ATLANTIC DIVISION

Terps — CONTENDER (4-2, 2-0 ACC)

The ACC’s surprising leader at the halfway point of the season, the Terrapins football team has already surpassed expectations. The nation’s No. 9-ranked defense has carried the Terps throughout the early part of the season, and wide receiver Stefon Diggs has produced explosive plays on both offense and special teams. The Terps, however, will need to bolster their stagnant running game if they truly want to contend.

No. 12 Florida State — CONTENDER (6-1, 3-1 ACC)

Florida State probably boasts the best all-around team in the ACC. If it weren’t for a stunning 17-16 upset at N.C. State on Oct. 6, the Seminoles might even be in the running to play in the BCS National Championship. Quarterback E.J. Manuel leads an offense averaging a league-high 46 points per game, and the team’s defense ranks No. 3 in the country. Florida State is one of the favorites in the ACC.

No. 14 Clemson — CONTENDER (5-1, 2-1 ACC)

One of the most exciting teams in the sport, Clemson can and will score with the best of them. Quarterback Tajh Boyd and playmaking wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins shoulder the load for a scoring offense ranked No. 2 in the ACC. If the Tigers are going to compete for the ACC title, though, they’ll have to shore up a defense that’s allowing more than 27 points per game.

N.C. State — PRETENDER (4-2, 1-1 ACC)

After its Oct. 6 upset of Florida State, N.C. State has a chance to potentially push itself into ACC contention. Led by senior quarterback Mike Glennon, the Wolfpack have a balanced offensive attack. While its offense and defense don’t necessarily rank among the conference’s best, the team has proven it can win, something it will have to do against the division-leading Terps tomorrow if it wants to contend.

WAKE FOREST — PRETENDER (3-3, 1-3 ACC)

Wake Forest has enough talent to win conference games, but the team is too filled with holes to compete this season. Its athletic department suspended eight players for a violation of team rules and star wide receiver Michael Campanaro has been forced to miss time with a broken hand. The Demon Deacons have a chance to make a bowl game, but it’s unlikely they’ll contend in the ACC with a decimated roster.

BOSTON COLLEGE — PRETENDER (1-5, 0-3 ACC)

In the ACC, teams don’t get much worse than Boston College. The Eagles rank in the bottom half of the conference in nearly every major statistical category, both offensively and defensively. Quarterback Chase Rettig has compiled a respectable 1,653 passing yards and 11 touchdowns so far this year, but his performance won’t be enough to carry Boston College anywhere near contention.

COASTAL DIVISION

VIRGINIA TECH — CONTENDER(4-3, 2-1 ACC)

Ranked No. 16 in the AP preseason poll, Virginia Tech has struggled to meet expectations. The Hokies lost three of four games from Sept. 15 to Oct. 6, including a defeat at the hands of lowly Pittsburgh. Led by star quarterback Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech is still deep and talented enough to contend for the division crown. If they’re going to challenge for the ACC title, though, the Hokies will have to be more consistent.

MIAMI — CONTENDER (4-3, 3-1 ACC)

Despite concerns about Miami’s depth and experience, the Hurricanes sit atop the Coastal Division. Quarterback Stephen Morris has compiled 1,991 passing yards and nine touchdowns this season and leads a Hurricanes passing game ranked No. 24 in the nation at 296.9 yards per game. Miami can contend on the strength of its offense, but it’ll have to lock down a defense that’s allowing 32.3 points per game.

DUKE — CONTENDER (5-2, 2-1 ACC)

Senior quarterback Sean Renfree leads this surprising Duke team, passing for 1,517 yards and 10 touchdowns for the nation’s No. 34-ranked scoring offense. But the team’s hot start has been marred by a suspect defense that allowed Virginia Tech to score 41 unanswered points in a comeback win last week. The Blue Devils’ record says they’re contenders, but they likely won’t earn the conference’s respect until they notch a marquee win.

NORTH CAROLINA — PRETENDER (5-2, 2-1 ACC)

North Carolina is serving a one-year bowl ban, so its ability to win the ACC Championship is moot. That doesn’t mean it can’t play spoiler, though. The Tar Heels are ranked No. 21 in the country in scoring offense at 40.3 points per game and boast the No. 22-ranked defense in the nation. They can’t play for an Orange Bowl berth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t ruin one of their division rivals’ chances.

GEORGIA TECH — PRETENDER (2-4, 1-3 ACC)

In true Yellow Jackets fashion, Georgia Tech lives and dies by the run. Led by quarterback Tevin Washington, its triple-option attack ranks No. 3 in the nation with 331 rushing yards per game. The Yellow Jackets’ defense, though, hasn’t been so successful. They have allowed 30.2 points per game this season, and they’ve given up 42 points or more in each of their past three games. They’ll have to improve on that side of the ball if they want to contend.

VIRGINIA — PRETENDER (2-5, 0-3 ACC)

Virginia had high hopes entering the season, but an 0-3 start in conference play has dampened its expectations. Its run game is just as solid as it has been in years past, but the quarterback duo of Michael Rocco and Phillip Sims has been less than impressive. Couple that with a defense that ranks No. 102 in scoring defense, and it looks like the Cavaliers have little hope of an ACC title game berth.

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