For those of you who were still clinging to hopes of seeing the Terps play in The EagleBank Bowl it’s time to let it go. Those of you who were clinging to the hope of seeing what Jamarr Robinson can do under center can now get excited.

Meanwhile, the division races seem all but over. But in this league, that doesn’t mean much. Sports editor Aaron Kraut’s new favorite team — Clemson — is hanging on to a half-game lead over Boston College in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, in the Coastal, Georgia Tech held on to its one game advantage over Miami with an exciting win over Wake Forest.

All those ACC football fans should probably stock up on canned food and other non-perishables as they try to weather the inevitable “When will the ACC become a power on the national stage again?” conversation.

Luckily, we at Terrapin Trail are here to get you through the final few weeks. We will do this by continuing to follow our foolproof formula of combining analysis and cheesy humor.

Enjoy!

1. Georgia Tech (Last week – 1)

The Yellow Jackets clearly need work on defense, as evidenced by their performance Saturday against the Demon Deacons. Although Josh Nesbitt still doesn’t throw well, it would be hard to argue he isn’t the most important player on that team. -Mike Lemaire

2. Miami (Last week – 2)

If running back Graig Cooper returns next year, the Hurricanes are going to be a force to be reckoned with. – Jakob Engelke

3. Clemson (Last week – 3)

(Ed. Note: Aaron has moved Clemson up yet again in his personal rankings to No. 1. However, he is just one man, and thus one vote. Needless to say he was out-voted.)

Kicker Richard Jackson missed field goals from 38 and 26 yards out and extra points against Florida State. But just when you thought the Tigers were on the brink of one of their typical November chokejobs, they pulled away. This Clemson team is different, and the potential rematch with Georgia Tech in the ACC title game is enticing. – Aaron Kraut

4. Virginia Tech (Last week – 4)

Trailing two teams in the Coastal Division, the Hokies are playing for a spot in the Gator Bowl at this point. That’s why Thursday’s potential trap-game against East Carolina was worrisome. Kudos to Frank Beamer’s boys for taking care of business on the road. – Mike Lemaire

5. Florida State (Last week – 5)

Imagine if the Seminoles could have matched this offense up with any of the good defenses they had over the past couple of seasons, when a sputtering offense was the source of so many problems down in Tallahassee. – Aaron Kraut

6. Boston College (Last week – 6)

Surprise! Surprise! The Eagles beat Central Michigan by 21 points. The “BC” should really stand for boring and consistent. – Rob Gindes

7. North Carolina -Last week – 8-

6-3 overall, but just 2-3 in-conference, this year’s Tar Heels are a perfect example of what the inconsistent ACC is all about. – Aaron Kraut

8. Wake Forest (Last week – 9)

Has any team lost three straight games like this? Three points at Navy, one point vs. Miami and overtime at Georgia Tech. – Adi Joseph

9. Duke (Last week – 7)

Duke’s media guide has four pages (!) dedicated to gushing quotes about coach David Cutcliffe, with two of them featured: One from Mike Patrick and the other… drum roll… Eli Manning! Eli Manning!!!! That’s like getting Carlos Mencia to endorse your comedy show. – Rob Gindes

10. Virginia (Last week – 10)

I would say it’s about time to write off  Marc Verica as a legitimate starting quarterback in the ACC. Then, I remember Verica is the same quarterback who accounted for 240 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover in last year’s beatdown of the Terps. – Mike Lemaire

11. North Carolina State (Last week – 11)

The Wolfpack should come back strong after a bye week this Saturday… (Oh, that’s funny because they didn’t have a bye week Saturday, they played Maryland) – Rob Gindes

12. Maryland (Last week – 12)

Not much explanation needed here. They’re young, injured, not that talented and aren’t catching any breaks. That’s not a good combination. – Aaron Kraut

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