ACC Football Rankings: November 12, 2012
This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done. This is how the Confidential ranks the ACC football teams as of November 12, 2012:
1. Florida State (9-1)–The Seminoles did not look great against Virginia Tech, but they got the needed win. Up next is a trip to Maryland to face the undermanned Terps.
2. Clemson (9-1)–Clemson did what they needed to do against Maryland–take them out of the game early. And now Clemson is set up nicely for its finale against the Wolfpack.
3. Duke (6-4)–Duke gets the nod here by beating North Carolina. With Miami and Georgia Tech left on the schedule, anything from 6-6 to 8-4 is possible.
4. North Carolina (6-4)–The Tar Heels scored 50 points and lost. That cannot happen–even to Georgia Tech. Especially to THIS Georgia Tech team.
5. North Carolina State (6-4)–The state of North Carolina is playing some downright, slightly above-average football this year. The Wolfpack took care of Wake Forest handily to get to bowl eligibility.
6. Syracuse (5-5)–The Orange have lost to 5 teams that are already bowl eligible. The Orange have beaten a 9-1 team and are 4-2 in conference play. They get the nod.
7. Georgia Tech (5-5)—The Yellow Jackets have the worst resume of the 5-5 teams. But they are atop the Coastal division right now and playing quite well.
8. Miami (5-5)–At 5-5, the Hurricanes are simply impossible to figure out. The loss to Virginia is very perplexing. Up next is reeling South Florida though.
9. Wake Forest (5-5)–The Demon Deacons are going in the wrong direction at the wrong time. Losing by 34 points to a struggling North Carolina State is Exhibit 1.
10. Virginia (4-6)–This team deserves credit for not letting its terrible start lead to a disaster of a season. Bowl eligibility remains possible, with Virginia Tech and North Carolina both looking vulnerable.
11. Maryland (4-6)—The Terps were last year’s disappointment. This year, they have shown the heart of a champion. But not enough talent (especially at QB right now) to prevent this slide down the standings.
12. Virginia Tech (4-6)–The Hokies have likely bottomed out, with Boston College next up and a home game against Virginia remaining. No excuse for not bowling this year.
13. Pittsburgh (4-6)–At 4-6, Pitt can still get to a bowl. It will need to beat 8-1 Rutgers and then travel to South Florida and defeat the Bulls.
14. Boston College (2-8)–At 2-8, Boston College is playing for 2013. Or should be, anyway. They acquitted themselves well against Notre Dame, despite losing.
Do you agree with these rankings? If not, let us know.
The Confidential 