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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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2. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

Last Game: L 52-3 at 3 Clemson

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Jamie Newman #12 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Jamie Newman #12 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Things weren’t pretty for Wake Forest in Death Valley on Saturday. Along with most Demon Deacon fans, I had higher expectations going into this game. I really thought they could hang with them and maybe even pull the big upset. Clemson jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back. Wake was out-gained by 411 yards and only had five first downs. The best thing for them to do is to forget this one. The Deacs still have a shot at a 10-win season and maybe even a trip to the Orange Bowl. On the bright side, it was a little closer than last year’s 63-3 loss to the Tigers.

Week 12: vs Duke

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (9-1)

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Last Game: W 56-27 at Georgia State

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Appalachian State Mountaineers players pose in front of the scoreboard 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: Appalachian State Mountaineers players pose in front of the scoreboard 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) /

Finally, we get to someone that won a game. App State continued to roll with a impressive victory in Atlanta. The Mountaineer offense gained a balanced 553 yards with 273 coming through the air and 280 on the ground. The defense also played well, holding the Panthers to only 138 passing yards and forced three turnovers in the process. They are playing some championship caliber football at the right time.

It’s hard to believe, but App still needs to win their last two games to guarantee (and host) a spot in the Sun Belt Championship game. Texas State shouldn’t give them any problems but keep an eye on the season finale against Troy. It’s never easy to win on the road and especially this late in the season.

Week 12: vs Texas State

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