Ranking the ACC After Week 12 of College Football Action

1. Miami (7-3, 4-2)—Last week: 3

Is Miami really the best team in the ACC? At the moment it's hard to argue that they are not. They've won five games in a row, and are the only ACC team along with Maryland with fewer than than three conference losses. They are also the only team that has held the Florida Gators to under 30 points this season.  

If Miami can find some semblance of offensive consistency their return to becoming an elite program is closer than you might think. The defense is all over the field, but will get a major challenge when they face Georgia Tech's triple option attack in what should be a heck of a game.  

2. North Carolina (7-3, 3-3)—Last week: 1

I still think North Carolina is the ACC's most complete team, but this team is lacking something, and it's a true game breaking player. Brandon Tate filled that role before his injury, and while players like wide reciever Hakeem Nicks have become dangerous players, there just isn't that player that can will this team to victory in a close ball game consistently.

The Heels finish with NC State at home, then Duke on the road. It would be wise of North Carolina to be ready for NC State, as despite their 4-6 record, are fully capable of suprising the Tar Heels.  

3. Georgia Tech (7-3, 4-3)—Last week: 4

The Yellow Jackets used the bye week to healthy. Their best cover corner Jahi Word Daniels is expected to return against Miami, Josh Nesbitt should be at full strength and defensive tackle Vance Walker who injured his ankle against UNC, should be ready too.

If the Jackets can beat Miami they will have no fewer than eight wins on the season, and for Paul Johnson and the Jackets that would be a remarkable finish considering the low preseason expectations.

4. Boston College (7-3, 3-3)—Last week: 7                                             

I will admit, I did not see a dominating win at Florida State coming at all. Chris Crane whose inconsistent play week to week has been well documented, played a very efficient  game going 14-26 for 181 and one TD.

The BC offense kept the Noles off balance with a nice mixture of power running with Montel Harries who ran for 121 yards, and solid play from Crane, who moved the chains several times with some decent running, as well as some timely passing. Amazingly BC controls their won destiny in the Atlantic Division, so win at Wake Forest and at home against Maryland, and BC is headed to Tampa.

5. Florida State (7-3, 4-3)—Last week: 2

The Florida State Seminoles layed one of the biggest eggs of this crazy ACC season. Christian Ponder threw three interceptions and the defense looked overmatched by Boston College's huge offensive line. Suddenly a three game losing streak to finish the season looks like a possibility. With a tough game at Maryland next week and the Florida (we are destroying any thing in our path) Gators, the Noles better regroup quick.

6. Maryland (7-3, 4-2)—Last week: 8                                                              

If anyone figures out how the Terps are going to play week to week please let the rest of us know. A 17-15 victory over UNC todays, keeps Maryland's division title hopes very much alive.

In the previous weeks loss to Virginia Tech, Maryland had alot of trouble running the ball. Today they did not, as they ran for 195 yards. When Maryland can run the ball they become a very dangerous squad.

Quarterback Chris Turner might not ever be confused with Joe Montana, but his late game drive put the Terps into the position to kick the winning FG, which they did with 1:42 left in the game. The winner of the BC vs Maryland game in two weeks, may decide who goes to the ACC Title game for the Atlantic division.

7. Virginia Tech (6-4, 3-3)—Last week: 5

The Hokies have major major issues on offense. They haven't scored more than 24, but once this season, they are dead last in the ACC, and 109th in the nation in total offense. The Hokies normally good special teams has a punting unit ranked 111th in the nation in net punting, as well.

Part of the problem on offense stems from a lack on continuity at quarterback. The Hokies have to hope quarterback Tyrod Taylor can remain healthy. When he is in the game he gives Virginia Tech the ability to make plays out of nothing. This is something Sean Glennon cannot do.

Even in a down season VT can still finish 8-4, with home games against Duke and Virginia remaining.    

8. Wake Forest (6-4, 4-3)—Last week: 6       

With Saturday's loss to NC State, the Deacs are virtually eliminated from winning the Atlantic Division. When Wake Forest can't run they usually don't win, and they only had 98 yards rushing against the Pack.

The Deacs face a Boston College team, that might be playing the best football of any ACC team over the last two weeks. BC has only given up 17 points over the last two weeks, so Wake needs to get that rushing game going. That won't be easy against BC's massive interior D Line that gives up the fewest rushing yards in the ACC.

9. Virginia (5-5, 3-3)—Last week: 9                                                             

At (5-5, 3-3), Virginia can still win the ACC's Coastal Division or miss a bowl game all together. That pretty much explains the ACC this season. The offense hasn't scored more than 24 points since Oct 11, and the Cavs have lost their last two. Clemson is coming in with as much confidence and energy as they've had since they got whacked by Alabama.

Star running back Cedric Peerman needs to improve on his 60.5 yds per game average over the last two games, for the Cavs to win against Clemson at home and on the road against arch rival Virginia Tech.  

10. Clemson (5-5, 3-4)—Last week: 10

Clemson looked very good on both sides of the ball against Duke. The game was never in doubt, and coach Swinney has done a great job keeping the Tigers from tanking the season. If Swinney is not hired as head coach, which I doubt he will even be seriously considered unless Clemson wins its final two and gets to bowl, then he will be hired somewhere.

Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips should encourage whomever is named head coach to keep Swinney on the staff. The playcalling is light years ahead of where it was one month ago, and the Tigers do have a 50/50 winning their last two against Virginia and South Carolina.  

11. NC State (4-6, 2-4)—Last week: 11

Over the last few weeks, I predicted that NC State would come up a win over a higher ranked team, and really put a thorn in that team's season. Well the Pack finally did it with an inspired game against Wake Forest. This might be the best team in the country with a losing record and that includes Auburn. I really like how quarterback Russel Wilson continues to develop.

12. Duke (4-6, 1-5)—Last week: 12

The Blue Devils were never in the game today with Clemson in a 31-7 loss. Losing quarterback Thaddeous Lewis early in the game due to injury didn't help either. While the Dukies have made progress this year, this was not a good effort.

The Tigers rolled up 466 yards of offense, and it could have been been worse had the Clemson coaches kept their starters in past middle of the third quarter.