2009 ACC Power Rankings (Week 9)

By clemsoncannon  |   Wednesday, October 28, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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Does anybody want to win the Atlantic Division this season? All 6 teams are mathematically still in contention although the Clemson Tigers made a huge statement with their thrilling overtime victory over Miami. Georgia Tech is starting to separate themselves from the pack in the Coastal Division with their 5-1 conference mark. Without further ado, here are your conference power rankings for this week.

1. Georgia Tech 7-1 (5-1) beat Virginia 34-9

Who needs a passing game when you can run like this? The Yellow Jackets amassed 362 yards on the ground and controlled the clock for 42:43 of their game with Virginia. This included a back breaking 10:47 drive to open the second half. The rest of the Coastal Division will need some help to catch Georgia Tech.

Next game: @ Vanderbilt (10-31)

2. Virginia Tech 5-2 (3-1) was idle

They are capable of running the table but they will need someone to step up and beat Georgia Tech for them to capture the Coastal Division title.

Next game: vs. UNC (10-29)

3. Miami 5-2 (2-2) lost to Clemson 40-37 in OT

This was the third Miami/Clemson game in a row to go to overtime and the road team has won every time. Jacory Harris threw 3 interceptions and Kyle Parker picked them apart over the middle all day long. This may have been the dagger in the heart of their ACC title hopes.

Next game: @ Wake Forest (10-31)

4. Clemson 4-3 (3-2) beat Miami 40-37 in OT

CJ Spiller amassed a school record 310 all-purpose yards including a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Kyle Parker threw for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Tigers reinvigorated their ACC title hopes.

Next game: vs. Coastal Carolina (10-31)

5. Boston College 5-3 (3-2) lost to Notre Dame 20-16

The Eagles could not get their normally potent running attack going as they managed only 70 yards on the ground. The defense kept it close but QB Dave Shinskie's 3 second half interceptions kept Boston College from pulling the upset.

Next game: vs. Central Michigan (10-31)

6. Duke 4-3 (2-1) beat Maryland 17-13

ACC passing leader Thaddeus Lewis threw for 371 yards and two touchdowns as the Blue Devils won back to back conference games for the first time since 1994. Don't look now but we may actually be looking at a bowl-eligible Duke team.

Next game: @ Virginia (10-31)

7. UNC 4-3 (0-3) lost to Florida State 30-27

They led 24-6 in the 3rd quarter and seemingly had the game in hand. But the defense collapsed down the stretch giving up one big play after another and leaving them still in search of their first conference win. It's probably unlikely to come this week.

Next game: @ Virginia Tech (10-29)

8. Florida State 3-4 (1-3) beat UNC 30-27

Nice second half rally by the Seminoles offense. Christian Ponder threw for a career high 395 yards as Florida State erased an 18 point deficit to gain their first conference victory. This potent offense should have a field day against a highly questionable Wolfpack defense this week.

Next game: vs. NC State (10-31)

9. Virginia 3-4 (2-1) lost to Georgia Tech 34-9

It's tough to score points when you hold the ball for only 17:17 in the entire game. The Cavalier defense had no answers for the Georgia Tech running game and they got knocked back down to earth after a 3 game winning streak.

Next game: vs. Duke (10-31)

10. Wake Forest 4-4 (2-2) lost to Navy 13-10

The Deacons suddenly anemic offense has mustered only 13 points in the last two games. They lost to a Navy team that did not attempt a pass in the entire game. Things don't get any easier this week.

Next game: vs. Miami (10-31)

11. NC State 3-4 (0-3) was idle

The Wolfpack defensive coaches are under fire to come up with answers after being torched through the air (Wake Forest & Duke) and on the ground (Boston College) over the last 3 weeks. They now get to face the ACC's top ranked offense.

Next game: @ Florida State (10-31)

12. Maryland 2-6 (1-3) lost to Duke 17-13

Their defense kept it close but they just couldn't finish the deal.

Next game: @ NC State (11-7)
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