The ACC Coastal Divison race is a lot more clear after a week 12 that included some surprises. Here's a look at what went down.
Clemson 55, Georgia Tech 31 - The Yellow Jackets were still very alive in the division race but just didn't show up defensively. They allowed not only the staggering point total but 551 yards of offense including 383 through the air by Tigers star Tajh Boyd and his backups. Clemson actually converted just four third downs all night, a testament more to how few such situations they faced (11) than anything Georgia Tech was doing right. The Wreck still owns the division tiebreaker over Duke, but it's going to need help from Virginia Tech and Miami, both at three losses with the tiebreaker on the 'jackets. The good news for Tech is it's the leader in the clubhouse, with only nonconference action in the last two weeks.
Maryland 27, Virginia Tech 24 - The Terrapins were hardly the high-flying offensive juggernaut they were early this year. Nonetheless, they delivered a huge blow to Tech's chances of reaching the ACC title game by dealing the Hokies their third league loss in overtime. Tech seemed to have the easiest path to the title with only Maryland and Virginia left to play. But the Terps had other ideas as they racked up 184 yards on the ground to pound the Hokies into submission. The defense locked down, too, holding the Tech to just 264 yards and getting the key stop in the extra session that set up C.J. Brown's game-winning touchdown run. Tech now needs to beat Virginia and hope Duke loses out to make it to the title game. Maryland, meanwhile, is bowl eligible with winnable games against Boston College and N.C. State ahead that could bolster it's slot.
Duke 48, No. 23 Miami 30 - And just like that, the Blue Devils control their own destiny in the division race. In a game that didn't include a whole lot of defense, with both teams gaining more than 500 yards on the afternoon, Duke forced field goals when it had to. That was really the big difference in the game as both teams racked up the offense without turning the ball over much. Duke was also much better on the ground, gaining 358 yards and averaging 6.9 yards per carry. The success in the running game helped Duke pound Miami into submission in the fourth quarter and take a choke hold on the division race. The Blue Devils' math is simple: win out, and they'll play for a league title and BCS bowl berth.
No. 2 Florida State 59, Syracuse 3 - Florida State's really good and all, so the thumping isn't really a shocker. What is hard to fathom is the Orange's 1.5 points per game average over the last four games. That has to make Pitt feel pretty good heading into the battle for bowl eligibility of two 5-5 squads next week.
Boston College 38, N.C. State 21 - Could the Eagles finish 8-4 after struggling to beat Villanova in their opener? The Eagles have Maryland and Syracuse left. Sure could happen the way they're scoring right now. BC has scored at least 34 points in its last three contests.