drives consisting of 20 plays (last week at Miami) and 19 plays (at Virginia). For the season, the Yellow Jackets have five touchdown drives of 90 yards or longer and four touchdown drives that lasted at least nine minutes, 15 seconds.

7. NC State CB David Amerson vs. FSU QB EJ Manuel. Florida State is ranked No. 115 in the nation in turnover margin, and NC State is ranked No. 7. Much of the Wolfpack’s success is a credit to Amerson, who leads the nation with eight interceptions. FSU is tied for No. 111 in the country in interceptions with 11.

8. UNC’s secondary against Wake Forest WR Chris Givens. One of the Tar Heels’ weaknesses this season has been their pass defense, which ranks No. 101 in the country and is allowing 263.38 yards per game. Givens is fourth in the FBS in receiving yards per game (126.57) and tied for fifth with eight TDs.

9. Tar Heels turnovers. North Carolina had six turnovers last weekend in the loss to Clemson, and ball security has obviously been stressed at practice this week. Did it work? Wake Forest is ranked No. 21 in the country in turnover margin. UNC is No. 103.

10. Hokies' D vs. the ‘Killer V's.’ The best thing Duke has had going for it is its passing game, thanks to the duo of Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner. They have combined for 334 receptions as teammates, the third-highest total by a duo in ACC history. Virginia Tech’s defense has been one of the best in the country, but the Hokies continue to rely on youth and inexperience because of injuries.

BOSTON COLLEGE

Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DL Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)

Probable
OG Nate Richman (back)

CLEMSON

Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee

DUKE

Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S August Campbell (leg)

Questionable
C Dave Harding (leg)
C Brian Moore (arm)
WR Donovan Varner (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)

Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)

Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)

FLORIDA STATE

Out
OT Andrew Datko (shoulder)
OG David Spurlock (knee)
OG Henry Orelus (head)
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
DT Darious Cummings (hand)
DT Moses McCray (knee)

Questionable
WR Rashad Greene (ankle)

Out for season
DT Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
RB Chris Thompson (back)

GEORGIA TECH

Probable
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB

Out

Tyler Morgan, LS

Out for the season

Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S

MARYLAND

Out for the season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh

Out
DL Justin Anderson
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Shaquan Virgil

Doubtful
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Kenny Tate

Questionable
DL Andre Monroe

Probable
OL Pete White

MIAMI

Out
Luther Robinson - Lower Extremity
Shayon Green - Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter - Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott - Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for the season
Marcus Forston - Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan - Lower Extremity
Cory White - Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter - Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles - Upper Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA

Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Curtis Byrd, FB Knee
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee

Questionable
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle

Probable
Giovani Bernard, TB Hip
A.J. Blue, TB Ankle
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Cam Holland, C Back
Jonathan Smith, S Ankle

NC STATE

Out for the season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee

Out
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - foot

Questionable
D.J. Green, LB - abdomen
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot

VIRGINIA

Out
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Diamonte Bailey (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)

Doubtful
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)

Questionable
Brian Oden (lower extremity)

Probable
Luke Bowanko (lower extremity)
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Jake McGee (lower extremity)
Clifton Richardson (lower extremity)
Michael Rocco (trunk)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for the Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)

Out
Eric Martin (shoulder)
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
David Wang (foot)

Doubtful
Jayron Hosley (hamstring)

WAKE FOREST

Probable
RB Josh Harris (leg)
TE Andrew Parker (ankle)
DT Tristan Dorty (ankle)
C Garrick Williams (ankle)
NT Duke Mosby (illness)

Out
NT Ramon Booi (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)

Out for the season
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)

Here’s your weekly dose of ACC knowledge, thanks to the sports information directors throughout the league:

ACC: All 12 ACC coaching staffs will participate in Coach to Cure MD this week and join coaches nationwide by wearing a special arm patch to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Wake Forest has a bye week but will wear the patches at a later date. A total of 109 out of 120 FBS schools will take part in Coach to Cure MD this week.

BOSTON COLLEGE: BC and Massachusetts played annually for 16 years (from 1966-82). Saturday’s game will mark the first time they’ve met, though, since 2007. Boston College leads the series 18-5. The Eagles have won each of the past six meetings dating back to 1978, including a 24-14 win on Sept. 29, 2007.

CLEMSON: In each of the past two games the Tigers have had at least 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. Overall, the Tigers are 55-0-1 when getting at least 200 yards or each in the same game in history.

DUKE: For the first time since 1980, Duke’s offense had six players with at least five catches and 50 receiving yards in a single game in last week’s win over Boston College. Quarterback Sean Renfree completed a school single-game record 41 passes against the Eagles with five receivers -- Donovan Varner (12-78), Brandon Braxton (9-60), Juwan Thompson (7-50), Cooper Helfet (6-59) and Conner Vernon (6-116) -- catching at least six balls.

FLORIDA STATE: Florida State freshman wide receiver Rashad Greene has put together back-to-back games with touchdown receptions of 50 yards or longer -- a 69-yard scoring reception from redshirt freshman quarterback Clint Trickett against Charleston Southern and a 56-yard touchdown catch, also from Trickett, against Oklahoma. He is the first Florida State freshman receiver with touchdown receptions of 50 or more yards in consecutive games since Kurt Unglaub in 1976.

GEORGIA TECH: A win over North Carolina on Saturday would make Georgia Tech 4-0 for the first time since 1990, the year it won a share of the national championship.

MARYLAND: Since the beginning of the 2010 season, Maryland has scored 126 points off turnovers (36), while the opposition has been held to 27 points (17). Maryland scored 16 points off four Miami miscues, but did not allow the Hurricanes to score off its lone turnover. Despite turning the ball over three times against. West Virginia, the Terps allowed just seven points off those interceptions. Conversely, WVU turned the ball over three times and the Terps scored 10 points.

MIAMI: The Canes’ defense held Ohio State to 10 or fewer yards on five of their 11 possessions last week, only one of which lasted more than six plays. The Buckeyes’ longest play of the game was 17 yards.

NORTH CAROLINA: Everett Withers is the first North Carolina coach to start his career 3-0 since George Barclay in 1953. Since the ACC began in 1953, no first-year UNC coach has ever started 4-0. Withers was named UNC’s interim head coach on July 28th, just six weeks before the season began. He earned his first win as a head coach with a 42-10 victory over JMU. Withers is the first African-American head football coach in UNC history and only the fourth in ACC history.

NC STATE: Heading into Thursday night's game against Cincinnati, NC State had allowed quarterback Mike Glennon to be sacked eight times in three games. Last night, the Bearcats sacked NC State quarterbacks a total of seven times, for a grand total of 15 in four games. FSU was the only team that had allowed more (10) after three games.

VIRGINIA: Virginia has run 228 offensive plays to 190 for its opponents; that’s an advantage of nearly 13 snaps per game.

VIRGINIA TECH: Two former Hokies -- Frank Loria and Rick Tolley -- were on the Marshall staff that was part of the Southern Airways Flight 932 that crashed on Nov. 14, 1970 as the team was returning from East Carolina. Loria played for the Hokies from 1965-1967, helping Tech to a berth in the 1966 Liberty Bowl. He joined the Marshall University coaching staff in 1969 as the defensive backs coach. Loria played safety in the same defensive backfield with Tech head coach Frank Beamer. Tolley played football as a center and linebacker at Tech from 1958-61 and was the head coach of the Marshall football team during the 1969 and 1970 seasons.

WAKE FOREST: Wake Forest has had a player record 100 or more reception yards in each of its first three games this year, for the first time since 1998. Junior Chris Givens accomplished the feat against Syracuse (154) and NC State (111), while senior Danny Dembry had 126 yards against Gardner-Webb.

For the first time in conference history, the ACC is hosting four ranked teams. That alone is enough to keep you busy this weekend. But you're going to need more than four TVs. We've got the South's oldest rivalry in Chapel Hill, and somebody has to get a win in Chestnut Hill. There's plenty to watch. Here are a few that top my list, in no particular order:

1. Florida State’s secondary against Oklahoma’s receivers. Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills make one of the best wide receiver duos in the country. The Seminoles’ secondary also has been billed as one of the best. They were out of position in this game at times last year, though, and got beat. Will this year be a more favorable matchup for FSU?

2. FSU’s running game and offensive line. Florida State won its first two games convincingly, but if there were any areas that showed some need for improvement, it was up front and in the running game. The offensive line needs to do a better job of sustaining its blocks, and the running backs need to work harder to create their own yards.

3. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris. All eyes will be on Harris as he makes his first start since a forgettable performance in the Sun Bowl last year. Harris threw four interceptions against Ohio State last year, but first-year coach Al Golden is confident enough in him to name him the starter ahead of Stephen Morris.

4. Turnovers in Chapel Hill. UNC turned the ball over five times last week, and Virginia had five turnovers – all interceptions – the last time these two teams met. UNC’s secondary is still looking for its first interception of the season, and UVA quarterback Michael Rocco threw one in last year’s meeting.

5. Virginia Tech’s punters. There’s a competition still going on. Scott Demler won the starting job this summer, but has punted 10 times for an average of 35.1 yards, with a long of 44. Danny Coale is still an option, and coach Frank Beamer said they could give true freshman Michael Branthover a look.

6. NC State’s defense. South Alabama is in a transitional phase to FCS status, and will become full members in 2013. You would think that even with a few injuries, the Wolfpack could show some improvement. NC State has allowed an average of 422 yards of total offense, and 27. 5 points per game.

7. Maryland’s pass defense. West Virginia has yet to really find a replacement for Noel Devine and the running game has struggled, leaving too much depending on the arm of Geno Smith. Fortunately for West Virginia, he’s good enough to get it done. Smith has completed over 66 percent of his passes and will challenge Maryland’s secondary.

8. Defense in Death Valley. There hasn’t been much of it for either Clemson or Auburn, so somebody will have to show improvement. Clemson ranks No. 90 in the nation in total defense, and Auburn is 111th. Both teams are allowing over 200 yards rushing per game.

9. Clemson’s offensive line: The Tigers allowed four sacks against Wofford, and failed to pick up a fourth-and-1. The pass protection has to improve, and earlier this week, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said left guard David Smith struggled, and fans could see more of Mason Cloy and Brandon Thomas at the guard positions.

10. BC’s secondary vs. the ‘Killer V’s’: The Eagles’ depleted secondary could have its work cut out for it against Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon. BC learned this week that cornerback C.J. Jones will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Jones is the third player in what was projected to be BC’s starting secondary who won’t be in the lineup for various reasons.

The members of the National College Football Awards Association unveiled their preseason watch lists over a 13-day period concluding with the Walter Camp Award's list today. Fifteen of the association's 21 awards selected a preseason watch list, and I've compiled your ACC candidates here:

WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

• Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
• Jayron Hosley, DB, Virginia Tech
• Brandon Jenkins, DT, Florida State
• Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

JIM THORPE AWARD

• Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami
• Donnie Fletcher, Boston College
• Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
• Chase Minnifield, Virginia
• Greg Reid, Florida State
• Xavier Rhodes, Florida State
• Kenny Tate, Maryland

ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD

• Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
• Jaymes Brooks, G, Virginia Tech
• Audie Cole, LB, NC State
• Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
• Quinton Coples, OT, Florida State
• Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
• Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
• Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
• Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
• Cam Johnson, DT, Virginia
• Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
• Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
• Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
• Sean Spence, LB, Miami
• Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech
• Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
• Brandon Washington, G, Miami

RIMINGTON TROPHY

• Dalton Freeman, Clemson
• Cam Holland, North Carolina
• Tyler Horn, Miami
• Brian Moore, Duke

BUTKUS AWARD

• Nigel Bradham, Florida State
• Zach Brown, North Carolina
• Ramon Buchanan, Miami
• Audie Cole, NC State
• Luke Kuechly, Boston College
• Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
• Sean Spence, Miami
• Kenny Tate, Maryland
• Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech

DOAK WALKER AWARD

• Andre Ellington, Clemson
• Montel Harris, Boston College
• Davin Meggett, Maryland
• Lamar Miller, Miami
• David Wilson, Virginia Tech

BEDNARIK AWARD

• Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
• Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
• Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
• Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College
• Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
• Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
• Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
• Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
• Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
• Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina
• Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
• Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
• Sean Spence, LB, Miami
• Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
• Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech

BILETNIKOFF AWARD

• Travis Benjamin, Miami
• Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech
• Kris Burd, Virginia
• Chris Givens, Wake Forest
• DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
• Dwight Jones, North Carolina
• Bobby Swigert, Boston College
• Donovan Varner, Duke
• Conner Vernon, Duke

LOU GROZA AWARD

• Casey Barth, North Carolina
• Nate Freese, Boston College
• Dustin Hopkins, Florida State
• Will Snyderwine, Duke

RAY GUY AWARD

• Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson

MACKEY AWARD

• Dwayne Allen, Clemson
• George Bryan, NC State
• Cooper Helfet, Duke
• Chris Pantale, Boston College
• Colter Phillips, Virginia

MAXWELL AWARD

• Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
• Mike Glennon, QB, NC State
• Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
• EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
• Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
• David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY

• Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
• Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
• Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
• Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
• Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
• Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
• Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
• Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
• Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
• Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
• Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
• Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
• Sean Spence, OLB, Miami
• Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
• Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech

OUTLAND TROPHY

• Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
• Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
• Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
• Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
• Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
• Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
• Brandon Washington, OG, Miami

DAVEY O'BRIEN

• EJ Manuel, Florida State
• Danny O'Brien, Maryland
• Sean Renfree, Duke

As promised earlier this morning, here's your one-stop shopping for the watch lists that have been announced. I will do another one early next week:

BEDNARIK AWARD (Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club)
Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College
Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina
Greg Reid, CB, Florida State
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Sean Spence, LB, Miami
Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech

BILETNIKOFF AWARD (Presented to the nation's most outstanding wide receiver by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation)

Travis Benjamin, Miami
Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech
Kris Burd, Virginia
Chris Givens, Wake Forest
DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
Dwight Jones, North Carolina
Bobby Swigert, Boston College
Donovan Varner, Duke
Conner Vernon, Duke

LOU GROZA AWARD (Presented to the nation's most outstanding place-kicker by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission)
Casey Barth, North Carolina
Nate Freese, Boston College
Dustin Hopkins, Florida State
Will Snyderwine, Duke

RAY GUY AWARD (Presented to the nation's most outstanding punter by the Augusta [Ga.] Sports Council)
Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson

MACKEY AWARD (Presented to the nation's most outstanding tight end by the Nassau Co. Sports Commission)
Dwayne Allen, Clemson
George Bryan, NC State
Cooper Helfet, Duke
Chris Pantale, Boston College
Colter Phillips, Virginia

MAXWELL AWARD (Presented to the nation's most outstanding all-around player by the Maxwell Football Club)
Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
Mike Glennon, QB, NC State
Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland
David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY (Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player by the Charlotte Touchdown Club)
Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Sean Spence, OLB, Miami
Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech

OUTLAND TROPHY (Presented to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman by the FWAA)
Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
Brandon Washington, OG, Miami

Duke coach David Cutcliffe is entering his fourth season and has made a significant impact on the program in a short time. Over the past three seasons, Duke has won 12 games -- two more than Duke managed in the previous eight seasons.

Even Duke fans, though, want more.

Duke hasn’t gone to a bowl game since 1995 and it’s a realistic and fair expectation for any coach entering his fourth season to reach the postseason. Duke has a talented quarterback in Sean Renfree and some of the best receivers in the ACC in Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner. But the passing game can’t get it done alone. Aside from beating Wake Forest for the first time in 11 tries, here are the top three things that Duke needs to do this fall in order to get to a bowl game:

1. Win the turnover battle. These are the stats that probably pain Cutcliffe the most: Duke lost four games by six points or less last season, and in those four games, Duke combined for three lost fumbles and seven interceptions for 10 turnovers. Duke ranked 112th in the country in turnover margin last year. Duke won three games last season. If it hadn’t turned the ball over almost a dozen times in those four losses, the Blue Devils probably would’ve gone bowling.

2. Make vast defensive improvement. From stopping the run to pressuring quarterbacks, Duke needs to make some major strides. It starts up front, as Duke ranked 113th in the country in sacks, and 109th in tackles for loss. They ranked 113th in rushing defense.

3. Run the ball. Boston College running back Montel Harris averaged almost as many yards alone last year (103.6) as Duke did as a team (110). In 2009, Duke ranked 120th in the nation in rushing offense. Last year, the Blue Devils ranked 104th. Baby steps. There’s plenty of depth at the position, as starter Desmond Scott returns along with Josh Snead, but in order for them to reach their potential, Duke has to get better protection up front.