ACC Basketball: Duke Tops Power Rankings Heading Into December

The ACC is one of the nation’s tougher conferences each year. Through the first three weeks of the 2009-2010 season, there have been teams who have been off to fast starts, while others may have some issues to resolve.

1. Duke (6-0)

Duke and North Carolina were co-picked as the favorites heading into the season, but Duke has emerged as the front runner in the conference through the early stages.

The Blue Devils cruised through a number of weaker teams to start the year, but passed their test at Madison Square Garden, with wins over Arizona State and Connecticut.

2. North Carolina (6-1)

Sure, there have been speculations that UNC is overrated or that they have many issues with their roster, but I’m not ready to demote the Tar Heels out of the top two in the ACC.

They struggled against Syracuse at MSG and were never able to pull away from Nevada at home, but overall sit at 6-1 through the first seven games, with their only loss to another Top 10 team.

We’ll know more after they host Michigan State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

3. Clemson (6-1)

Not too sure about just how good the Tigers can be this season, but they deserve to remain among the top three simply because of Trevor Booker.

He is an absolute animal down low and the main reason Clemson was able to come back and beat Butler.

Their only loss was to Texas A&M, who may turn out to be quite underrated themselves.

4. Florida State (6-1)

The Seminoles won the Old Spice Classic, which included victories over a feisty Iona team and the likes of Alabama and Marquette.

Their lone loss on the year came at the hands of the Florida Gators, who, by the way, are undefeated and just recently knocked off Michigan State.

Florida State can also play the D, as they are only allowed 53.3 ppg through the front seven games.

5. Georgia Tech (4-1)

It hasn’t a highly convincing start for the team that is expected to make a big leap in the conference, but the Yellow Jackets have been solid enough.

Their only loss came to Top 25 ranked Dayton down in Puerto Rico, but victories over mid-majors Boston University and George Mason are solid.

They’ll get another test against Siena on Dec. 2.

6. Miami (FL) (7-0)

They have the best record in the conference at 7-0, and Miami has benefited from it. They look pretty good, but have not really played anyone.

They won the Charleston Classic with a convincing victory over South Carolina. Minnesota will pay them a visit as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, we’ll see if they’re still undefeated after that.

7. Virginia Tech (4-1)

They lost by 11 to Temple and needed overtime to beat Delaware, but the Hokies should smooth things out in early December.

They have games with Big Ten opponents Iowa and Penn State, as well as, a matchup with Georgia, but Virginia Tech is capable of winning all three.

8. Maryland (4-2)

Maryland could probably be ranked higher than eighth, but after a very disappointing show in Maui, they are looking up at the ACC’s elite.

After being ranked No. 22 going into the tournament, the Terrapins only managed to beat the host Chaminade before losing to both Cincinnati and Wisconsin in a Maui tournament that lacked any of the nation’s top teams.

9. Boston College (4-2)

St. Joseph’s and Northern Iowa both beat BC through their front six games, but the Eagles continue to play without Rakim Sanders.

The Eagles have shown they might have enough offense to replace Tyrese Rice this season, but certainly need Sanders to return to the lineup.

It will be interesting to see what they can do on the road at Michigan as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

10. Wake Forest (4-1)

Wake Forest might end up higher than this because of the Al-Farouq Aminu but as of right now there are a lot of questions surrounding the Demon Deacons.

They haven’t played anyone good yet and are coming off a loss at the hands of William & Mary. They play away from home against the likes of Purdue and Gonzaga next.

11. North Carolina State (5-0)

Sidney Lowe needs to win this season and his Wolfpack have done just that to start the season at 5-0.

Although, they have not been tested yet, NC State did beat Auburn, an SEC opponent. They have Northwestern and Marquette coming up in their next two contests.

12. Virginia (4-3)

They blew out a Rider team who upset Mississippi State, but have suffered three losses already at the hands of South Florida, Stanford, and Penn State.

They opened up the ACC/Big Ten Challenge last night at home, but were unable to defeat the Nittany Lions.