Ranking the ACC After Week Nine of College Football Action

1. Florida State (6-1, 3-1)—Last week: 2

Welcome back to the top of the ACC FSU, it's been awhile. A solid 30-20 win over Virgina Tech, leaves the Noles in control of their own path to the ACC title game. While they aren't dominating like the 1990's Noles, they are playing mistake free, with timely play making from quarterback Christian Ponder. Florida State's young offensive line will get a big test against Georgia Tech strong front 4 next weekend.

2. North Carolina (6-2, 2-2)—Last week: 5

The Heels made surprisingly easy work of Boston College this weekend by dropping 45 on the Eagles. UNC may have found a replacement to star play making wideout Brandon Tate, in Hakeem Nicks who had 4 touchdowns today. The Heels are now bowl eligible, and get a week off before playing Georgia Tech.

3. Virginia (5-3, 3-1)—Last week: 6                                                              

4 weeks ago this was unthinkable, but Virginia is in 1st place, in the ACC's Coastal Division. Marc Verica may be the ACC's most underrated quarterback and the Cav's massive offensive line more than held their own against Georgia Tech's talented front 4.

The schedule is in their favor as the Cavs get Miami at home next weekend, then face 3 teams Clemson, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech, who are all struggling right now. I wouldn't bet against them. Al Groh has done unbelievable job turning this season around.

4. Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2)—Last week: 1

The Jackets are still having trouble holding on to the ball 8 games into the season, and that has to drive coach Paul Johnson nuts. A fumble inside the 10 against Virginia effectively ended any chance the Jackets had of winning today's game.

The offense seems to have hit a wall, and injuries are mounting on the defensive side of the ball. For the first time this season, the Jackets are facing some big time adversity,  and we will see how they respond next week against Florida State.

5. Maryland (6-2, 3-1)—Last week: 7                                                                

Winning 27-24 at NC State, doesn't sound like much, but for schizophrenic Maryland, it's the first sign consistency they've shown all year. Da'Rel Scott ran for 163 yards which is key as up to this point, the Terps went as quarterback Chris Turner went. Turner didn't have an especially big today 9-20 for 126 yards, but Maryland still found a way to win. The Terps are in great shape in Atlantic division, as they are tied with Florida State for the division lead.

6. Boston College (5-2, 2-2)—Last week: 3                                                      

Not a good effort out of Boston College today in losing 45-24 to the North Carolina Tar Heels today. BC only had 40 yards rushing today, and without a running game, teams can focus on quarterback Chris Crane who threw 3 interceptions in the game.

BC welcomes struggling Clemson to town next week, and can't affords any slip ups, if they wish to have a prayer of winning the Atlantic Division.

7. Miami (5-3, 2-2)—Last week: 9

I'm a little surprised the Canes went back to quarterback Robert Marve, after Jacory Harris's performance against Duke last week. Miami had some problems scoring again, but the defense is a wall, and held Wake Forest 252 total yards. Win next week at Virginia and Miami can still be serious factor in the Coastal Division race.

8. Virginia Tech (5-3, 2-2)—Last week: 4

The Hokies have quarterback issues. Both 1st string QB Tyrod Taylor and backup Sean Glennon suffered ankle injuries today against Florida State. 2 weeks ago the Hokies were in total control of the Coastal division lead, and today the Hokies are still trying to get bowl eligible. 161 yards passing this week, after 90 passing yards last week against BC, and Virginia Tech needs to get the passing game in order, if they want any last gasp shot at the Division.

9. Wake Forest (4-3, 2-2)—Last week: 8        

Wake Forest is simply put, reeling. The Deacs have scored a total of 22 points in their last 3 games. Riley Skinner throwing for 57 yards just isn't going to get it done against any decent team, and it didn't today against Miami.

10. Duke (4-3, 1-2)—Last week: 11

Playing a pretty good Vanderbilt team who were trying to get bowl eligible, the Blue Devils found a way to win 10-7. Coach David Cutcliffe continues to do a very nice job with the Dukies this season, as a 4 win season at Duke, is not bad at all. Duke's not done yet though, they need to win 2 of their last 5 to get bowl eligible.

11. Clemson (3-4, 1-3)—Last week: 10 

The hits just keep coming for Clemson. They don't even play and drop a spot in the rankings. The Tigers are relegated to roll of spoiler and get their first shot after a week off against BC this upcoming Saturday. Expect with the bye week, a crisper looking Clemson Tiger team at BC, than the previous game against Georgia Tech.

12. NC State (2-6, 0-4)—Last week: 12

The Wolfpack just couldn't quite get the victory over Maryland today, but they are playing hard and better. I still think they have 1 or 2 victories left in them before the season ends.