Florida State was knocked from the top of the Power Rankings by NC State last Thursday night in Raleigh. As a result, Virginia Tech takes over the top spot as they have a strangle hold on the Coastal Division.
(1) Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies earned the top spot in the rankings by default this week, as they had the week off and watched Florida State get upset by NC State. With the loss by Miami on Saturday, Virginia Tech has at least a two game lead in the loss column on every team in the Coastal Division. They have four games remaining (all against Coastal teams) and have a tough three game stretch ahead of them, but they remain the team to beat in the ACC and have room for error down the stretch.
(2) NC State Wolfpack
The Pack got the signature win they needed on Thursday night by beating Florida State. They now control their own destiny in the Atlantic Division, and have their toughest of the four games remaining this Saturday in Death Valley against a dejected Clemson squad. Russell Wilson looked like his old self against the Seminoles as he accounted for all four NC State touchdowns, included the winning touchdown pass on fourth and goal in the final moments of the game.
(3) Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles suffered their first conference loss of the season Thursday night- despite playing a pretty solid game on both sides of the ball. The Seminoles still had a chance to win in the final minute, even with mistakes involving fumbles and dropped passes. The game was lost on an uncharacteristic mistake by Christian Ponder, who until that point had played a very good game- I'd expect the Noles to bounce back this week by winning big over North Carolina.
(4) Miami Hurricanes
I don't think anyone expected the Hurricanes to lose on Saturday to Virginia, and really, the game was lost early when Jacory Harris was knocked out of the game with a concussion and is questionable for next week's game against Maryland. In the process, the Canes might have lost their chance of winning the Coastal Division. If Randy Shannon was on the hot seat earlier this season- it is burning now.
(5) Maryland Terrapins
The Terrapins are for real. Seriously. Maryland is now bowl eligible at 6-2, and are tied with Florida State and NC State atop the Atlantic Division standings at 3-1. Maryland's offense exploded for 62 points against Wake Forest on Saturday that sent a convincing message to the conference about their firepower. Freshman quarterback Danny O'Bien tossed four touchdown passes, and he looks like he has a solid career ahead of him.
(6) Clemson Tigers
Like Miami, Clemson suffered a letdown on the road against a weaker divisional opponent. The Tigers third conference loss all but eliminates them from the Atlantic Division title race. Three of Clemson's final four opponents for the season are ranked in the AP top 25, and they'll have to win two more games to become bowl eligible, it will be a tough task for a team that lacks consistency.
(7) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech had a bye-week to prepare for their Thursday night match-up with Virginia Tech. A win would make the Jackets bowl eligible, but that will be a tough task in the next two weeks as they head to Virginia Tech then back home to play Miami. The Jackets lead the nation in rushing yards per game, but are next to last in passing. The lack of balance seems to be slowly catching up to quarterback Joshua Nesbitt- along with any glimpse of a Heisman.
(8) North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels beat William & Mary on Saturday, barely. They needed two late scores to beat the Tribe, as nine different players caught a pass from quarterback TJ Yates. Senior running back Johnny White continues to be the bright spot for Carolina, as he had the game winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
(9) Virginia Cavaliers
Mike London got his signature win for his first season as head coach of the Cavaliers, as his team held off Miami for a 24-19. Though 4-4, they will still need three more wins to reach a bowl game, and that will be a tough task. They will have another chance to get a win this Saturday when they travel to take on Duke. Senior quarterback Marc Verica is having the best year of his career, and Virginia seems to be gaining some momentum to carry into next season.
(10) Boston College Eagles
Coach Spaz couldn't hold back from smiling during his on-field post-game interview, and why not? He hasn't had a lot to smile about this season. His team is 103rd in rushing yards per game, and 100th in points per game, but following a win over Clemson on Saturday, the Eagles have just four games left- and all of them are winnable. They only have to win three of them to go bowling.
(11) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
What can I say about Wake Forest after an emotionless beatdown they were handed to by Maryland on Saturday at home. They have now lost six games in a row, and are giving up over 40 points per game. They have given up at least 24 points to every FBS team they have played this season, and the last four weeks of the season can't go by fast enough for the Demon Deacons.
(12) Duke Blue Devils
The Devils finally got a win against an FBS team on Saturday as quarterback Sean Renfree was very impressive against a good Navy team. Duke jumped out to a 31-7 lead in the second and ended up holding on for the 34-31 win. Had they not lost to Wake Forest in the second week of the season, they would be 11th on this list, but they'll need a conference win to move up.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 8
Not too much change in the Power Rankings this week as mostly the expected happened in the ACC this week. Game of the week is Thursday night's Florida State at NC State.
1. Florida State Seminoles
The 'Noles will remain at the top of the power poll until someone knocks them off. They’ve played very well ever since their loss at Oklahoma, and control their own destiny to the ACC title game. They can just about clinch the Atlantic Division with a win Thursday Night at NC State.
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies gave Duke no chance of pulling the upset in Blacksburg. At 4-0 in the conference and ranked 25th in the nation, the Hokies would be a top-ten team had the not lost to JMU. Still, they’re in the driver’s seat to win the Coastal Division.
3. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes pounced on a depleted UNC secondary, and their defense was locked in on TJ Yates all night. The ‘Canes dominated the second half, outscoring the Tar Heels 20-0. They continue to look good, and Jacory Harris continues to learn and improve to better this offense.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack badly needed a bye-week, and they used it to rest up as coach Tom O’Brien gave the guys a few days off before they got back to work preparing for their biggest game of the year- against Florida State at home this Thursday night. A win against the Seminoles and the Pack would control their own destiny to an Atlantic title.
5. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers have now won two straight conference games (their first two conference wins of the year), and if they were to win out in their final four conference games, they would win the Atlantic Division. Unfortunately, they host NC State and then head to Florida State in back to back weeks.
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The bad news for Georgia Tech after their 14 point loss at Clemson is that Joshua Nesbitt was held to just two (2) yards rushing, and teams seem to be figuring out how to stop their triple option. The good news is, that both conference losses for the Jackets were against Atlantic Division teams, and they are still (technically) in the race for the Coastal Division title.
7. North Carolina Tar Heels
The lack of depth on UNC’s roster finally caught up to them, if only for one game as they lost to Miami. If the injuries to the defensive secondary are serious, then the absence of Stuckey and Brown due to suspension will be the demise of this Tar Heels team.
8. Maryland Terrapins
Just throwing this out there, but the Terps do have five wins- and with five games remaining (of which one is a home game against Wake Forest, and another is at Virginia), the Fridge should bring this team to a bowl, something most did not expect entering the year. Heck, if they beat Wake this Saturday, they’ll be 3-1 in conference play, they could make some noise here.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake needed their bye week, as they’ve lost five in a row. They better hope that Duke doesn’t win a game or they will be the worst team in North Carolina. They’ll have a chance to win this week, though, as they host Boston College.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles started out 2-0, and it has been all downhill from there- and unfortunately for them, it will continue to be. I’d be surprised if they beat a confident Clemson team this Saturday, but they do have enough winnable games remaining to make a bowl game if they cut back on the turnovers.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
Usually teams don’t like to play non-conference games in the thick of the ACC schedule, but Virginia needed an easier game this week. They beat one of the worst FBS teams in the country, but it was close for a while before Virginia finally pulled away. Mike London’s team has five games left to find something to build on heading into next season.
12. Duke Blue Devils
The Duke basketball team might just beat a Div. 1A (FBS) team before the Duke Football team does- that’s pretty impressive considering the football team had a two month head start. After six straight losses, all that’s left for the Blue Devils is a chance to beat rival UNC in the last game of the season.
1. Florida State Seminoles
The 'Noles will remain at the top of the power poll until someone knocks them off. They’ve played very well ever since their loss at Oklahoma, and control their own destiny to the ACC title game. They can just about clinch the Atlantic Division with a win Thursday Night at NC State.
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies gave Duke no chance of pulling the upset in Blacksburg. At 4-0 in the conference and ranked 25th in the nation, the Hokies would be a top-ten team had the not lost to JMU. Still, they’re in the driver’s seat to win the Coastal Division.
3. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes pounced on a depleted UNC secondary, and their defense was locked in on TJ Yates all night. The ‘Canes dominated the second half, outscoring the Tar Heels 20-0. They continue to look good, and Jacory Harris continues to learn and improve to better this offense.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack badly needed a bye-week, and they used it to rest up as coach Tom O’Brien gave the guys a few days off before they got back to work preparing for their biggest game of the year- against Florida State at home this Thursday night. A win against the Seminoles and the Pack would control their own destiny to an Atlantic title.
5. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers have now won two straight conference games (their first two conference wins of the year), and if they were to win out in their final four conference games, they would win the Atlantic Division. Unfortunately, they host NC State and then head to Florida State in back to back weeks.
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The bad news for Georgia Tech after their 14 point loss at Clemson is that Joshua Nesbitt was held to just two (2) yards rushing, and teams seem to be figuring out how to stop their triple option. The good news is, that both conference losses for the Jackets were against Atlantic Division teams, and they are still (technically) in the race for the Coastal Division title.
7. North Carolina Tar Heels
The lack of depth on UNC’s roster finally caught up to them, if only for one game as they lost to Miami. If the injuries to the defensive secondary are serious, then the absence of Stuckey and Brown due to suspension will be the demise of this Tar Heels team.
8. Maryland Terrapins
Just throwing this out there, but the Terps do have five wins- and with five games remaining (of which one is a home game against Wake Forest, and another is at Virginia), the Fridge should bring this team to a bowl, something most did not expect entering the year. Heck, if they beat Wake this Saturday, they’ll be 3-1 in conference play, they could make some noise here.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake needed their bye week, as they’ve lost five in a row. They better hope that Duke doesn’t win a game or they will be the worst team in North Carolina. They’ll have a chance to win this week, though, as they host Boston College.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles started out 2-0, and it has been all downhill from there- and unfortunately for them, it will continue to be. I’d be surprised if they beat a confident Clemson team this Saturday, but they do have enough winnable games remaining to make a bowl game if they cut back on the turnovers.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
Usually teams don’t like to play non-conference games in the thick of the ACC schedule, but Virginia needed an easier game this week. They beat one of the worst FBS teams in the country, but it was close for a while before Virginia finally pulled away. Mike London’s team has five games left to find something to build on heading into next season.
12. Duke Blue Devils
The Duke basketball team might just beat a Div. 1A (FBS) team before the Duke Football team does- that’s pretty impressive considering the football team had a two month head start. After six straight losses, all that’s left for the Blue Devils is a chance to beat rival UNC in the last game of the season.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 7
1. Florida State Seminoles
The 'Noles keep rolling, taking down Atlantic Division rival Boston College. They've won five in a row since their loss at Oklahoma. Florida State's bye week comes at a unfortunate time, as the team has all of the momentum in the world right now. Their game at NC State next Thursday could decide the winner of the Atlantic Division.
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
3. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes looked like they were hungover from their beat-down delivered by rival Florida State last week. They only beat Duke by 15, and looked a step slow. Luckily for them, they still control their own destiny to win the Coastal Division.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack played their worst game of the season on Saturday at East Carolina. They looked bad in all three phases of the game. Star quarterback Russell Wilson tossed three picks to only one touchdown, special teams missed a field goal and had blown coverage on kickoffs, and the defense couldn't stop the same screen pass play that the Pirates ran over and over on them. Luckily for the Pack, at their worst they still had a chance to win in regulation, this loss doesn't affect their goal of an ACC title, and they have a bye week to regroup and prepare for their showdown with Florida State.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
No surprise on Saturday as the Ramblin' Wreck took down Middle Tennessee State 42-14. Tech has won three in a row, and have a good road test waiting for them on Saturday at Clemson.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
The rotation of players being eligible and ineligible didn't seem to effect the Tar Heels on Saturday, as they won their fourth game is a row by beating Virginia on the road, breaking the "Hooville Curse" the Heels have had in Charlottesville over the years. They might actually be a contender now, but they will have their hands full at Miami this week.
7. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers snapped their three game losing streak by beating Maryland on Saturday, a team they have struggled to beat in recent history. They now are back at .500 and can start working toward a bowl birth.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps lost to Clemson on Saturday, a team they usually play well against. After their 4-1, it could be a very long second half of the season in College Park
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake underwent the inevitable on Saturday as Virginia Tech layed the lumber on the Demon Deacons. Wake is now 2-5 on the season, and that ACC Championship they had back in 2006 seems like it will be a one time deal, as they are clearly in rebuilding mode.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles surprisingly played Florida State close on Saturday, only losing by 5. They have a winnable game against Maryland at home this Saturday, but until they improve from 103rd in rushing and 104th in points per game nationally, they will continue to lose ballgames in the ACC.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia lost their third straight game on Saturday, getting completely man-handled by North Carolina on Saturday. Luckily for them they get to play Eastern Michigan this Saturday at home, which will likely be their third win of the season.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Duke stayed with Miami for most of the game Saturday, but fell short for the fifth straight week. The Devils need something, anything to get them going so they have a shot at pulling of a miraculous upset of Virginia Tech this Saturday in Blacksburg. The good news is, Friday officially marked the start of college basketball season with Midnight Madness.
The 'Noles keep rolling, taking down Atlantic Division rival Boston College. They've won five in a row since their loss at Oklahoma. Florida State's bye week comes at a unfortunate time, as the team has all of the momentum in the world right now. Their game at NC State next Thursday could decide the winner of the Atlantic Division.
2. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
3. Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes looked like they were hungover from their beat-down delivered by rival Florida State last week. They only beat Duke by 15, and looked a step slow. Luckily for them, they still control their own destiny to win the Coastal Division.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack played their worst game of the season on Saturday at East Carolina. They looked bad in all three phases of the game. Star quarterback Russell Wilson tossed three picks to only one touchdown, special teams missed a field goal and had blown coverage on kickoffs, and the defense couldn't stop the same screen pass play that the Pirates ran over and over on them. Luckily for the Pack, at their worst they still had a chance to win in regulation, this loss doesn't affect their goal of an ACC title, and they have a bye week to regroup and prepare for their showdown with Florida State.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
No surprise on Saturday as the Ramblin' Wreck took down Middle Tennessee State 42-14. Tech has won three in a row, and have a good road test waiting for them on Saturday at Clemson.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
The rotation of players being eligible and ineligible didn't seem to effect the Tar Heels on Saturday, as they won their fourth game is a row by beating Virginia on the road, breaking the "Hooville Curse" the Heels have had in Charlottesville over the years. They might actually be a contender now, but they will have their hands full at Miami this week.
7. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers snapped their three game losing streak by beating Maryland on Saturday, a team they have struggled to beat in recent history. They now are back at .500 and can start working toward a bowl birth.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps lost to Clemson on Saturday, a team they usually play well against. After their 4-1, it could be a very long second half of the season in College Park
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake underwent the inevitable on Saturday as Virginia Tech layed the lumber on the Demon Deacons. Wake is now 2-5 on the season, and that ACC Championship they had back in 2006 seems like it will be a one time deal, as they are clearly in rebuilding mode.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles surprisingly played Florida State close on Saturday, only losing by 5. They have a winnable game against Maryland at home this Saturday, but until they improve from 103rd in rushing and 104th in points per game nationally, they will continue to lose ballgames in the ACC.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia lost their third straight game on Saturday, getting completely man-handled by North Carolina on Saturday. Luckily for them they get to play Eastern Michigan this Saturday at home, which will likely be their third win of the season.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Duke stayed with Miami for most of the game Saturday, but fell short for the fifth straight week. The Devils need something, anything to get them going so they have a shot at pulling of a miraculous upset of Virginia Tech this Saturday in Blacksburg. The good news is, Friday officially marked the start of college basketball season with Midnight Madness.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 6
Florida State's convincing win over previous ACC number one Miami earns them the top spot in this week's ACC Power Rankings.
1. Florida State Seminoles
The beat down the 'Noles delivered to rival Miami on Saturday sent a strong message to the rest of the conference as to who was the team to beat in the Atlantic Division. Now with their toughest conference game behind them, Florida State is in a great position to not only win the ACC, but climb their way through the national rankings as the season progresses.
2. Miami Hurricanes
Ouch! Miami was absolutely embarrassed by rival Florida State, luckily for them the Coastal Division title still has to go through them as this was their first conference loss.
3. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack bounced back nicely from their loss to Virginia Tech by demolishing Atlantic Division foe Boston College on Saturday. Russell Wilson threw an uncharacteristic two interceptions again- that's six in the last three conference games, but he managed to throw three touchdown passes for the fourth straight week, and the Pack continued to stay hot. If State continues to play at a high level, then their nationally televised game against Florida State on October 28 could determine the winner of the Atlantic Division.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
It certainly wasn't pretty, but Georgia Tech did improve to 3-1 in conference play by beating Virginia on Saturday. The Jackets should beat Middle Tennessee State this weekend, then head to Death Valley to take on Clemson the following weekend where we'll learn if this team has a chance at repeating as ACC champions.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
Love them or hate them, it is hard not to admire what the Tar Heels are doing on the field this season. Running back Johnny White had a masterful day against Clemson, and three straight wins show the Tar Heels are starting to get it together no matter who they throw out on the field. Without 15 players on Saturday and all of the chaos surrounding the program, they still got it done.
7. Clemson Tigers
Three straight losses have sent Coach Dabo's Tigers from a team that looked like it would win the Atlantic to searching the schedule for four possible wins just to steal a bowl game to end the season. Kyle Parker may be regretting passing up playing professional baseball for the Rockies for this.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps sat on their bye week and watched three Atlantic Division teams receive losses. Maryland is quietly 4-1, and had they won at West Virginia they'd be receiving some serious press. They have a great opportunity to really send a message to the Atlantic Division in the next two weeks. They'll play at Clemson, a team they usually play really well against and then travel to take on Boston College in a winnable game.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
It is hard to imagine that the Demon Deacons would lose to Navy a week after seeing the option offense against Georgia Tech. And while the Wake defense kept both games very close, they lost both of them. it looks like their four game losing streak is going to swell to five when they take on Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium this Saturday.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles failed to beat former coach Tom O'Brien for the first time since he left Boston College and headed to NC State. The Pack embarrassed the Eagles and chased quarterback Dave Shinskie out of the game early on Saturday. Often the team ranked 99th in points per game fails to win at a high rate- such is the case for the Eagles this season. First year coach Frank Spaziani is looking at a long final seven games of the season.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
No doubt about it, Mike London was a great choice to lead Virginia, but instant results just don't happen for teams who need rebuilding. This team is heading in the right direction, but will have to pull multiple upsets to get to a bowl game.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Where to begin for the 1-4 Blue Devils? Maybe they've lost four in a row because their offense is just too young, but that's not the reason their struggling. Something has got to give for this defense, they are giving up nearly 40 points per game (and only scoring 27 points per game) and are 113th in the country in that category. Luckily, a bye week keeps the losing streak from extending.
1. Florida State Seminoles
The beat down the 'Noles delivered to rival Miami on Saturday sent a strong message to the rest of the conference as to who was the team to beat in the Atlantic Division. Now with their toughest conference game behind them, Florida State is in a great position to not only win the ACC, but climb their way through the national rankings as the season progresses.
2. Miami Hurricanes
Ouch! Miami was absolutely embarrassed by rival Florida State, luckily for them the Coastal Division title still has to go through them as this was their first conference loss.
3. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies continue to roll since their shocking 0-2 start. There's no reason why they shouldn't win the next four games leading up to their November 20 showdown at Miami. The win over Central Michigan did nothing but continue to show that the Hokies are focused and have put the James Madison loss behind them.
4. NC State Wolfpack
The Pack bounced back nicely from their loss to Virginia Tech by demolishing Atlantic Division foe Boston College on Saturday. Russell Wilson threw an uncharacteristic two interceptions again- that's six in the last three conference games, but he managed to throw three touchdown passes for the fourth straight week, and the Pack continued to stay hot. If State continues to play at a high level, then their nationally televised game against Florida State on October 28 could determine the winner of the Atlantic Division.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
It certainly wasn't pretty, but Georgia Tech did improve to 3-1 in conference play by beating Virginia on Saturday. The Jackets should beat Middle Tennessee State this weekend, then head to Death Valley to take on Clemson the following weekend where we'll learn if this team has a chance at repeating as ACC champions.
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
Love them or hate them, it is hard not to admire what the Tar Heels are doing on the field this season. Running back Johnny White had a masterful day against Clemson, and three straight wins show the Tar Heels are starting to get it together no matter who they throw out on the field. Without 15 players on Saturday and all of the chaos surrounding the program, they still got it done.
7. Clemson Tigers
Three straight losses have sent Coach Dabo's Tigers from a team that looked like it would win the Atlantic to searching the schedule for four possible wins just to steal a bowl game to end the season. Kyle Parker may be regretting passing up playing professional baseball for the Rockies for this.
8. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps sat on their bye week and watched three Atlantic Division teams receive losses. Maryland is quietly 4-1, and had they won at West Virginia they'd be receiving some serious press. They have a great opportunity to really send a message to the Atlantic Division in the next two weeks. They'll play at Clemson, a team they usually play really well against and then travel to take on Boston College in a winnable game.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
It is hard to imagine that the Demon Deacons would lose to Navy a week after seeing the option offense against Georgia Tech. And while the Wake defense kept both games very close, they lost both of them. it looks like their four game losing streak is going to swell to five when they take on Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium this Saturday.
10. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles failed to beat former coach Tom O'Brien for the first time since he left Boston College and headed to NC State. The Pack embarrassed the Eagles and chased quarterback Dave Shinskie out of the game early on Saturday. Often the team ranked 99th in points per game fails to win at a high rate- such is the case for the Eagles this season. First year coach Frank Spaziani is looking at a long final seven games of the season.
11. Virginia Cavaliers
No doubt about it, Mike London was a great choice to lead Virginia, but instant results just don't happen for teams who need rebuilding. This team is heading in the right direction, but will have to pull multiple upsets to get to a bowl game.
12. Duke Blue Devils
Where to begin for the 1-4 Blue Devils? Maybe they've lost four in a row because their offense is just too young, but that's not the reason their struggling. Something has got to give for this defense, they are giving up nearly 40 points per game (and only scoring 27 points per game) and are 113th in the country in that category. Luckily, a bye week keeps the losing streak from extending.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
ACC Power Rankings After Week 5
1. Miami (3-1, 1-0)
The 'Canes continue to show that they are the best team in the conference, beating Clemson on the road. The Coastal Division is theirs to lose.
2. Florida State (4-0, 2-0)
The only team in the Atlantic Division with two conference wins, the Seminoles have rebounded nicely since their loss at Oklahoma. Jimbo has his team back in the top 25, and we will learn a lot about them after they play at Miami this week.
3. Clemson (2-2, 0-1)
The Tigers could have really put themselves in a good spot to win the Atlantic Division had they beaten Miami at home Saturday, now they may need help to win the division. After close losses at Auburn in overtime, and this week to Miami, the Tigers may be the best two-loss team in the country.
4. Virginia Tech (3-2, 2-0)
After a nightmare of a start to the season, Virginia Tech is back as an ACC contender. Tyrod and the offense woke up in their win against NC State this weekend, and if they continue to play well there's no reason they shouldn't roll into Miami with an undefeated conference record November 20.
5. NC State (4-1, 1-1)
Tom O-Brien has the Pack playing above expectations, and the talent and preparation is there, they just don't know how to close teams out in the second half yet (as evident in blowing a 17-0 lead to the Hokies). The Pack can still win the Atlantic Division- barring a collapse in response to Saturday's loss to Virginia Tech. We will see if the Pack, and Russell Wilson is for real when the Pack take on Boston College this week.
6. Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-1)
After an embarrassing loss to Kansas, and getting walloped by NC State at home, Tech bounced back by beating Wake Forest in a grudge match on the road. They're still under-achieving, but have the talent to make themselves an outside contender in the Coastal Division.
7. Maryland (4-1, 1-0)
When the season started, many doubted the Terrapins could reach a bowl game, now they have enough winnable games remaining on the schedule to receive a bid- thus saving the Fridge's job in the process.
8. North Carolina (2-2, 0-1)
Hard not to be impress with how the Heels have handled business on the field through all of the distractions surrounding the program. While losing coach Butch Davis at the end of the season may be imminent, the Heels could still manage a bowl game out of what has been a program-changing season for the worst.
9. Virginia (2-2, 0-1)
Mike London will make this program relevant, but not this season. He has a freshman quarterback in Mike Verica who should see much success in his career, but for now he needs experience and time to grow.
10. Wake Forest (2-3, 1-2)
Wake would need to pull multiple upsets to reach a bowl game this season. Freshman quarterback Tanner Price needs time to ripen, as he does, the offense will improve- but I don't see it happening this season.
11. Boston College (2-2, 0-1)
Plain and simple, averaging nine points per game won't lead to a successful season, and life won't get easier in the next two weeks with road games against NC State and Florida State.
12. Duke (1-4, 0-2)
The post Thaddeus Lewis era has been a struggle for the Blue Devils. The defense hasn't been good, either. Their best performance of the year came this past weekend against Maryland, but the offense could not get it going. Expect things to be ugly in Durham this week as Duke hosts Miami.
The 'Canes continue to show that they are the best team in the conference, beating Clemson on the road. The Coastal Division is theirs to lose.
2. Florida State (4-0, 2-0)
The only team in the Atlantic Division with two conference wins, the Seminoles have rebounded nicely since their loss at Oklahoma. Jimbo has his team back in the top 25, and we will learn a lot about them after they play at Miami this week.
3. Clemson (2-2, 0-1)
The Tigers could have really put themselves in a good spot to win the Atlantic Division had they beaten Miami at home Saturday, now they may need help to win the division. After close losses at Auburn in overtime, and this week to Miami, the Tigers may be the best two-loss team in the country.
4. Virginia Tech (3-2, 2-0)
After a nightmare of a start to the season, Virginia Tech is back as an ACC contender. Tyrod and the offense woke up in their win against NC State this weekend, and if they continue to play well there's no reason they shouldn't roll into Miami with an undefeated conference record November 20.
5. NC State (4-1, 1-1)
Tom O-Brien has the Pack playing above expectations, and the talent and preparation is there, they just don't know how to close teams out in the second half yet (as evident in blowing a 17-0 lead to the Hokies). The Pack can still win the Atlantic Division- barring a collapse in response to Saturday's loss to Virginia Tech. We will see if the Pack, and Russell Wilson is for real when the Pack take on Boston College this week.
6. Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-1)
After an embarrassing loss to Kansas, and getting walloped by NC State at home, Tech bounced back by beating Wake Forest in a grudge match on the road. They're still under-achieving, but have the talent to make themselves an outside contender in the Coastal Division.
7. Maryland (4-1, 1-0)
When the season started, many doubted the Terrapins could reach a bowl game, now they have enough winnable games remaining on the schedule to receive a bid- thus saving the Fridge's job in the process.
8. North Carolina (2-2, 0-1)
Hard not to be impress with how the Heels have handled business on the field through all of the distractions surrounding the program. While losing coach Butch Davis at the end of the season may be imminent, the Heels could still manage a bowl game out of what has been a program-changing season for the worst.
9. Virginia (2-2, 0-1)
Mike London will make this program relevant, but not this season. He has a freshman quarterback in Mike Verica who should see much success in his career, but for now he needs experience and time to grow.
10. Wake Forest (2-3, 1-2)
Wake would need to pull multiple upsets to reach a bowl game this season. Freshman quarterback Tanner Price needs time to ripen, as he does, the offense will improve- but I don't see it happening this season.
11. Boston College (2-2, 0-1)
Plain and simple, averaging nine points per game won't lead to a successful season, and life won't get easier in the next two weeks with road games against NC State and Florida State.
12. Duke (1-4, 0-2)
The post Thaddeus Lewis era has been a struggle for the Blue Devils. The defense hasn't been good, either. Their best performance of the year came this past weekend against Maryland, but the offense could not get it going. Expect things to be ugly in Durham this week as Duke hosts Miami.
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