Week 9 ACC Power Rankings

With UNC emerging as the clear frontrunner for the Coastal Division race, the Atlantic Division will be all but wrapped up after this weekend. Not much has changed at the top of the rankings, but is the usual, the bottom of the ACC does not know who is good and who needs to be relegated to the Colonial.

Here's what the power rankings looked like last week, but entering the 10th week of the season, here is how we think the Conference shakes out:

1. Clemson Tigers (8-0, 5-0). Last week: 1
It all comes down to this. Clemson avoided shooting themselves in the foot last week against the Wolfpack to set up another Atlantic Division Championship game this weekend against Florida State. If Clemson wants to continue to be considered one of the best teams in the nation they'll have to take care of FSU and win the ACC in December.

2. Florida State Seminoles (7-1, 5-1). Last week: 2
They avoided the let down, look ahead sandwhich this past weekend against Syracuse, beating the Orange 45-21. As noted, Clemson awaits. The biggest questions facing the Noles this week will be the health of Dalvin Cook and who will be lining up under center after Sean Maguire's strong start last weekend.

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (7-1, 4-0). Last week: 4
UNC doesn't appear to do anything oustanding, but they play soundly and win games. Gene Chizik is doing a wonderful job with the Heels defense, as they've held all of their opponents, except Georgia Tech, to under 20 points. The loss to South Carolina has kept them out of the playoff talk, but winning out and beating Clemson could get them in the conversation.

4. Duke Blue Devils (6-2, 3-1). Last week: 3
I'm sorry, Duke; I really am.

5. Pittsburgh Panthers (6-2, 4-1). Last week: 5
Pitt lost to UNC last Thursday. That's all we're allowed to say about Pitt because Pitt fans get angry if you pay them a compliment or suggest anything about their program.

6. Miami Hurricanes (5-3, 2-2). Last week: 9
You should be 4-4, 1-3. We all know it. You know it. Do the conference a favor, make it up to us, and lose to UVa this weekend in front of tens of tens of people.

7. N.C. State Wolfpack (5-3, 1-3). Last week: 8
I'll admit, the Wolfpack looked pretty decent last weekend against Clemson. They weren't anywhere near an upset like we'd hoped, but for a team that would win 4 games with a legitimate schedule, the Wolfpack held their own against one of the top teams in the country.

8. Louisville Cardinals (4-4, 3-2). Last week: 7
The Cardinals have won three games against FBS programs by a combined 11 points, including beating Wake by just one. This is not the Louisville team we all expected to see at the beginning of the season. They still play Syracuse and UVa, so don't worry Cardinals fans, you'll still go bowling this year!

9. Virginia Tech Hokies (4-5, 2-3). Last week: 10
While everyone else waxes poetically about Frank Beamer's retirement, let's point out that the Hokies are in a dangerous position in terms of extending their bowl appearance streak. They'll have to win two of their final three that come against GT, UNC, and UVa. Ending the Hokies' bowl streak and Beamer's career in Charlottesville could be beautiful Thanksgiving weekend.

10. Virginia Cavaliers (3-5, 2-2). Last week: (tie)11
I have no idea what team is going to show up for the Cavaliers on a week to week basis. I wouldn't expect UVa to win in Miami, but the Hurricanes seem like the only ACC team London has a winning record against.

11. Georgia Tech (3-6, 1-5). Last week: 6
Talk about a tire fire season. Yeesh. Virginia Tech, Miami, and Georgia close out the season for the Yellow Jackets if they want to go bowling.

12. Syracuse Orange (3-5, 1-3). Last week: 13
Five straight losses likely will be seven straight with Louisville this weekend and Clemson the following. At NC State and ending the year hosting Boston College will be the Orange hopes to get off the lose train. Basketball season is soon.

13. Boston College Golden Eagles (3-6, 0-6). Last week: (tie)11
BC's defense showed they might be a normal unit and the Eagles played their fourth (!) QB of the season. Only three more games, BC friends. Hockey season is soon (I think).

14. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-6, 1-5). Last week: 14
I'd tell you that basketball season is just around the corner, but I don't think that will bring Wake fans much solace. Spring golf has to be starting soon. Wake is still good at golf, right?

Here's how we all voted. Make sure to tell us why your team should be higher or I shouldn't be so mean to your fanbase.