No surprises at the top, as 1 and 2 will play in the Championship Game. Also, thank you, Heels, for justifying my #3 ranking. Nothing earth-shattering here…

1) Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1 ACC): The Jackets got a week off to prepare for rival Georgia, and hopefully take care of business.

2) Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC): Which Tigers team shows up in the Championship Game? The one that went down 21-0 at Georgia Tech before they broke a sweat or the one who almost came back to win the game? Finally, an exciting matchup.

3) North Carolina (8-3, 4-3 ACC): Didn’t see this coming a month ago. We have to get one more this week in West Raleigh.

4) Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2 ACC): I’ve been really mean to Virginia on this blog this year. I don’t believe in karma, however, so I’m thinking they’re due to beat the Hokies this week. (please?)

5) Miami (8-3, 5-3 ACC): They sleepwalked through a home win against Duke, but the Canes are still going to be a tough out for South Florida and their bowl opponent. Best case for the ACC would be for the U, along with Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Clemson all getting to 10 wins.

6) Boston College (7-4, 4-3 ACC): Incapability at quarterback can be masked by a solid running game and defense. This faith keeps the Eagles in the top half of the standings.

7) Florida State (6-5, 4-4 ACC): What was ugliest about FSU’s 29-26 win over Maryland on Saturday?

A) The jerseys, which ironically, looked like Maryland’s

B) DC Mickey Andrews’ chuck of Chief Osecola’s spear into midfield (it’s the last home game for the Noles before the decorated coach retires. What a season to do it.

C) 29-26 win with last-minute heroics against…Maryland.

I lean towards A and C, but I think D) All of the above would be the most appropriate.

8 ) Duke (5-6, 3-4 ACC): Question: Would Duke have competed for the ACC in the Atlantic Division? Evidence exists to support this. They’re 2-0 (granted, against NCSU and Maryland) in the Atlantic, and have a winnable game against Wake this week. I could see them stealing one or both against FSU and BC, so you never know where they’d be.

9) Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5 ACC): Nothing profound to say about the Deacs.

10) Virginia (3-8, 2-5 ACC): They actually played Clemson pretty well, but they need to play like they have nothing to lose this Saturday.

11) N.C. State (4-7, 1-6 ACC): It should be fun on Saturday. Hope y’all enjoyed 41-10 while it lasted.

12) Maryland (2-9, 1-6 ACC): I considered moving them up in the rankings, but then realized that a close loss at Florida State really isn’t that impressive.