(Video courtesy of the ACC Digital Network)

3 on the rise

  • RB Andre Ellington, Clemson: Last year, Ellington decided put off the NFL and stay at Clemson for another season. Coach Dabo Swinney was never happier about that decision than Saturday night. Ellington ran for 231 yards on 26 carries against Auburn in the Georgia Dome. Ellington showcased the whole package. He ran with power and speed while displaying fantastic balance. He was a huge reason Clemson earned a hard-fought 26-19 win over Auburn, a win both Clemson and the ACC needed. You can see him next: Saturday vs. Ball State, 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
  • DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State: Werner started his season on a great note with four sacks and five tackles for loss against an overmatched Murray State team. Werner had seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss all last season. Now, more will be on Werner’s plate as news came down that Florida State DE Brandon Jenkins would miss the rest of the season with a foot injury. The Seminoles play another FCS opponent in Savannah State before jumping into conference play. Werner’s first real test will come against Clemson on Sept. 22.  You can see him next: Saturday vs. Savannah State, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
  • RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina: It feels like Bernard just arrived in Chapel Hill, but as a redshirt sophomore, he will be eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft. He showed a lot of versatility against Elon on Saturday, scoring a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and a punt return touchdown in the first half. It is clear that Bernard will be utilized in a variety of ways in new coach Larry Fedora’s up-tempo offense. If Bernard can stay healthy, he should have a big year. You can see him next: Saturday at Wake Forest, 3 p.m. ET (RSN)

3 who are falling

  • CB David Amerson, NC State : Coming into this season, Amerson was widely thought of as the ACC’s best NFL prospect. At 6-3, 194 pounds, he has extraordinary size for a cornerback. Plus, he has the production to back it up, leading the nation with 13 interceptions a year ago. However, Amerson played a poor game in NC State’s opener against Tennessee. He was burned deep twice in the first quarter by Volunteer receivers, and the Wolfpack lost 35-21. You can see him next:  Saturday at Connecticut, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
  • DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State: It is always tough to see a player bypass being an early round NFL Draft selection only to come back to college and get hurt. That is exactly what happened with Jenkins as he will miss the rest of the season with a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. Jenkins could have been a first- or second-round pick in last year’s draft but decided to return to Florida State. Jenkins would qualify for a medical redshirt and could return to Tallahassee next season. You can see him next: Either as a redshirt senior at Florida State in 2013 or in the NFL.
  • QB Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech: Thomas came through when it mattered most in the fourth quarter against Georgia Tech. However, he struggled with his accuracy for most of the night, overthrowing a lot of his passes. Thomas finished 21 of 38 for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Virginia Tech's 20-17 overtime win over Georgia Tech on Monday night. He didn’t throw any interceptions, but for a quarterback who has received some No. 1 overall pick buzz in the media, his accuracy has to improve. You can see him next: Saturday vs. Austin Peay, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN3).

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.