ACC Power Poll Week 11: Georgia Tech and Clemson Are Sinking

Virginia Tech moved one step closer to winning the ACC Coastal by defeating North Carolina. Georgia Tech and Clemson continue to find ways to beat themselves, and Florida State finally won a game late.

Oh, and just as I'm sure everyone predicted, Maryland and NC State will go into the final two weeks of the regular season with a chance to win the Atlantic Division.

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1) Virginia Tech Hokies  8-2 (6-0) Last Week No. 1

That's how you take care of business. Virginia Tech went down to North Carolina and methodically took apart the Heels 26-10. Ryan Williams and Darren Evans combined for 173 rushing. The defense held hot UNC QB T.J Yates in check for much of the game.

The Hokies can win the ACC Coastal in style if they can win on the road down in Miami.

2) Miami Hurricanes  7-3 (4-2) Last Week No. 2

When the Hurricanes bring their "A" game, they are as good as anyone in the ACC. They just don't happen to do that all the time. They did it against Georgia Tech Saturday. Mark Whipple's play calling had the Jacket's off-balance all day as the Canes rolled up nearly 500 yards of offense.

Miami has Virginia Tech next week. The Hurricanes must win, then hope the Hokies lose to Virginia to win the ACC Coastal. 

3) NC State Wolfpack  7-3 (4-2) Last Week No. 5

NC State is good, Wake Forest is not—NC State 38 Wake Forest 3. Russell Wilson threw for 300 yards in what might have been his final home game in Raleigh. A blow out of Wake Forest was expected, now the two game season begins for NC State.

If they win at North Carolina and at Maryland, they are the Atlantic Division Champs. It is that simple.

4) Florida State Seminoles  7-3 (5-2) Last Week No. 6

Sometimes you just have to feel good for certain players. Last week FSU kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a game winning FG against UNC. This week he hit a 55-yard bomb in the final seconds to beat the Clemson Tigers. They trailed most of the contest, but showed a lot of heart to pull that game out.

They still have shot at the ACC Atlantic. A win next week at Maryland is an absolute must. 

5) Maryland Terrapins 7-3 (4-2) Last Week No. 8

It's probably about time I really start giving Maryland some credit. After a 42-23 win at Virginia, the Terps are in a spot no one expected them to be. They are in control of their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic. Ralph Freidgen has to be in the running for ACC Coach of the year, and Danny O'Brien has been quietly efficient at quarterback this year.

The Terps get Florida State at home Saturday, in prime time. It's the biggest game to hit College Park in nearly 10 years.

6) North Carolina Tar Heels  6-4 (3-3) Last Week No. 3

The Tar Heels stayed in the Coastal Race longer that most people expected, given all the turmoil they've had this season. The loss 26-10 to Virginia Tech ended those dreams.

Now the Heels play the role of spoiler and play for bowl seeding. Wouldn't it be nice for North Carolina if they defeat NC State next week? That would put a major dent in the Wolfpack's ACC Atlantic Division hopes.

7) Clemson Tigers 5-5 (3-4) Last Week No. 4

Clemson plays great defense, offense sputters, Kyle Parker throws a key redzone interception, Tigers lose. This time it was a 16-13 loss to Florida State. It's a familiar story for the Clemson Tigers in 2010. 

Good thing they play a reeling Wake Forest team next. That should get the Tigers bowl eligible, because following that is a good South Carolina squad.

8) Boston College Eagles 5-5 (3-4) Last Week No. 8

Boston College 's bowl hopes nearly went up in flames down at Duke. The hung on for a 21-16 win. The game probably shouldn't have been that close, but a normally reliable RB Montel Harris had two redzone fumbles.

If the Eagles want to get to a bowl they'll have to earn it. They get Virginia at home. The Cavs are not a great team, but at times they've played very well this year. I don't think BC wants to go to surprisingly good Syracuse with a bowl bid on the line.

9) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets  5-5 (3-4) Last Week No. 7 

This isn't the least talented Jacket team recent memory, but it might be the most mistake prone. Wait long enough and Georgia Tech will commit a dumb penalty, blow a coverage or turn the ball over without a defender anywhere near the ball. QB Tevin Washington did a nice job in replacement of Joshua Nesbitt. I like his arm, and he was one of the lone bright spots in the 35-10 loss to Miami.

It comes down to this for Georgia Tech. If they lose to Duke, which is entirely possible, they probably won't go to a bowl game.

10) Virginia Cavaliers 4-6 (1-5) Last Week No. 10

It's a rebuilding project at Virginia, so some inconsistent play is not too surprising. They got hammered at home by Maryland 42-23. The Cavs go as Marc Verica goes. He had 265 yards passing but also had two interceptions.

The Cavs faint bowl hopes hinge on winning at Boston College, and then at Virginia Tech.

* Author Note * UVA has 2 wins over FCS schools, normally only 1 can be used for bowl eligibility, but that rule could be waived with 35 bowl games this year.

11) Duke Blue Devils  3-7 (1-5) Last Week No. 11

Duke nearly pulled off an upset against Boston College in a 21-16 loss in Durham. The Blue Devils are playing better in recent weeks despite having nothing to play for other than pride.

Keep an eye on their next game at Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils should be able to find some holes in a suspect Jacket secondary. Duke has nothing to lose, and the Jackets are only playing for their bowl lives. The Blue Devils might be able to keep that game much closer than is comfortable for Jacket fans.  

12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2-8 (1-7) Last Week No. 12

NC State 38, Wake Forest 3. Is Jim Caldwell back coaching the Deacs? Sorry that's not nice, but Wake Forest is awful.