Week 12 had a little bit of everything: nail-biters, upsets, and a handful of blowouts.
So how did these results impact our weekly power rankings? Here’s the latest installment:
14. Duke
Last Week: 10
The Devils “earned” the last-place spot after getting destroyed by Syracuse at home. That’s all I have to say about that.
13. Georgia Tech
Last Week: 13
The Jackets remain at No. 13 after a decisive loss to Virginia Tech. Geoff Collins’ squad had absolutely no answers for Bud Foster’s defense. Georgia Tech closes out conference play on Thursday against NC State.
12. Syracuse
Last Week: 14
The Orange picked up a huge win against Duke in Week 12, keeping their slim bowl hopes alive. The Syracuse D played its best game all season, forcing turnovers on three consecutive drives (four if you count the turnover on downs) to break the game open in the third quarter. This trend needs to continue if the Orange want to return to a bowl game this season.
11. North Carolina State
Last Week: 11
While the Wolfpack offense showed flashes brilliance against Louisville, it shot itself in the foot with three turnovers. However, if the offense continues to play as well as it did in the second half, there’s a good chance that NC State finishes 6-6.
10. Boston College
Last week: 10
The Eagles did not play in Week 12. They need a “W” against Notre Dame or Pittsburgh to qualify for the postseason.
9. North Carolina
Last Week: 8
The Tar Heels lost another squeaker, falling in overtime to Pittsburgh. Keep an eye on this team in 2020… with a little seasoning, this young team could win the Coastal next season.
8. Florida State
Last Week: 9
The ‘Noles look like a different team under Odell Haggins. Although it’s easy to say, “big deal, it’s just Alabama State”, the fact of the matter is that Florida State’s offense is playing with the type of firepower that we expected to see all season long. This team is explosive enough to beat Florida.
7. Pittsburgh
Last Week: 7
The Panther defense continues to impress. Sure, Pittsburgh gave up 27 points, but it came up with some huge plays on defense, especially late in the game when UNC had a chance to win. Pat Narduzzi’s squad faces Virginia Tech this weekend in a crucial Coastal Division showdown.
6. Virginia
Last Week: 6
The ‘Hoos did not play last week. They face Hugh Freeze and Liberty this weekend.
5. Wake Forest
Last week: 5
No, I’m not dropping the Demon Deacons in the rankings. Regardless of what anyone in the media thinks, Clemson is one of the top teams in the country right now. Add in the fact that Wake entered the game short-handed, this result shouldn’t have surprised anyone.
4. Louisville
Last Week: 4
The Cardinals shook off last week’s loss to Miami with a solid win over NC State. The Cardinal defense came up with some clutch plays, forcing two fumbles, an interception, and a timely turnover on downs that ended any hope of a ‘Pack comeback.
3. Miami
Last Week: 3
The Hurricanes had the week off. They play a tune-up game with Florida International this week before closing out the season at Duke.
2. Virginia Tech
Last Week: 2
The Hokies are one of the hottest teams in the nation right now. The defense dominated Georgia Tech, limiting the Jackets to 2 of 15 on third down and holding them to 134 yards. Virginia Tech can capture the Coastal Division crown if it beats Pittsburgh and Virginia in the next two weeks.
1. Clemson
Last Week: 1
Of course, the Tigers are No. 1. Clemson finished the season 8-0. They have this weekend off to prepare for a South Carolina team that’s 0-2 against the state of North Carolina (losses to Appalachian State and North Carolina). Expect the Tigers to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Terry Johnson is a Contributor to the All Sports Discussion. He is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TerryPJohnson
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