It came down to the last week of the season, but the ACC Championship Game matchup is now set, as a reeling Clemson will be taking on red-hot Virginia Tech. N.C. State was the last ACC team to clinch bowl eligibility, staging a dramatic comeback against Maryland. In nonconference action, the ACC fell flat against the SEC, going 1-3 over the weekend with the lone win over a weak Florida squad. With eight teams playing in bowls, the ACC will be looking to regain some respectability in the postseason.
1. #5 Virginia Tech (11-1, 7-1 ACC; Last Week 1)– With a rematch against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game this weekend, the Hokies will be looking to avenge their lone loss of the season. The two teams are at very different points than they were when Clemson won 23-3 in Blacksburg. With a National Title appearance still an outside possibility, expect Virginia Tech to come out firing and make its case for consideration among college football’s elite. (12/3 vs. #20 Clemson in Charlotte, NC)
2. #20 Clemson (9-3, 6-2 ACC; LW 2)– Hopes were high for the Tigers a few weeks ago, but they have come crashing down. Clemson followed up its loss to N.C. State with a defeat at the hands of in-state rival South Carolina, losing almost all momentum going into this weekend’s ACC Championship game. (12/3 vs. #5 Virginia Tech in Charlotte, NC)
3. Florida State (8-4, 5-3 ACC; LW 5)– The Seminoles claimed the ACC’s lone win against an SEC opponent this past weekend, as they downed Florida 21-7 in Gainesville. While many other schools would be thrilled with an 8-4 record at the end of the regular season, Florida State fans are surely disappointed after coming into the season with visions of a National Championship.
4. Georgia Tech (8-4, 5-3 ACC; LW 4)– While losing to Georgia left a sour taste in the mouths of Yellow Jacket fans, they have to be happy with how their team has played this season. Georgia Tech is guaranteed to have a winning season just one year after finishing 6-7.
5. N.C. State (7-5, 4-4 ACC; LW 7)– Mike Glennon has to top the list of people that Wolfpack fans are thankful for, especially after this weekend. Glennon sparked the Pack’s 27-point comeback, throwing for over 300 yards and five touchdowns, leading State to its second straight bowl appearance.
6. Virginia (8-4, 5-3 ACC; LW 3)– With rivalry weekend in full swing, the table was set for the Cavaliers to upset Virginia Tech and claim their first ever Coastal Conference title. Sadly for the Hoos, they fell flat – the Hokies served up a 38-0 drubbing to put Virginia’s dreams of a conference title to rest.
7. Wake Forest (6-6, 5-3 ACC; LW 6)– With the opportunity to clinch a winning season against SEC competition, the Demon Deacons came up short. Wake Forest played like a team that was already bowl eligible, giving a lackluster performance against a Vanderbilt team that they very well could have beaten.
8. North Carolina (7-5, 3-5 ACC; LW 9)– It looks like Everett Withers’ tenure as head coach is just about over. While he’s done well with the hand he was dealt, the Tar Heels’ 3-5 mark in conference play is a letdown.
9. Miami (6-6, 3-5 ACC; LW 8)– The Hurricanes’ season ended on a sour note, as Boston College topped Miami 24-17. Following the self-imposed punishment of skipping out on a bowl game, Al Golden’s attention now turns to rebuilding the once prestigious program this coming offseason.
10. Boston College (4-8, 3-5 ACC; LW 11)– It’s a shame it took so long for the Eagles to play this well, because they could have easily snuck into the bowl picture. After winning three of their final four conference games, early season losses to Northwestern, Central Florida and Duke are that much harder to swallow.
11. Duke (3-9, 1-7 ACC; LW 10)– 2011 will feel like just another year for Blue Devil fans. After starting the season 3-2, Duke rattled off seven straight losses and failed to end its 16-year bowl game drought.
12. Maryland (2-10, 1-7 ACC; LW 12)– The Terps’ season couldn’t have ended on a worse note, giving up 42 unanswered points to N.C. State. The implosion capped what has been one of the most embarrassing seasons in school history.
