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Battle 4 NC: Ranking the Top 5 Football Teams in NC after Week 12

By Zack Smith

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 09: Shemar Jean-Charles #8 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates with fans after winning their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 09: Shemar Jean-Charles #8 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates with fans after winning their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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4. Duke Blue Devils (4-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 4

Last Game: L 52-6 vs Syracuse

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Shaka Heyward #42 of the Duke Blue Devils tackles Moe Neal #21 of the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Shaka Heyward #42 of the Duke Blue Devils tackles Moe Neal #21 of the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

There aren’t many positives to take out of Duke’s last performance, they looked completely outmatched against a sub-par Syracuse team. Quentin Harris threw for 157 yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns. Manteo Durant lead the team in rushing with just 54 yards and lost a fumble in the process.

The Blue Devils have been outscored 155 to 44 in their last four games. It’s really been all downhill since week five when they demolished Virginia Tech 45-10. They will now need a miracle to make the post season, needing a win in both of their last two games (@ Wake and vs Miami). Could this really be the beginning of the end for David Cutcliffe?

Week 12: at Wake Forest

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (4-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 3

Last Game: L 34-27 OT at Pitt

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 14: Will Gragg #10 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is wrapped up by Jeremiah Gemmel #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Heinz Field on November 14, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 14: Will Gragg #10 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is wrapped up by Jeremiah Gemmel #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Heinz Field on November 14, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Thursday night’s overtime loss to Pitt really summed up the season for the Tar Heels. The close losses just keep on coming. Every loss this season has been by one possession, which makes their record a bit deceiving considering how the team has actually played. This week’s game against Mercer will serve as a good practice and time for some players to rest up before the big rivalry game on November 30th. The game against the Wolfpack is going to be huge for the future of the program. Not only is it a big rivalry, but a win will send them to the postseason, allowing a young team to gain valuable experience.

Week 12: vs Mercer

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