C.J. Spiller went out with a Heisman-worthy game on the national stage and almost carried his team to a championship.
Take that SEC! Our championship game was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than yours! Georgia Tech, 2009 ACC Champions, were magnificent on offense while the fighting C.J. Spillers were kept in the game by their namesake with a Heisman-ticket-punching 4 TD and 300+ total yard game. It was an awesome way to end a solid year of ACC football, but a lot of fun to come today as we get to see how badly the Gator Bowl can screw up our bowl structure in their last season with us.
Rank (LW)….Team……………………..Record
1)..(1)…Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets…………..11-2(8-1 ACC)
Unstoppable. Georgia Tech’s offense was incredible. They methodically broke down a solid Clemson defense and did not flinch when their defense could not stop anything in the 4th quarter and most of the game. Remember when those people were saying something about how a triple option style offense could not work at the D-I level? LOLACCChampionsNow!
2)…(2)…Virginia Tech Hokies…………………9-3(6-2 ACC)
Could they have lost a bowl slot without even playing? They can thank C.J. Spiller for that if it happens. We’ll see later today.
3)..(3)..Clemson Tigers………………8-5(6-3 ACC)
Clemson’s offense was able to maul Georgia Tech’s defense just like the Jackets’ rivals had done the week before and this guy named Spiller accounted for basically all five Clemson TDs and a bazillion yards(absolute travesty if C.J. is not going to New York for the Heisman ceremonies next week). When you look at Clemson’s defensive effort–could anyone stop what Georgia Tech was bringing on Saturday? Don’t think so–they even made the big stop to enable the Tigers to take the lead, but it was Georgia Tech’s game and man–these two teams are going to be back in business next year too(you see C.J. Spiller, Jr….I mean Andre Ellington in the game? He’s going to be good.)
4..)..(4)..Miami Hurricanes………………………9-3(5-3 ACC)
The Canes are waiting with everybody else on the domino effect from Chick-Fil-A’s decision. Could be going anywhere from the Champs to the Meineke. Shouldn’t fall below the Music City though.
5)..(5)..North Carolina Tar Heels………………………8-4(4-4 ACC)
Gotta think Charlotte is the destination for the Heels. If the Music City does pick them up, they could get a little revenge from what happened on Saturday when facing the Wildcats.
6)..(6)..Boston College Eagles………………….8-4(5-3 ACC)
San Francisco is swell this time of year. It will be in the mid-50s–possibly rainy depending on how early the short rain season starts in the Bay Area(I would know–lived there for a few years). But seriously, let’s beat a Pac-10 team Eagles!
7)..(7)..Florida State Seminoles……………6-6(4-4 ACC)
Gator or not the Gator–that is the question. I guess I can use this space to get on a soapbox, eh? Does an 8-5 Clemson deserve to be jumped by a 6-6 FSU team? No, and obviously no, but bowl games are sadly not about deserving–it’s about the $$$. It really should be about rewarding seniors and their seasons, but it isn’t. The counter-argument is that these other teams like Clemson, Miami, and others wouldn’t be in this situation if they won more games which is true. FSU, with their impressive blowout victories over Maryland and Jax State(not), will get the Gator if Chick-Fil-A doesn’t screw up their plans and that’s just life.
8)..(8)..Wake Forest Demon Deacons…5-7(3-5 ACC)
No bowl…nothing really interesting here.
9)..(9)..North Carolina State Wolfpack………….5-7(2-6 ACC)
Again, boring non-bowl team without a coaching situation.
10)..(10)..Duke Blue Devils…………………………5-7(3-5 ACC)
It’s too bad they faded so much down the stretch–back to obscurity until they start winning again in Durham.
11)..(11)….Virginia Cavaliers…………………..3-9(2-6 ACC)
With Groh gone now, the ACC’s lone coach-less team goes on the search. Could it be the Duke conquering Spiders’ coach London? Skip Holtz? I said London way back as a good replacement, but he is a Groh-disciple and another defensive coach which makes Holtz a good candidate too. All I know is that Holtz won his conference today and has done a great job at ECU. Could be worth a shot.
12)..(12)..Maryland Terrapins……………………2-10(1-7 ACC)
As I’ve “reported” from my sources, Friedgen was going to stay because of the $$$. He gets one more season to prove he can get back to respectability and the ole coach-in-waiting Franklin with him.
Agree with the rankings? Think they’re wrong? Bowl thoughts? Offer a comment…
Good List… Tonight’s game was a classic. Spiller my goodness was incredible. Josh Nesbitt is a cool customer. He’s never looks rushed. He’s a winner. Dwyer was great on that last drive. Lot’s of great individual performances.
I also hope Gator Bowl doesn’t create a fiasco with Florida State. I hope the Chick Fila selects Clemson as it will put pressure on the Gator to take a 10 win Virginia Tech team, but will they even care anymore?
AAS,
No doubt on all accounts. Dwyer really showed out last night. The Gator Bowl is determined to blow-up any integrity that is left in the bowl system, but can’t blame them too much I guess for wanting the Bowden storyline.
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