ACC Power Rankings After Week 9

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s important to expect the unexpected when it comes to the ACC. Every time that I think I have things figured out, mass chaos ensues. In fact, as one post on Reddit points out, operation #4and4ForAll could actually happen.

So how did these unexpected results impact our weekly power rankings? Here’s the latest installment:

14. Syracuse

Last Week: 12

The Orange fall into the cellar this weekend by virtue of a loss to Florida State that wasn’t as close as the final score would suggest. ‘Cuse allowed six more sacks against FSU and is dead last nationally in that category, surrendering 5.25 sacks per game. This number must improve for the team to qualify for a bowl game.

13. Georgia Tech

Last Week: 13

The Jackets did not play last weekend. They face Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon.

12. Duke

Last Week: 11

I don’t want to take anything away from UNC for pulling out a hard-fought win. However, Duke beat itself by getting too cute on the final play of the game. Rather than attempt the jump pass, the Devils should have run a pick or a rub route to go for the win. They didn’t, which is why they dropped one spot this week.

11. North Carolina State

Last Week: 10

The Wolfpack were idle during week 9. Hopefully, they found the answers they were looking for on offense. They won’t beat Wake Forest without a strong showing on that side of the ball.

10. Boston College

Last week: 9

No, I’m not punishing the Eagles for losing to Clemson. In fact, they only drop one slot because of all of the other chaos in the conference. More on that below.

9. North Carolina

Last Week: 8

As noted above, the Tar Heels deserve all of the credit in the world for beating the Duke. However, the Devils outsmarted themselves on the final play, and it cost them. As a result, Carolina falls one spot this week.

8. Pittsburgh

Last Week: 3

Imagine holding a team to 2 of 14 on third down conversions, 14 of 32 passing, and a paltry 4.8 yards per completion. Wouldn’t you expect to win that game? So would I. Yet, it didn’t happen. The Panthers turned the ball over three times and couldn’t capitalize on the one turnover they did produce, settling for a field goal after taking over at the Miami 17. This loss will sting for awhile.

7. Virginia

Last Week: 2

Although the ‘Hoos are still (arguably) the No. 1 threat to dethrone Clemson, they drop five spots after suffering their second conference loss. However, this could change in the next few weeks if — and it’s a big if — UVA can beat arch rival Virginia Tech.

6. Miami

Last Week: 13

No, this isn’t a knee-jerk reaction. The Hurricanes deserve this spot for defeating both Virginia and Pittsburgh. They can move up even further by posting wins over Florida State and Louisville. While that’s not an easy task, it’s certainly possible if the Hurricanes play like they did against Pittsburgh.

5. Virginia Tech

Last Week: 7

Yes, Hokiesmash, I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley. All joking aside, the Hokies posted wins over Miami and North Carolina. That’s enough to capture the No. 5 slot this week. Let’s see how they fare against an angry Notre Dame team on Saturday.

4. Louisville

Last Week: 6

The Cardinals made a statement Saturday, defeating a very good Virginia squad. UL averaged over five yards a carry versus a stingy UVA front seven that allows only 3.14 yards per carry (16th best in the nation). This is a dangerous team that could finish the season with 10 wins.

3. Florida State

Last Week: 4

Make no mistake about it: the Seminoles demolished Syracuse. Should FSU struggle at quarterback, it can continue to mix in the Wildcat / Single Wing packages with Cam Akers (2 of 3 for 26 yards) at quarterback. If the team continues to improve, I like its chances of upsetting Florida in the Swamp during rivalry week.

2. Wake Forest

Last week: 4

The Demon Deacons didn’t play last week. I’m curious to see how the defense responds after losing Justin Strnad for the season.

1. Clemson

Last Week: 1

This is a no-brainer. Clemson is the class of the conference. It’s a shame that the media — specifically the FWAA — doesn’t give this team the respect it deserves.

Terry Johnson is a Contributor to the All Sports Discussion. He is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TerryPJohnson

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