Monday, October 26, 2009
Week 8 ACC Rankings
Lots of crazy games in the ACC this week, and as a result the rankings have been shaken up.
1. Georgia Tech (7-1, 5-1). Is there any doubt that Paul Johnson's offense can work in the BCS? It may not be pretty according to some college football fans, but the Yellow Jackets are now the favorite to go to the Orange Bowl. Last Week: 1
2. Virginia Tech (5-2, 3-1). The Hokies got a week to stew over their loss to Georgia Tech that very well may cost them a chance at a third consecutive ACC championship and a BCS berth. Expect them to take their anger out on the reeling Tar Heels this week on Thursday night. Last Week: 3
3. Clemson (4-3, 3-2). In arguably the most important win of their season thus far, Clemson showed up and proved that they can take the ACC Atlantic division title away from Boston College. RB C.J. Spiller has been my pick for ACC Player of the Year since Week 3, and he keeps proving me right every single week. Last Week: 5
4. Miami (5-2, 2-2). The loss to Clemson ruined any shot the Canes had at a BCS berth, and their loss to Virginia Tech looms large now in the ACC Coastal division race. Unless Georgia Tech slips up somewhere on their schedule, Miami looks to be the third-best team in the division this year, an improvement from last year's campaign. Last Week: 2
5. Boston College (5-3, 3-2). The loss to Notre Dame doesn't look as bad on the scoreboard as it did when you actually watched the game. The Eagles made a valiant effort, but simply couldn't get past a very talented Irish team. This week should prove a little easier as they go against Central Michigan at home. Last Week: 4
6. Dook (4-3, 2-1). The Blue Devils won back-to-back ACC games for the first time since 1994, and are three wins away from becoming bowl-eligible. Wow. If there is a hotter coach at a non-powerhouse school than David Cutcliffe, let me know; there is no doubt that the Dook head man should be the ACC Coach of the Year. Last Week: 9
7. Virginia (3-4, 2-1). It's a slight step back to reality for the Wahoos with their lopsided loss against Georgia Tech, but let's be honest here: Virginia had been playing with house money the last four weeks. They still control their own destiny with games against Dook, Miami, and Virginia Tech. Last Week: 6
8. Wake Forest (4-4, 2-2). Humbling loss to Navy last week for the Deacs. They simply could not stop the triple option and couldn't get anything done on offense until it was too late. This is an average team (as demonstrated by their .500 record), and they need to find a way to win close games if they are going to go to a bowl game this year. Last Week: 7
9. Florida State (3-4, 1-3). The Seminoles finally got their first ACC win last week on a huge stage by posting a 24-3 comeback and stealing a win in Chapel Hill. Florida State has NC State this week, and I would look for Bobby Bowden to further silence his critics by getting his 2nd ACC win and getting back to .500. Last Week: 11
10. Maryland (2-6, 1-3). This team looks completely lost. Losing to Dook in football is no easy task, despite the momentum that the Blue Devil program has right now, and the Terps are easily one of the worst teams in the ACC. This bye week is crucial for this team to find some way to be competitive the rest of the season. Last Week: 10
11. North Carolina (4-3, 0-3). Perhaps this is dropping the Heels a little too low, but let's be honest: this team had the game in the bag on Thursday night and choked it away. Unless there is some grand recovery plan in the offing for this team, it is very conceivable that they could go winless the rest of the season. Last Week: 8
12. NC State (3-4, 0-3). The Wolfpack didn't play this week, but they still have lost two games by more than 20 points in back-to-back contests. With the way FSU QB Christian Ponder played last week, NC State should have a lot to worry about as they travel to Tallahassee. Last Week: 12
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