It sure looks like Clemson and Notre Dame are in for a rematch in the ACC Championship game. Notre Dame won the matchup of the week, easily passing a test from No. 17 North Carolina. Meanwhile, Clemson had no issues after three weeks off against Pitt.
Here’s how the rankings look at week 12.
1. Notre Dame (9-0)
WIN – UNC (31-17)
Notre Dame looked excellent in their game against North Carolina. The defense settled in after the second drive and Ian Book continues to put together a darkhorse campaign for Heisman. It’s looking more and more like Clemson-Notre Dame for Round 2 in Charlotte.
2. Clemson (8-1)
WIN – PITT (52-17)
After three weeks off for the Tigers and five weeks for Trevor Lawrence, Clemson looked like a championship contender against Pitt. Posting 31 points in the first quarter, this game was never close. Lawrence is far and away the best player in the country and will be the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft.
3. Miami (7-1)
BYE
The Hurricanes have paused activities due to Covid-19, next up is Duke in Durham.
4. North Carolina (6-3)
LOSS – NOTRE DAME (31-17)
UNC put up a great fight at home against the Fighting Irish, but they were just too far off on the defensive side of the ball to win the game. Next year will be a promising one for the Tar Heels.
5. NC State (7-3)
WIN – SYRACUSE (36-29)
Two wins in two weeks for the Wolfpack as Dave Doeren continues to rebuild this team. They are playing excellent football considering they lost their starting QB. Next year’s team could be a special one for NCST.
6. Wake Forest (4-3)
BYE
Off-week for the Deacs, with the next game against Notre Dame. Can Wake play spoiler for Notre Dame’s national championship dreams? We shall see on Dec. 12.
7. Boston College (6-4)
WIN – LOUISVILLE (34-27)
The Eagles were able to hold off Louisville despite a scare with Phil Jurkovec’s knee. Luckily the injury wasn’t serious and he should be back for the game against UVA. This has been a great year for BC with plenty to build on for 2021.
8. Pittsburgh (5-5)
LOSS – CLEMSON (52-17)
Pitt got absolutely dusted by Clemson on Saturday. Coming off back-to-back weeks of scoring 40+ points, the Pitt offense dug a big hole with three turnovers in the first quarter. Pitt gets the nod over UVA because they’ve played more games and beat the Hokies, something the Cavs will try to do in two weeks.
9. Virginia (4-4)
BYE
UVA beat Abilene Christian and then had an off week. Not much to write about here, but they are sure happy to have Brennan Armstrong back as they will try to win the Commonwealth Cup for the second time in as many years. But first they have to play a very good Boston College team. Hopefully they don’t look past them.
10. Virginia Tech (4-5)
BYE
The Hokies played well against Miami and that must have zapped them of all their energy because Pitt wiped the floor with them last week. VT had the week off to prepare for Clemson but that might not have been enough time. Hopefully the Hokies can keep this one close.
11. Georgia Tech (3-5)
WIN – DUKE (56-33)
The Yellow Jackets showed up to play against Duke, hammering them after two weeks off. Look for them to give NCST a game this Saturday.
12. Louisville (2-7)
LOSS – BOSTON COLLEGE (34-27)
They fought hard but came up short against BC. Look for the Cardinals to play a competitive game against Wake Forest in three weeks then head in to the offseason with a lot of work to be done. This team will bounce back in 2021.
13. Florida State (2-6)
BYE
FSU called off two games in two week for fears of Covid. We all saw how childish Dabo Swinney was but let’s be honest, FSU did the right thing – they didn’t duck the Tigers. I doubt we see that game made up but let’s hope we see the ‘Noles again this year.
» Related: Compare this week’s ACC power rankings to Week 10
14. Duke (2-7)
LOSS – GEORGIA TECH (56-33)
Duke tried hard against GT this past Saturday. Now they get the Hurricanes at home. Let’s see if they can give them a game.
15. Syracuse (1-9)
LOSS – NC STATE (36-29)
Victory continues to prove elusive for Dino Babers and the Orange. The season is almost over and the basketball team managed to avoid an upset against Bryant. Let’s hope Dino figures out a winning solution for 2021.
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