2009 ACC Power Rankings (Preseason)

By clemsoncannon  |   Monday, August 31, 2009  |  Comments( 4 )

College Football
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The 2009 ACC football season kicks off on Thursday night when the South Carolina Gamecocks visit NC State. All the other teams will be in action on Saturday except for Miami and Florida State who clash on Monday night on ESPN. This will be the first in a weekly series of Power Rankings for the ACC as we march toward the ACC Championship Game on December 5 in Tampa, FL.


1. Virginia Tech 10-4 (5-3)

The Hokies won the ACC title in 2008 and defeated Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl. They return Tyrod Taylor at QB and have a very talented RB in sophomore Darren Evans who gained more than 1200 yards in his freshman year.

Next game: Alabama Sept. 5 (Georgia Dome)

2. Florida State 9-4 (5-3)

The Seminoles had the 15th ranked defense in the country last year but must replace DE’s Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett. QB Christian Ponder returns and has all 5 starters back on the offensive line. Is this the year that Florida State re-establishes themselves as an elite ACC team?

Next game: vs. Miami Sept. 7

3. Georgia Tech 9-4 (5-3)

Coach Paul Johnson’s option offense took the conference by storm last year as the Yellow Jackets won 9 games and had the 4th best rushing offense in the nation. With the running back duo of Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones teaming with returning QB Josh Nesbitt this offense could be even better this year. This team could be a dark horse to take the ACC Championship.

Next game: vs. Jacksonville St. Sept. 5

4. North Carolina 8-5 (4-4)

The offense lost their top three wide receivers but they return QB TJ Yates and leading rusher Shaun Draughn. However they return 9 starters on a defensive unit which should be their strength this year.

Next game: vs. The Citadel Sept. 5

5. NC State 6-7 (4-4)

The Wolfpack should improve significantly in 2009 with the return of Russell Wilson at quarterback. Wilson threw 17 touchdowns to just 1 interception in 2008. The only question is can he stay healthy all season?

Next game: vs. South Carolina Sept. 3

6. Wake Forest 8-5 (4-4)

Riley Skinner is back to lead what should be a decent offense. However, this team will have some growing pains on defense as they try to replace NFL draftees Aaron Curry (LB), Alphonso Smith (CB), Stanley Arnoux (LB) and Chip Vaughn (S).

Next game: vs. Baylor Sept. 5

7. Clemson 7-6 (4-4)

The Tigers have arguably the best running back in the conference in senior CJ Spiller. However they have a lot of other question marks on offense especially at quarterback and wide receiver. Also, the defense has to do a better job of pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Next game: vs. MTSU Sept. 5

8. Miami 7-6 (4-4)

QB Jacory Harris will lead an offense that underachieved last season. The team does return 8 starters on defense though.

Next game: at Florida State Sept. 7

9. Boston College 9-5 (5-3)

QB Dominique Davis will be the unquestioned starter as the team starts it’s first campaign under new head coach Frank Spaziani. Key losses include DT’s BJ Raji and Ron Brace. This is probably a rebuilding year for the Eagles.

Next game: vs. Northeastern Sept. 5

10. Maryland 8-5 (4-4)

With a very young offensive line in front of him QB Chris Turner may not have a lot of time to throw. However they do have a very talented RB in Da’Rel Scott and Coach Ralph Friedgen knows how to get the most out of his players.

Next game: at California Sept. 5

11. Virginia 5-7 (3-5)

Coach Al Groh is probably in the hot seat this season. QB Mark Verica had a rough 2008 and may be replaced by the returning Jameel Sewell.

Next game: vs. William & Mary Sept. 5

12. Duke 4-8 (1-7)

Duke showed improvement under first year coach Dave Cutcliffe in 2008 and they have a talented quarterback in senior Thaddeus Lewis. However they have a lot to prove to get out of the #12 spot in the power rankings.

Next game: vs. Richmond Sept. 5
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CommentsComments: 4  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
clemsoncannon		10:03 AM
08/31/2009
I mistakenly listed Darren Evans in my evaluation of Virginia Tech although he has been lost for the season to an ACL tear. The...
No.2
Deathstroke		07:01 PM
08/31/2009
You also haven't been paying much attention to what's going on at Boston College. Dominique Davis isn't even at the school...
No.3
clemsoncannon		11:15 PM
08/31/2009
My mistake again. Thanks for pointing that out. Some of my notes were old and I obviously didn't do a good job of reviewing...
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