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Dear Tom O'Brien,

Run. Duck. Hide. Do whatever you have to do, but don't -- I repeat don't -- go to Chapel Hill alone.

You, TOB, have earned the crown of most hated coach in the ACC.

Poor fella.

Earlier this week, in keeping with ESPN.com's theme of "coaches we love to hate," I sought your opinion on who the most hated coach is in the ACC. North Carolina fans did not disappoint. O'Brien wasn't the only coach ACC fans are hatin' on these days, though. Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson got a lot of votes, along with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, Maryland coach Randy Edsall and Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer.

Based on the mailbag responses, O'Brien wins, but let's put it to a vote for an official tally:

Tom O'Brien
Paul Johnson
Dabo Swinney
Randy Edsall
Frank Beamer

Here's a sampling of your hate mail. Thanks for playin':

John Witt in Richmond, VA writes: Most Hated Coach Butch Davis (even though he is gone). He was a lying, cheating, scumbag, snakeoil salesman. He recruited well because some could not see through the facade. They know now and some are stuck at UNC playing for nothing because of it.

stephanie in NC writes: Butch Davis - I'm a Tarheel grad and actually have pride in my university. That should say it all.

Russell in Asheville, NC writes: UNC fans hate Tom O'brien for owning them 5 years in a row.UNC fans hate Everette Withers for forever renaming their University "THE flagship".

Trenton Tovar in Nashville, TN writes: You'll probably get this one a lot. UNC fans hate Tom O'Brien. Pretty obvious why.

Matt Ethridge in Florence, SC writes: My most hated coach has to be Tom O'Brian at NC State. He continually recruits sub par athletes and has beaten my Tar Heels 5 times in a row. Hopefully Fedora will change this in a BIG way this year!

Zach in Arlington, VA writes: Poor old Tom O'Brien has to be one of the most hated on coaches in the ACC. He was key in BC's run towards excellence earlier in the decade and he's always making noise in November at NCSU, but year in year out everyone seems to question whether he's any good or not, or if he's on the hot seat. He's maybe a bit boring, but why does everyone keep talking smack about him, he's one of the better coaches in the ACC!

James in NY, NY writes: I hate Paul Johnson for bringing the triple option to GT and confounding Clemson's defense ever since...

Lamar G. in Athens, GA writes: Virginia Tech fans (and, for the record, Georgia fans) hate Paul Johnson. Why? We hate watching an offense that lends itself better to the black-and-white-TV era.

Jeff in California writes: Heather, Welcome Back! with regard to the most hated ACC Coach.This one is simple, Paul Johnson.Watching his offense slowly and methodically march up and down on your defense, especially late in a close game, is a nightmare and an anxiety ridden experience most fans in the ACC have experienced more than once.The guy is one of the best minds and the game, and is successful with an offense nobody thought, nor wanted to work at this level.During his short stint in the ACC, he has played spoiler enough times, to enough teams, to draw the sort of hatred that any successful coach will have to endure. Losing to Johnson is like watching a troupe of army ant march slowly march away with your picnic basket, and you are powerless to stop them.

Randy in State College, PA writes: All of them. The rationale being that none of them can consistently win out-of-conference, and thus they have all damaged the ACC brand. More specifically, I'll levy blame towards Frank Beamer for winning so many games in the ACC and losing so many big games OOC... -- A Tech Fan.

Walt in Columbia, MD writes: Edsal at Maryland should get some "thoughtful consideration" as the most hated coach in the ACC. How can you go 2-10 when Ralph Friedgen left a stable of studs who should have put in a 10-2 season? Instead, Edsal ran off some of the best players ever to play at Maryland, and then blamed the former coach, the current players, and the assistant coached (whom he selected) for all of his woes? He also blamed the fans for not showing up to watch his pathetic performance in coaching. He could easily go another 2-10 this year.

Mark in Gaithersburg, Maryland writes: As a Terp fan I used to hate Bobby Bowden and how FSU would always destroy us, but now as a Terp fan, I hate Randy Edsall, he's done more to hurt this team than any other coach in the ACC. We wouldn't have lost all 10 of those games last year if it wasn't for Edsall, he was our worst opponent.

1. Most quarterbacks come off the field, get on the phone to their coaches upstairs, and then sit with teammates. Florida State senior EJ Manuel refuses to rest. He stands on the sideline watching the game, both to support his defense and to look for tips to give them about the opposing offense. Manuel’s whereabouts can annoy head coach Jimbo Fisher. “Jimbo will make me sit down because he likes (to know where) I’m going to be so he can come talk to me,” Manuel said. Nothing like an elusive quarterback, right?

2. North Carolina State will challenge the Seminoles in the ACC Atlantic. The Wolfpack grew up over the course of last season. After losing its first three games against FBS opponents, NC State won six of its last eight. Coach Tom O’Brien has 16 returning starters, including senior quarterback Mike Glennon, senior tailback James Washington and four offensive linemen with a total of 90 career starts. NC State could be 4-0 when it goes to Miami on Sept. 29. Florida State comes to Raleigh the following week.

3. One thing the BCS did right is create a distinctive trophy for the national champion. The crystal football has separated itself from the generic-looking NCAA championship hardware. It is, like the Stanley Cup or the Claret Jug, instantly recognizable. Unlike them, however, a silversmith can’t repair any damage. Alabama football staff members were still finding pieces of glass Monday, two days after a crystal football on display got knocked off a table in the Mal Moore Athletic Center. Some dropped balls can’t be recovered, which makes this trophy all the more special.

You wouldn’t believe this, but Hallmark was all out of Valentine’s Day cards for ACC coaches. So, I took it upon myself to lighten the mood here in the blogosphere with a little bit o’ love and these personal touch cards.

Dear …

FRANK BEAMER:

The loss to Michigan wasn’t so bad, it’s the 1-5 BCS bowl record that has your fans sad. The 2012 recruiting class should help ease the pain, just try not to lose to Clemson again.

DAVID CUTCLIFFE:

You’ve given it all, your heart and your soul, yet after four seasons we’ve still seen no bowl. This recruiting class is highlighted by athleticism and speed, which is good news for you -- it’s a running game you need.

RANDY EDSALL:

Danny O’Brien has broken your heart, but Stefon Diggs couldn’t bear to part. You win some, you lose some, that’s what they say, but you gotta spread the love if you want players to stay.

LARRY FEDORA:

Welcome to the ACC, where we do things right. That means keep all agents and runners out of our sight. There’s plenty of talent to start with a clean slate, the big question is, can you beat NC State?

JIMBO FISHER:

It’s you and your staff the elite recruits adore, but the rest of the world is still waiting for more. Another national title for that trophy case is the only thing your fans will truly embrace.

AL GOLDEN:

Nevin Shapiro has a whole lot to say, but just don’t you worry ‘bout that NCAA. The worst is behind us, you’ve said before, it’s the fans’ expectations that should concern you more.

JIM GROBE:

An impressive turnaround in 2011 was nice, but to do it again you must protect Tanner Price. Thirty-five sacks has got to hurt, and now four new starters must keep him outta the dirt.

PAUL JOHNSON:

Who needs a playbook? Not CPJ. The master of the option offense can throw his away. It’s defense and special teams that needs some work, and throwing more efficiently certainly couldn’t hurt.

MIKE LONDON:

Coach of the Year and first bowl since ’07? After only two seasons Virginia fans were in heaven. You’ve set the bar high, but there’s one question to me: Can you beat the Hokies, or is it strike three?

TOM O’BRIEN:

Broken bones have held your team back, so keep ‘em healthy and look out for the Pack. FSU and Clemson are getting all of the hype, but when it comes to quarterbacks, Mike Glennon’s just your type.

FRANK SPAZIANI:

They say your seat is hot, and I couldn’t agree more; in 2012 you must win more than four. The offense has been at the heart of your woes, but a new OC could help cure some of those.

DABO SWINNEY:

An ACC title, a top-10 recruiting class and more. There’s only one problem … West Virginia just scored. A new DC just might do the trick, but if you don’t beat South Carolina, Clemson fans will be sick.

While the star systems help evaluate each recruit and grade each class , the most important aspect of signing day is whether or not each program filled its specific needs at each position. Here’s a quick look at each school in the ACC and the biggest need it filled on signing day:

BOSTON COLLEGE: The Eagles wanted to continue to build the depth on both lines, and did that with three offensive linemen and a defensive end. BC might have gotten a future star in four-star guard Frank Taylor, who is rated No. 14 in the country at his position.

CLEMSON: One look at the 2011 depth chart and it’s easy to see where Clemson’s biggest need was, as three starters on the offensive line and three starters on the defensive line have to be replaced from the ACC title team. Mission accomplished in this class with 10 linemen, including six on offense.

DUKE: The Blue Devils got what they were looking for in offensive skill positions with a quarterback, two running backs and three wide receivers in the 20-player class. Jela Duncan, rated the No. 39 running back in the country by ESPN.com, could give Duke’s running game a much-needed boost.

FLORIDA STATE: An already deep defensive line got even deeper and faster. The Noles lured in five defensive linemen, including the No. 1 defensive end and the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country in Mario Edwards and Eddie Goldman, respectively.

GEORGIA TECH: The defensive line was the most pressing need for the Jackets, as they have to replace two senior starters up front. The staff got it done with five defensive linemen in this class, including three tackles.

MARYLAND: Randy Edsall and his staff put a heavy emphasis on linebackers in this class, with three outside linebackers and three inside linebackers. Abner Logan Jr., who is rated No. 28 in the country at his position, highlights the group.

MIAMI: Defensive backs were a big priority, and Miami took care of it with five cornerbacks and two safeties. The prize of the class was Tracy Howard, rated the No. 1 cornerback in the country by RecruitingNation.

NORTH CAROLINA: The Tar Heels' depth at linebacker needed some help, especially with having to replace outgoing senior Zach Brown. First-year coach Larry Fedora added some talent with four linebackers in this class, including four-star commit Shakeel Rashad.

NC STATE: Tom O’Brien bolstered his defensive line in this class with six newcomers, and he said he now has a “whole different breed” of pass-rushers. The Pack lured in defensive end Kenderius Whitehead, the No. 31 end in the country.

VIRGINIA: Offensive line was a concern, as the Hoos will have to replace their starting center and left guard in 2012. Mike London brought in three guards and two tackles to help build the depth up front.

VIRGINIA TECH: It’s no secret the Hokies needed to load up on running backs after back-to-back seasons in which three stars decided to leave early and one backup graduated. Virginia Tech got it done in this class with four running backs, including Drew Harris, ranked No. 19 at his position by RecruitingNation.

WAKE FOREST: The Deacs have to replace four starters on the offensive line, and while it’s unlikely a true freshman will earn a starting job, it’s certainly a place on the depth chart where an outstanding rookie has a chance to make an impact. Wake brought in two tackles and a guard to help their cause.

It was another whirlwind of a signing day, with a little bit of drama and a few surprises. Now that we’ve had some time to digest Wednesday’s news, here’s a quick overview of 2012 signing day in the ACC:

Top class: Florida State is the undisputed heavyweight champion in the ACC this signing day. The Noles brought in 10 ESPNU 150 commitments and finished with the No. 2 class in the country. Jimbo Fisher lured in the No. 1 player in the country in defensive end Mario Edwards, and bolstered an already strong defense by adding even more depth and speed, particularly up front, where it added the No. 1 DT in Eddie Goldman.

Biggest surprise: (Tie) Dante Fowler Jr. flipping from Florida State to Florida and Jawand Blue flipping from Virginia Tech to Miami. Both Fowler and Blue entered signing day committed to their previous programs, but at the last minute decided to flip. Fowler said he was enticed by Florida’s hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end position, and Blue’s decision caused quite a stir on Twitter when a conversation between he and a Virginia Tech assistant was made public via a reporter’s tweets.

Biggest loss: While some teams missed out on highly touted players, Georgia Tech lost one of its assistants to a recruiting violation. Co-offensive line coach Todd Spencer resigned after he broke NCAA rules by sending text messages to recruits.

Recruiter of the year: Miami coach Al Golden. Sure, Florida State and Clemson had higher-ranked classes, but Al Golden is only in his second season recruiting in South Florida (his first full recruiting calendar), and had to recruit against uncertainty that still looms because of an ongoing NCAA investigation. Despite possible further sanctions, Golden was able to lure in a top-10 class, which will help the program get back on track regardless of what awaits from the NCAA.

Rookie of the year: Virginia Tech running backs coach Shane Beamer. In his first season on staff, he made an immediate impact for the Hokies on the recruiting trail. Virginia Tech had five four-star recruits and one ESPNU 150 member sign, and Beamer played an integral role in giving the program's recruiting a boost. Coach Frank Beamer said this is the kind of class that could help change those results in the BCS bowls.

First impression: First-year UNC coach Larry Fedora is a walking advertisement for Red Bull. The man is hopped up, turbocharged, and it’s exactly what the program and fan base needs right now -- a little bit of life. With a recruiting window that was cut short by the timing of his hire, Fedora still cobbled together a solid class that met the needs of his philosophies and will help the program adapt to the changes in schemes. Much like Golden, he managed to do it with the NCAA cloud still hanging over the program.

Class most likely to make an immediate impact: Miami. With so many players leaving early for the NFL and graduating, one of the biggest selling points for Miami this year was immediate playing time. The early departure of Lamar Miller to the NFL should open the competition up at running back, and defensive back is another area of opportunity for freshmen, but there will be spots up for grabs all over the two-deep.

Under-the-radar class: NC State. Tom O'Brien said he's bringing in a "whole different breed" of pass-rushers, and that "we're finally getting to look like our guys did at Boston College, the guys that are still playing in the Super Bowl this weekend." It's not a flashy class, but it will make NC State better, and the Wolfpack are already a team worth watching in the 2012 ACC race.

NC State has announced 23 newcomers to the program for 2012, including four who have been enrolled at NC State since January and a transfer from Colorado State. The class includes six defensive linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs, four offensive linemen, two wide receivers, one tight end, one running back and two quarterbacks.

"Our staff is very excited about the signing class of 2012," coach Tom O'Brien said in a prepared statement. "We went into this recruiting year with the intention of adding talent at every position, on both sides of the ball. We are at the point now where we are signing to build a team, not rebuild a position, and we are adding quality depth.

"It's a long, tall, very athletic class. Many of these young men were team captains and team leaders, which means they are the type of selfless players who will come in here with a goal of winning a championship. Seven of the signees attended our camp, so we have really had a chance to get to know them and their character."

Eight signees are from North Carolina high schools, six from Georgia and others from South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

With the 2011 season behind us, it’s time to hand out the report cards. We’ll start with the Atlantic Division today and finish up with the Coastal Division on Wednesday:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Overview: We should have known this would be a troubling season from the start, when the Eagles lost at home to Northwestern’s backup quarterback. It’s one thing to struggle, though, and another to start out 1-6 and winless in league play. Granted, there were injuries, there was the loss of leading rusher Montel Harris, and there was the unexpected leave of absence of former offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers for health reasons. There were plenty of excuses BC fans didn’t want to hear as the Eagles wrapped up their worst season since 1995. The defense was respectable and the offense continued to struggle, but BC never quit and won three of its last five games.

Grade: D

CLEMSON

Overview: The Tigers’ offense flourished quickly under first-year coordinator Chad Morris, as Clemson shocked the college football world with its 8-0 start. Quarterback Tajh Boyd was in the Heisman conversation, and true freshman receiver Sammy Watkins became a household name. The loss to Georgia Tech on Oct. 29 was simply a matter of Clemson running into a team that played its best game of the year against the Tigers. The loss at NC State? That was Clemson pulling a Clemson. The Tigers lost three of their final four regular-season games, including to rival South Carolina, but they managed to play their best game of the year against Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game. That performance, though, in typical Clemson style, was followed by a flop -- a face plant of monumental proportions against West Virginia in the Discover Orange Bowl. Still, this was a team that was unranked heading into the preseason, and it won the school’s first league title since 1991. In the big picture, this season was a success.

Grade: A

FLORIDA STATE

Overview: The final impression of the 2011 team is one that didn’t live up to the preseason hype (again), but won with one of the nation’s best defenses and special teams units. There was no shame in the home loss to Oklahoma, but it was the start of a three-game losing streak which prompted many to call the Seminoles the country’s biggest disappointment in the first half of the season. Injuries added up for the Noles, and the inconsistency on the offensive line was too much to overcome. The Noles rebounded from the loss to Wake Forest, though, with a five-game winning streak, and beat rival Florida for a second straight season. They finished the season with the No. 4 scoring defense in the country. The Atlantic Division favorites beat Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl as a consolation prize, and they did it with four freshmen starting on the offensive line. Yes, it could have been better, but that three-game losing streak also could have spiraled into something much worse.

Grade: B-

MARYLAND

Overview: The 2011 season was as ugly as the Maryland Pride uniforms unveiled in the Labor Day opener against Miami. And it turned out that was the highlight of the season. Randy Edsall’s first year was a disaster, as Maryland finished 2-10 and went backward after a nine-win season and bowl appearance in 2010. Edsall wasn’t embraced by his players, many fans or members of the local media, as the Terps lost eight straight games and sank to the bottom of the ACC. Maryland had one of the country’s worst defenses, and a quarterback controversy in the second half of the season despite returning the ACC’s 2010 Rookie of the Year in Danny O’Brien. As a result, both coordinators were fired and at least eight players decided to transfer. The good news for Maryland? It can only get better.

Grade: F

NC STATE

Overview: Coach Tom O’Brien might be the unluckiest coach when it comes to injuries. Expectations were high for NC State after a strong finish in 2010, but the Wolfpack got off to an underwhelming 2-3 start and suffered one of the league’s most embarrassing losses in a 44-14 nationally televised Thursday night drubbing by Cincinnati. As the team got healthier, though, it also got better, and NC State poured every ounce of effort it had into becoming bowl eligible down the stretch. The Pack won five of their final seven games, including a shocking upset of Clemson and the biggest comeback in school history against Maryland. They finished the season strong with a win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl, and quarterback Mike Glennon showed measurable progress down the stretch and eventually shook the shadow of Russell Wilson.

Grade: B-

WAKE FOREST

Overview: This team was picked to finish last in the Atlantic Division and instead came within a field goal of winning it. The Deacs exceeded expectations after their 3-9 finish in 2010, and were able to exhale after becoming bowl eligible with a win over Maryland. Wake struggled to run the ball, but made great strides in the passing game in the second season of starter Tanner Price. Despite their success, it could have been better, but Wake Forest faltered down the stretch and lost four of its final five regular-season games and lost to Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl.

Grade: C+

It’s time to review some of the highs and lows from the ACC bowl season (there were highlights, I swear) …

Best performance: NC State cornerback David Amerson had two interceptions in a 31-24 win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl. He broke the ACC single-season record, and also moved into a tie for second place in FBS history for single-season interceptions with 13. The Pack were leading 24-10 in the third quarter when Amerson’s 65-yard interception return for a touchdown broke the record. His second interception late in the game moved him into a tie for second place in FBS history.

Best offensive performance in a losing effort: Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas. He outplayed Michigan’s Denard Robinson in every phase but the scoreboard. He threw for 214 yards and ran for 53. He also had an impressive 13-yard scramble on fourth-and-11. In his first season as a starter, Thomas finished with 3,482 yards of total offense, breaking Tyrod Taylor’s school record, which was set in 2010.

Best team defensive performance: Florida State. The Noles held the Irish scoreless for two quarters, and forced three turnovers, all interceptions.

Best defensive game plan: Virginia Tech. Michigan was in disarray, and Bud Foster had a lot to do with that. Fitzgerald Toussaint was held to just 30 rushing yards, and quarterback Denard Robinson had just 13 rushing yards. Nobody scored on the ground, and Michigan was just 4-of-13 on third-down conversions.

Best on-the-job training: Florida State’s offensive line. The Noles started four freshmen against Notre Dame, and they gave up five sacks, but they also grew up right before our eyes and looked much better in the second half.

Best quote: “I don't care what people think. I made a decision what was best for this football team going forward. When I made the decision and weighing all options and looking at the talent this kid has I knew we would have a quarterback. I don't have to feel vindicated by anybody. … But he helped [vindicate] me." -- NC State coach Tom O’Brien on replacing Russell Wilson with Mike Glennon, who was named the MVP of the Belk Bowl with three touchdowns.

Worst defensive performance. None other than the 70 points Clemson allowed, of course. Most. Points. Ever. In any bowl game. Ever.

Worst moment: The look of devastation on Danny Coale’s face when his would-be 20-yard touchdown catch in overtime was overturned by the replay officials and ruled incomplete.

Worst officiating: The Allstate Sugar Bowl. Take your pick. There were plenty of questionable calls in that game, but the most controversial was probably Coale’s negated touchdown catch. Whether it was a catch or not isn’t the point. Instead, there didn’t seem to be enough indisputable video evidence to overturn the original call of a touchdown.

Worst stat: The ACC dropped to 2-13 in BCS bowls.

Worst stat II: The ACC was outscored by 74 points in its bowl games.

Worst effort: North Carolina played like its coach had one foot out the door. Oh wait, never mind. … Missouri racked up 31 points in the first half. UNC had the ACC’s second-best rushing defense and allowed Missouri 337 rushing yards while UNC had 36.

There are too many decisions still lingering to get an accurate feel for what the 2012 ACC race could look like, as players like Andre Ellington, David Wilson and Dwayne Allen have yet to announce whether they are leaving school early to enter the NFL draft. Those decisions should come soon, though (Wilson's is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Friday), but there are three teams that should be ranked in the top 25 polls heading into 2012: Clemson, Florida State and Virginia Tech. The question is how high, and those decisions will play a role in it.

All three of those teams should be considered favorites heading into 2012, regardless of who stays and who goes because of the young talent waiting in the wings and the recruiting classes that are currently being compiled, and also because of the quarterbacks. As I mentioned in the video from the Orange Bowl this morning, Clemson should be considered a front-runner to repeat as league winners despite the ugly loss to West Virginia, but Florida State's defense will likely earn it a lot of respect in the preseason polls. Once again, Virginia Tech's consistency will be a major factor in the votes of confidence in the Hokies.

Two teams not to sleep on: NC State and North Carolina. The Wolfpack finished strong, and Tom O'Brien can work some magic when his roster is at full strength. And Larry Fedora inherited a talented quarterback and outstanding running back. If he can fill some big shoes on defense, the Tar Heels could be a surprise in the Coastal Division race. Both Mike Glennon and Bryn Renner could be two of the ACC's best quarterbacks in 2012.

Two teams still snoozing: Maryland and Miami. Both of these programs have major issues to deal with. For the Canes, it's an ongoing NCAA investigation and the departure of eight offensive starters at last count. For the Terps, it's turnover on the roster, unhappiness with the coaching staff, and just general misery after a 2-10 season in Randy Edsall's first year. Aside from Miami's recruiting, there are few signs that either one of these programs will catch anyone by surprise in 2012.

NC State coach Tom O’Brien has had great success in bowl games, going 7-2. According to ESPN's Stats & Info department, O'Brien is one of 31 coaches in FBS history to win at least seven bowl games. Only John Robinson and Urban Meyer can claim a better winning percentage among that group.

It was a November to remember for coach Tom O'Brien and his Wolfpack, who entered last month with a 4-4 record and needed to win three of their last four to become bowl eligible. Nobody could have predicted the wild finish, but the Pack went 3-1 last month to earn its place in Charlotte. Here's a quick preview of the matchup against Louisville:

WHO TO WATCH: Cornerback David Amerson. He didn’t have one pick in 640 snaps last year as a true freshman, but this year has been a breakout season after his move from boundary to field corner. Amerson has tied the ACC’s single-season record and is the nation’s leader in interceptions with 11. That’s four more than any other player in 2011, more than 63 FBS teams, and the most by any individual since Wisconsin’s Jim Leonhard had 11 in 14 games in 2002.

WHAT TO WATCH: Special teams. Both Louisville and NC State have had difference-makers in the return games. Louisville’s opponents have returned 12 punts for a total of five net yards in 12 games and is No. 2 in the country in punt return defense. NC State receiver T.J. Graham is No. 12 in the country in punt returns, and NC State is No. 22 overall with 11.44 yards. The Cardinals beat West Virginia with the help of an 82-yard touchdown return of a blocked field goal, and beat Connecticut with help from a 100-yard kickoff return. NC State was also the only FBS school in the country this year that relied upon true freshmen at punter, placekicker and longsnapper this year, the first time in O'Brien's 36 years of coaching he's had a true freshman lineup in the kicking game.

WHY TO WATCH: Fast finishes. Both of these teams scraped and clawed to become bowl eligible this year. Odds are neither program is going to take this opportunity lightly. Louisville got off to a 2-4 start, and NC State was 2-3. Louisville closed out the season with a 5-1 record and a share of its first Big East title since 2006. NC State had to win its final two games to become bowl eligible and pulled off a shocking upset of then-No. 7 Clemson before mustering the greatest comeback in school history with a 56-41 win over Maryland. Both of these teams have finally hit their stride and have peaked just in time for bowl season.

PREDICTION: NC State 28, Louisville 21: Both quarterbacks will need to get better protection than they have for most of the season, and both teams have seen their defenses improve, but NC State has done a tremendous job this year of forcing opposing quarterbacks into mistakes, and Teddy Bridgewater will find that out quickly. The difference will be NC State’s front seven on defense.

NC State linebacker Audie Cole saw the support disappear from Carter-Finley Stadium last Saturday --literally -- as the home crowd began to bail on the home team, which trailed Maryland 41-14 with six minutes remaining in the third quarter.

“Half the stands left, thought the season was over,” Cole said.

Senior receiver T.J. Graham heard the fans boo as he headed into the locker room at halftime.

“That hit kind of hard with the seniors; we felt like we were getting booed off our senior day,” Graham said. “After that we kicked it into the next gear.”

As in, 35-point, fourth-quarter gear. Who knew it even existed?

Getting to the seventh win this season was like finding water in the desert for the Wolfpack. For most of the season, it was a mirage, and through the majority of three quarters against Maryland last week, it was on the brink of disappearing. NC State, though, never quit. The Wolfpack rallied for what was the biggest comeback in school history and the second-biggest comeback in ACC history to beat Maryland 56-41 and become bowl eligible.

NC State has been one of the ACC’s most inconsistent teams, not only from week to week, but also half to half, and no game proved that more than the regular-season finale against Maryland. While it wasn’t the championship-caliber season they had hoped for, NC State won three of its final four games, including an upset of then-No. 7-ranked Clemson, and has momentum to build on heading into the postseason.

“It’s quite an accomplishment from where were sitting a few weeks ago,” Cole said. “But in the long run, I think it’s kind of a disappointment, too, the way we shot ourselves in the foot in the beginning of the year. But in the past few weeks I’d say it’s quite the accomplishment. Nobody believed we were going to come in and play well against Clemson, and we played probably one of our best games of the year against them. We came out slow against Maryland and then somehow found a way to pick it up and win the game and now we get another.”

Officials from the Belk Bowl in Charlotte are hoping NC State is available for selection on Sunday, and it will be the program’s third bowl appearance in the past four years. NC State began the season 2-3, and a surprising 14-10 loss to Boston College on Nov. 12 put the Pack in a must-win situation for the final two games of the season. Their bowl hopes seemed to be over at that point, with Clemson looming on the schedule, but NC State stunned everyone with a 37-13 win.

Once again, NC State has made a turnaround in the second half of the season under coach Tom O’Brien, and a lot of it has to do with the health of the team. Heading into the Maryland game, NC State had started eight different lineups in 11 games because of injuries, and a total of 12 players missed the Georgia Tech game with injuries.

With key players healthy, in the three games leading up to the Maryland game, NC State’s defense had allowed just nine points per game and a total of three touchdowns. Cornerback David Amerson leads the nation in interceptions with 11, and Graham set an ACC record in kickoff returns. Quarterback Mike Glennon accounted for six touchdowns in the win over Maryland. There are plenty of positives for the team to build on heading into the bowl game, none bigger than the way it finished the Maryland game.

“It looks good to the bowl committees,” Graham said. “They’re going to want us, because we’re having a pretty hot November. Other than that, it’s confidence. We are a pretty good team. We’ve flashed greatness at times and done the complete opposite at times. It’s just nice knowing we can overcome anything, basically.”

This is it. Enjoy every minute of it, because it’s the final week of the regular season and it’s going to be a long, long time before these rivalry games come along again. There’s plenty to keep an eye on this weekend, but here are 10 things worth watching:

1. The scoreboard against the SEC. The ACC has not had a winning record against the SEC since 2003. It’s off to a 1-0 start with Clemson’s victory over Auburn, but No. 12 South Carolina and No. 13 Georgia are both ranked higher than the ACC rivals they face Saturday, Vanderbilt will be playing for bowl eligibility against Wake Forest, and Florida, well, the Noles look like the better team in that matchup. Can the ACC finally turn the tables on the SEC?

2. The magic seven. NC State needs to beat Maryland in order to become bowl-eligible. Can the Wolfpack avoid a letdown after knocking off then-No. 7-ranked Clemson? The Atlantic Division was on the line last year when NC State lost at Maryland, and coach Tom O’Brien is 1-3 against the Terps. NC State has only had back-to-back victories once this season. Can the Wolfpack do it again when it matters most?

3. Turnovers for Clemson. The Tigers now have 11 turnovers in the past three games after having just eight in the first eight games. Clemson is 1-2 in those games, and the Tigers can’t afford to continue that trend against a South Carolina defense that is tied for No. 6 in the country in turnovers gained with 29.

4. Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins. Coach Chad Morris said this week that the Tigers needed a spark. Could Watkins’ return to the lineup be it? Watkins said Tuesday that he thinks he will be close to 100 percent by game time, and that the late kickoff should give him even a little more time to heal. While Watkins’ absence last week didn’t entirely explain the Tigers’ meltdown, it did play a role in the second half when Clemson was trying to come from behind and didn’t have him as a vertical threat.

5. Florida State’s offense.There have been too many missed blocks in the past two weeks, both by linemen and running backs, and the passing game has gotten out of sync. FSU has just two offensive touchdowns in the past two games. In the victory over Miami, FSU’s best offense was a punt return for a touchdown and three field goals. In the loss to UVa, FSU was just 3-of-13 on third downs. Florida ranks fourth in the nation in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert just 29.14 percent of the time, the best number that UF has posted since the 2001 season (26.7 percent).

6. BC linebacker Luke Kuechly. Kuechly, who is averaging 16.55 tackles a game, needs only 6 against Miami to set the NCAA’s record for stops per game in a season. He had 14 tackles in Saturday’s 16-14 loss at Notre Dame and now has an ACC-record total of 523 in his career. That is the third-highest on record with the NCAA, which began tracking the statistic in 2000. Kuechly is 22 stops from tying the NCAA record, held by Tim McGarigle of Northwestern (2002-05). This is his last game of the season, but it could also be the last in a BC uniform if he leaves early for the NFL.

7. Georgia Tech’s defense. Six Georgia receivers have more than 200 yards receiving, and four have at least 29 catches. Georgia has also had four different 100-yard rushers this season. This is going to be a big test for Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh, whose defense has been average this season and is allowing 359.5 yards per game.

8. The No. 2s. Georgia Tech ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing offense (323.6), while Georgia ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing defense (81.3). Something’s gotta give.

9. First downs in Charlottesville. UVa has averaged 21.2 first downs per game, which ranks No. 3 in the ACC behind Clemson (23.1) and Virginia Tech (22.3). UVa’s opponents are averaging only 16.5 first downs a game, which ranks as the third-fewest in the ACC and No. 14 nationally. Of Kris Burd’s 53 receptions on the season, 36 have resulted in a first down. That is a rate of 67.9 percent. Clifton Richardson has seven rushes on third down and all seven have resulted in a first down.

10. Virginia Tech’s pressure on quarterback Michael Rocco. The Hokies are averaging three sacks per game, which ranks tied for eighth nationally. UVa’s offensive line has played well this season, and is tied for 16th in the country with one sack allowed per game. Last week against FSU marked the 11th consecutive game that Virginia had the same five starters in the offensive line. UVa hasn’t gone through an entire season with the same starting lineup on the offensive line since 2004.

As the regular season comes to a close, the ACC Coach of the Year race has a chance to heat up. Sure, there have been some bumps along the way –- even a few wrecks (ahem, Clemson) –- but overall, if you look at the preseason expectations compared with where they are now, there has been some pretty good coaching in the ACC this year.

Clemson, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Virginia all had losing seasons a year ago. Now, all of those programs are bowl-eligible, and two of them -– Clemson and Virginia -– have a chance to play for the ACC title. Clemson has already clinched the Atlantic Division for the second time in three seasons under Dabo Swinney, and Virginia has far exceeded expectations in the second season under Mike London. Wake Forest was 3-9 a year ago, and now has a chance at an eight-win season. Georgia Tech was 6-7 last season and still has a chance at the 10-win mark.

It’s not just the turnarounds that are impressive, it’s the obstacles they each had to overcome to get there. Consider Clemson: The Tigers entered this season with a first-year starting quarterback in Tajh Boyd, a first-year offensive coordinator in Chad Morris, and an entirely new offensive system and philosophy. How quickly we forget the three straight wins over ranked opponents.

And Virginia? Puh-lease. The Hoos had four quarterbacks almost the entire offseason.

It’s not just the coaching with winning records, though, who have danced around disaster this season. While UNC’s Everett Withers isn’t likely to be retained as the head coach, he deserves a round of applause for holding the program together after its head coach was fired just days before summer camp began. Yes, UNC was capable of more, but it was also capable of falling apart.

And then there’s Miami. Whoooa, Miami.

Somebody get Al Golden a raise, just for keeping his cool since August. He took the job, thinking Miami is a place that can win national titles, and it is. But before he could get his foot onto a sideline, he stepped into quicksand, and now he’s up to his neck in an NCAA investigation he had zero involvement in. Possibly the best illustration of Golden as a coach came during the most intense moments of Saturday’s game at South Florida. With the game on the line, and an opportunity at a game-winning field goal, Golden was all smiles. He had his players jumping around, smiling, waving their arms in the air to get the crowd going. In that instant, Miami had that thing they call swagger. The players believe in him, with or without a bowl.

Even wildly inconsistent NC State has seen some magic from coach Tom O’Brien. Historically, he has been at his best in the second half of the season, and when almost everyone had counted the Pack out of the postseason, they go and play their best game of the year when it mattered most – against No. 7 Clemson. If NC State avoids a letdown against Maryland, O’Brien should at least be considered for the coach of the year award. Nobody wants to hear about injuries, but the truth is, they devastated NC State this year. O’Brien has had a chance to show what his team can do when it’s almost full strength.

It goes without saying, of course, that Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and his staff have done another outstanding job. It hasn’t always been pretty, but the staff continuously finds ways to win, and this weekend the program will be playing for its fifth Coastal Division title. Beamer’s rival, though, London, has arguably done the best coaching job this season. After just four wins last year and questions at quarterback heading into the season, UVa was picked by the media to finish fifth in the Coastal Division.

Now they’re trying to win it.

Yes, there have been some disappointments in the ACC this year, most notably at Boston College and Maryland, but when you take into consideration outside factors such as injuries and suspension, scheduling and staff changes, the ACC coaches this season have won more than they’ve lost.

It’s unbelievable that the final week of the regular season is upon us. Here’s a look forward at the top three games of Week 13 and a look back at the highlights and lowlights of Week 12:

The good: Quarterback play. Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas, NC State’s Mike Glennon, Virginia’s Michael Rocco, Georgia Tech’s Tevin Washington and Wake Forest’s Tanner Price all had impressive performances in their wins. Washington ran for more than 100 yards and passed for more than 100. Thomas accounted for three touchdowns, Price had 320 yards and three touchdowns, Glennon had three touchdowns and no interceptions, and Rocco’s poise on the final scoring drive was a big difference in the upset of FSU.

The great: NC State’s performance against Clemson. Where has this team been all year? It was the most complete performance of the season for the Wolfpack, and the program’s first win over a top-10 team in five seasons under coach Tom O’Brien.

The bad: Ryan Houston’s fumble on the 5-yard line. With UNC on the verge of taking a 14-0 lead, Virginia Tech’s Antone Exum forced the fumble on the 5-yard line. The Hokies then drove 95 yards to tie the game at 7. What goes around comes around. Remember the last time UNC won in Blacksburg on a Thursday night? Ryan Williams' fumble had a hand in it.

The ugly: Clemson. It was a train wreck. The offense couldn’t get anything going, and the defense couldn’t make any stops. NC State played a terrific game, but Clemson had four turnovers and was just 2-of-14 on third downs.

The bizarre: The end of the FSU-Virginia game. The Hoos thought the game was over. Mike London was trying to get his team to the locker room. He should have hid them in there. A face mask penalty, the review of the incomplete pass, the missed field goal … can’t remember anything like it.

The punishment: Miami gave everything it had to beat South Florida 6-3 and become bowl eligible, only to find out on Sunday that the university decided not to participate in a bowl game this year.

Top three games of Week 13

1. No. 5 Virginia Tech at Virginia: The Coastal Division, the Commonwealth Cup, bragging rights, in-state recruiting -- it will all be on the line on Saturday in Charlottesville. Virginia Tech has won 11 of the past 12 games in the series, including in 2007, the last time the Hokies beat UVa in Charlottesville to win the Coastal Division title. Virginia enters the game on a four-game winning streak.

2. No. 17 Clemson at No. 12 South Carolina: The Tigers have lost each of the past two games against their in-state rival under coach Dabo Swinney, and they haven’t been playing as well as they had earlier in the season. Clemson has lost two of its last three, including an embarrassing 37-13 defeat to NC State this past weekend.

3. No. 13 Georgia at No. 23 Georgia Tech: The SEC East champs have won nine straight games and haven’t lost since Sept. 10 against South Carolina. The Bulldogs’ defense is No. 11 in the country and is holding opponents to 17.8 points per game. Georgia Tech is second in the country with 323.5 rushing yards per game.