ACC 6 SEC 4

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

All football season long we have been subjected to media claims that the ACC is a second tier league not deserving of a BCS birth. At the same time we were told the SEC is the best league hands down and that losing an ACC game is like losing three games in the SEC. No question that Florida and Alabama are two of the three best teams in the nation and would win the ACC. But beyond that today's SEC is not at the level of any other BCS league. Want proof? How about Duke who finished its season on a seven game ACC losing streak traveling to Vanderbilt in the middle of that stretch and beating the Commodores? Vandy won four SEC games this season and is bowl bound. How about Clemson in turmoil under and interim coach crushing South Carolina who just a few short weeks ago was ranked and considered by some the third best SEC team? Let's not forget preseason number one Georgia being ripped for over 400 yards rushing in a loss to in-state rival Georgia Tech at home.

No question exists that Florida State's pathetic performance against Florida was an embarrassment to the ACC and to the proud tradition of FSU football. I for one was shocked at how lethargic the Seminoles were in a rivalry game of this magnitude at home. But again, Florida is in a class by itself nationally: the rest of the SEC is pedestrian to say the least. Moreover the sins of Florida State and Miami both whom are in extended rebuilding phases of programs that would have obliterated the entire SEC in their heyday cannot be held against the conference as a whole the same way that Alabama and Florida's success cannot be claimed to make the SEC the most competitive league around.

Wake Forest ended the regular season losing three consecutive ACC home games and needing overtime to beat Duke. Yet the Deacons handled Vanderbilt last night at home. Alabama's crushing of Clemson was in week one as was South Carolina's beat down of NC State and Florida's handling of Miami was in week two. But among games played after September 15th, the ACC was 6-1 versus the SEC. If that isn't domination of one conference by another, I am not sure what is.

Final ACC Power Rankings

1- Georgia Tech
2- Clemson
3- Boston College
4- Florida State
5- NC State
6- Virginia Tech
7- North Carolina
8- Miami
9- Maryland
10- Wake Forest
11- Duke
12- Virginia