ACC Power Rankings Week 12: Miami, Georgia Tech Move Up, Duke, Clemson Fall

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

That somebody was Georgia Tech. At 7-3, Clemson now has to play for pride, and to not fall into irrelevancy, winning out would be a big help. Georgia State is a win to at least get this team to 8 wins probably, but there’s still that showdown with in-state rival South Carolina. And don’t think that just because of the records that Clemson will dominate that game.

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Clemson Tigers 7-3 (6-2)

Last week: Lost to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 28-6
Last rank: 3

Perhaps this was a little bit harsh. But Clemson looked absolutely pathetic in its loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and we can’t get over that.

The turnovers, the defensive lapses, and the lack of offensive production all caved in on this team in one game.

The quarterback issues between Cole Stoudt and Deshaun Watson, all related to Watson’s health issues, manifested themselves again, and there are clearly defensive issues for Dabo Swinney’s young team. But like Florida State, it was the turnovers and mistakes that cost these guys. And we can’t ignore turnovers and mistakes as bad luck. Somebody has to pull the trigger in them.

That somebody was Georgia Tech. At 7-3, Clemson now has to play for pride, and to not fall into irrelevancy, winning out would be a big help. Georgia State is a win to at least get this team to 8 wins probably, but there’s still that showdown with in-state rival South Carolina. And don’t think that just because of the records that Clemson will dominate that game.