The ACC Atlantic race was cleared up a little bit this past Saturday. The biggest game, Clemson and Florida State, went down to the wire. In the end, the 'Noles pulled out a 16-13 victory with a field goal as time expired. Maryland and North Carolina State were able to win games they were suppose to win to keep pace with FSU in the loss column.
Going into week 12, we find FSU at 5-2, Maryland at 4-2, and NC State at 4-2. With Maryland having yet to play both FSU and NC State, the title is still up for grabs. On Saturday, it will be black out at Byrd Stadium for the Terps as they take on FSU. (Unfortunately, I won't be able to cover this game because I'm going to a family wedding. Sorry!) NC State will be taking on rival North Carolina. This is a winnable game for the Pack, but they will be facing their rival with nothing to lose. The Tar Heels are out of contention for the Coastal race, but they can still salvage their season by ending their rival's chances of heading to Charlotte. The Atlantic title might come down to the final week of the season, where NC State will travel to College Park.
Scenarios
The scenarios are very simple for each team...
Maryland: Win out
North Carolina State: Win out
Florida State: Beat Maryland with an NC State loss in either of their next 2 games
Let's now take a look at each team's remaining schedule:
Florida State
11/20 @ Maryland
I see this game riding on the health of quarterback Christian Ponder. With him at full strength, I believe the 'Noles would blow out the Terps. Even with him below his highest level, I would still see a win for FSU. However, with EJ Manuel under center, I could see a Maryland victory this Saturday.
Maryland
11/20 Florida State
11/27 North Carolina State
As I stated above, the outcome of the Maryland Florida State game with be determined by the quarterback. I cannot see this Maryland team beating NC State barring an outstanding effort from the Terps. This just seems like the type of game Maryland has lost in recent years (see FSU '08, Wake '06).
North Carolina State
11/20 @ North Carolina
11/27 @ Maryland
I believe NC State will find a way to win in Chapel Hill this Saturday, but then again, anything can happen in a rivalry game. I also think the Pack will go to College Park and take down the Terps.
Projected Final ACC Atlantic Standings (1-3)
NC State: 6-2
Florida State: 6-2
Maryland: 4-4
In my last edition, I think I was too optimistic about the Terps beating the FSU. After taking a closer look at the team this past week, I realized that the Terps really aren't very good this year. However, next year, hopefully they can make a run.
Also, I have the Terps at 4-4 assuming Ponder will play. Even if Maryland was to win that game, it wouldn't make a difference to FSU because NC State beat them head to head.
I should be posting my predictions for week 12 in the ACC, so look for those on Wednesday or Thursday!
