ACC Power Rankings After Week 9

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.