ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 12: Virginia Tech makes noise

Syracuse played Bye-Week Multidirectional Poly-Technical State University College A&M this week, surviving on a last second quadruple reverse flea-flicker halfback pass to quarterback Tommy Devito. The Dome was electric with a capacity crowd of 25 to see the miraculous win. Which is good for the Orange because the bye week might be their last win of the season.

The Orange travel to Durham to play the Blue Devils in the “This wasn’t what our season was supposed to be” Bowl. As bad as Duke’s been recently the Blue Devils are 11-point favorites at home — imagine that.

That’s 14 of the last 15 for the Tigers. See why it’s the rivalry that really ain’t? One of the important dynamics of a rivalry is the teams trade wins. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the only rivalry that really ain’t. We can talk about border wars, big games, apples and cups or even civil wars — or is it conflicts?

This is the ACC Power Rankings, and use of the Rivalry that really ain’t would be gimmick infringement if used anywhere else. We wouldn’t want to unleash a swarm of Yellow Jackets on you.

In spite of their poor play and one conference win, the Wolfpack have an outside shot at a bowl. They have Georgia Tech left on their schedule, but would have to upset in-state rival North Carolina and upstart Louisville. And who said the Georgia Tech game is a gimme?

You have to appreciate what you see on the field to understand wins and loses aren’t the most important aspect of a zero year. The Cavaliers were taken to the wire by the Yellow Jackets last weekend; it took a hero-sized effort by Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins to win the game.

The Yellow Jackets played their most efficient game of the season offensively. James Graham completed 15-of-22 passes and James Mason had over 90 yards rushing. Georgia Tech actually led in this game twice, but could neither pull away nor hold off Perkins and the Wahoos. Looks like they’re learning how to play, now they just need to learn to win.

This past Saturday was the annual “Red Bandana” game in Chestnut Hill. This game honors the ultimate sacrifice paid by Boston College alum Welles Crowther during the tragedy of 9/11. Crowther lost his life leading a dozen people to safety from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Suffice it to say, it was an emotional day at Boston College.

The Eagles fell short in their bid for a sixth win and bowl eligibility to the Florida State Seminoles 38-31. It was the Seminoles that played big after the loss of their coach. The Eagles have two more chances at a bowl game, but they won’t be easy. Both Notre Dame and Pittsburgh are on the road to end their season.