Things are heating up in the ACC as the conference schedule is now in full swing. Florida State remains in the driver's seat in the Atlantic division but faces a tough challenge at Louisville on Thursday night. The Coastal division is still wide open and will probably go down to the final game of the season to decide who makes it to Charlotte for the championship game. Here are the power rankings for Week 9 in the ACC.
14. Wake Forest (2-6)
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14. Wake Forest (2-6)
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It's been a tough 2014 season for the Demon Deacons, which was amplified by a 23-17 loss to Boston College at home last week. Wake Forest's biggest problems are on the offensive side of the ball, where they rank last in the ACC in yards and points per game.
13. Syracuse (3-5)
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13. Syracuse (3-5)
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Syracuse gave Clemson all they could handle last week, but ended up losing 16-6. The absence of quarterback Terrell Hunt hurts the offensive production for the Orange, who already ranked near the bottom of the ACC in offensive categories. Syracuse plays a must-win game at home against NC State this week.
12. NC State (4-4)
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12. NC State (4-4)
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The Wolfpack got off to a good start in 2014, but they have fallen on hard times recently. NC State has dropped four games in a row and is still searching for their first win the ACC. Jacoby Brissett hopes to lead his team to their first conference victory against Syracuse this week in a game that's equally important for both sides.
11. Virginia Tech (4-4)
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11. Virginia Tech (4-4)
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Virginia Tech was embarrassed by Miami on Thursday night in Blacksburg, a place and time where the Hokies normally shine. Turnovers and injuries have plagued Tech throughout the season, especially on offense. The big win against Ohio State early in the season looks like more of an aberration at this point.
10. Pittsburgh (4-4)
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10. Pittsburgh (4-4)
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Mistakes and poor defense hurt the Panthers in a crushing defeat to Georgia Tech last week. Pitt must regroup and prepare for a huge game against Duke at home this Saturday. If the Panthers hope to upset the Blue Devils, they will need a big performance from James Conner, the ACC's leading rusher.
9. Virginia (4-4)
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9. Virginia (4-4)
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The Cavaliers were shocked by North Carolina last week in a 28-27 defeat. Virginia is one of three teams in the ACC Coastal that has a 4-4 overall record and a 2-2 conference record. The Cavaliers head to Atlanta this week in a critical matchup against Georgia Tech.
8. Boston College (5-3)
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8. Boston College (5-3)
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The Eagles have been a tough team to figure out this season after beating USC and losing to Colorado State. But BC plays good defense and runs the ball effectively, meaning that they will compete in every game. The Eagles have a chance to knock off reeling Virginia Tech in Blacksburg this weekend.
7. North Carolina (4-4)
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7. North Carolina (4-4)
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The Tar Heels earned a huge win on the road against Virginia to get back into the thick of the ACC Coastal race. North Carolina is finally starting to show signs of a team that was picked by some to win the division this year. But the Tar Heels' defense is last in the conference and faces a tough challenge against Duke Johnson and Miami this weekend.
6. Miami (5-3)
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6. Miami (5-3)
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The Hurricanes played their most complete game of the season against Virginia Tech in a 30-6 blowout. Duke Johnson is a beast at running back and arguably the best player in the conference. The young Canes are starting to hit their stride at the right time and can keep the momentum building with a win against UNC this week.
5. Georgia Tech (6-2)
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5. Georgia Tech (6-2)
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The Yellow Jackets got back on track with a 56-28 dismantling of Pittsburgh this past weekend. The spread option attack is a beautiful thing to watch when it's working. Georgia Tech will need Duke to slip up at some point if they want to regain the lead in the ACC Coastal division.
4. Louisville (6-2)
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4. Louisville (6-2)
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Bobby Petrino's club is starting to look dangerous, as the offense is coming along to support the conference's top defense. The Cardinals have a golden opportunity to upset Florida State at home tomorrow night. I would not be surprised if Louisville ended up beating the Seminoles.
3. Duke (6-1)
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3. Duke (6-1)
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The Blue Devils are leading the ACC Coastal division at the moment, but there is a lot of football left to be played. Duke's defense has been one of the best in the country, allowing opponents to score only 15 points per game. Expect the Blue Devils to load up the box against Pittsburgh's James Conner this week in an important game.
2. Clemson (6-2)
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2. Clemson (6-2)
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The Tigers narrowly escaped Syracuse last week, which should serve as a wake-up call for the team. Clemson is one of the conference's most talented teams, but they need to bring it every week. The Tigers will have a bye this weekend before traveling to Winston Salem to take on Wake Forest on Thursday night.
1. Florida State (7-0)
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1. Florida State (7-0)
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The Seminoles are top dogs in the ACC once again and are currently No. 2 in the college football playoff rankings. That could all change if FSU isn't prepared for the challenge Louisville will provide in a trap game tomorrow night. If the Noles can avoid an upset in Kentucky, then it should be smooth sailing to the championship game.
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