The surprising Hurricanes come in on a roll, having already knocked off top-25 foes Florida State and Georgia Tech to start the season. The Hokies will be the third of four straight ranked opponents Miami faces to start the season (Oklahoma visits Coral Gables next week).

Such an unforgiving early schedule seemed misguided before the season started given that the Hurricanes are a young team with a decidedly average record of 19-19 the last three seasons. But the young players on the Hurricanes were part of top-10 recruiting classes, and QB Jacory Harris has unexpectedly emerged as a star. The 'Canes' offense is suddenly potent again (35.5 points per game). But the Virginia Tech defense is capable of shutting down many an offense, particularly playing in front of the home fans at intimidating Lane Stadium. Also, the Hokies are coming off a rousing last-second win over a much-improved Nebraska team.

The Hokies are only 78^th in the country in total offense, but when QB Tyrod Taylor found receiver Dyrell Roberts for the 11-yard, game-winning touchdown against the Cornhuskers last week it may have signaled a turning point.

Commissioner Swofford must be secretly hoping for Miami to pull off the road win in Blacksburg. The Hurricanes are undefeated, whereas the Hokies got pummeled by Alabama on a neutral field in Week 1. Miami's chances at a national title are, thus, much more realistic than the Hokies'. Plus, should Miami win it would set up another gargantuan showdown involving the ACC next Saturday when the Sooners come calling. Regardless of what the outcome may be, this is the biggest ACC game since Matt Ryan led undefeated Boston College into Blacksburg two seasons ago.

Another game involving two ACC teams that holds some appeal this weekend is No. 22 North Carolina at Georgia Tech. The Rambling Wreck stumbled big-time at Miami last week, as their vaunted triple option offense never got on track against the speed of the Hurricane defense. North Carolina also features a fast defensive front – one that limited Connecticut to 10 points in a pivotal road victory two weeks ago. Should Carolina win this one in Atlanta it too will start to receive some national attention.

Unranked Clemson and N.C. State, meanwhile, each have golden opportunities to make a statement against formidable non-conference opponents this Saturday. The Tigers host No. 15 Texas Christian, a team that already embarrassed ACC member Virginia on its own home field and features one of the stingiest defenses in the country. The Clemson offense has a lot more weapons on offense than the punchless Cavaliers. Running back C.J. Spiller and wide receiver Jacoby Ford give the Tigers two of the more explosive options in the country. But it will be up to QB Kyle Parker to make some plays if the Tigers hope to find any holes in the Horned Frogs' D.

The Wolfpack host another unbeaten foe in Pittsburgh. State whiffed in its first attempt at a statement win in a 7-3 home loss to South Carolina on opening night. If they hope to make amends against the Panthers, the Pack will need QB Russell Wilson to resemble the form that earned him First Team All-ACC honors as a freshman a year ago and not the version that mustered only 57 total yards of offense against the Gamecocks.

Lastly, fresh off its 54-28 demolition of No. 7 BYU in Provo, No. 18 Florida State returns home to host in-state rival South Florida. USF is both unbeaten and untested, but has pulled off some impressive out-of-conference wins in recent years over the likes of Auburn, Kansas, N.C. State and North Carolina. The Seminoles were mighty impressive in taking down the Cougars, but should be careful not to suffer the same emotional letdown that Southern Cal experienced against Washington last week after winning at Ohio State.

It may be fleeting. But for once we actually have ACC games worth talking about that don't involve a round ball and a backboard.