Week 9 ACC Power Rankings: Hokies Surge, Cardinals Plummet

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Week 8 in the Atlantic Coast Conference has come to a close, and at this point in the season, fans have gotten a chance to see the full potential of their teams. While hot starts in nonconference play can create buzz and place teams at the forefront of national attention, conference play has the ability to show what teams will actually influence the title races that matter. The Cal Golden Bears (3-4, 0-4) and Louisville Cardinals (4-3, 2-2) both got out to fast 3-0 starts, but have now collapsed and lost all momentum. Cal has lost four conference games in a row to start their first year as a member of the ACC, and a promising Louisville team has lost three of their last four.

For other teams, conference play has presented an opportunity to turn disappointing seasons around. The Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 2-1) fell short of their high preseason expectations in nonconference play, losing to the No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores (5-2, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten Conference). The Hokies have turned things around in recent weeks behind an explosive offensive attack and a tenacious defensive line. They have now earned two straight blowout wins over the Stanford Cardinal (2-5, 1-3) and the Boston College Eagles (4-3, 1-2).

While the nonconference slate is important for establishing expectations, true contenders will find a way to have consistent success against the weekly grind of the conference slate. The College Football Dawgs' staff sorted through the most inspirational comebacks and the biggest disappointments alike to create this week's ACC Power Rankings.

1. Clemson Tigers (6-1, 5-0)

Previous Ranking: 1

Quarterback Cade Klubnik and the No. 9 Tigers started out slowly on offense for the second straight week. Klubnik's sloppy interception in the first quarter allowed the Virginia Cavaliers (4-3, 2-2) to score to take an early 10-3 lead, and the Tigers could only muster a 17-10 lead going into the half. In the end, the Clemson's overwhelming talent won out, piling up 539 yards of offense in a comfortable 48-31 victory. Still, the Tiger's slow starts will be something to watch for with more talented teams ahead on the schedule.

Upcoming game: Bye

2. Miami Hurricanes (7-0, 3-0)

Previous Ranking: 2

Quarterback Cam Ward continued his domination for the No. 6 Hurricanes. The electric transfer threw for more than 300 yards for a school-record seventh consecutive time this season in Miami's 52-45 shootout victory over Louisville. His dynamic performance was once again desperately needed, as the defense consistently struggled to get off the field, allowing the Cardinals to convert on all three of their fourth-down chances. With a weaker schedule ahead, Miami will hope to solve their defensive woes before it is too late.

Upcoming game: Florida State (1-6, 1-5)

3. SMU Mustangs (6-1, 3-0)

Previous Ranking: 4

The No. 22 Mustangs relied on an explosive passing attack en route to a dominating 40-10 victory over the Stanford Cardinal. Quarterback Kevin Jennings has continued to impress since taking over as the starter, accounting for 9 touchdowns and just two turnovers in four games. The rest of the team has been good as well but still has room for improvement. Against the Cardinal, SMU lost 2 fumbles on punt returns and totaled 100 yards of penalties. Going forward, the Mustangs will need to clean up these mistakes if they want to compete at the top of the ACC.

Upcoming game: at Duke (6-1, 2-1)

4. Pitt Panthers (6-0, 2-0)

Previous Ranking: 3

After narrowly escaping Cal to earn yet another hard-fought win, the undefeated No. 19 Panthers got to reset during a much-needed bye week. They now turn their attention to their toughest test of the season yet: explosive quarterback Kyle McCord and the Syracuse Orange (5-1, 2-1). After bursting on to the scene to start the year, Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein went quiet against the Golden Bears, mustering just 133 yards and 2 interceptions on 14-of-28 passing. He will need to regain his form quickly to keep up with the high-flying Syracuse offense.

Upcoming game: Syracuse (5-1, 2-1)

5. Syracuse Orange (5-1, 2-1)

Previous Ranking: 6

The Orange also are coming off a bye week as they prepare to face the No. 19 Panthers in Pittsburgh this upcoming week. McCord has been dominant at the helm of the Orange offense, but the defense—like Miami—has been prone to giving up big plays. Against the NC State Wolfpack (4-4, 1-3), the Syracuse defense allowed quarterback CJ Bailey to throw for 329 yards on just 17 completions in the Wolfpack's failed comeback attempt. The defense will have to be much more clinical against a dangerous Pitt offense.

Upcoming game: at No. 19 Pitt (6-0, 2-0)

ACC Power Rankings: Nos. 6-17

6. Duke Blue Devils (6-1, 2-1)

Previous Ranking: 8

Last game: 23-16 win over Florida State (1-6, 1-5)

Upcoming game: No. 22 SMU (6-1, 3-0)

7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-3, 3-2)

Previous Ranking: 7

Last game: 31-13 loss to No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1)

Upcoming game: at Virginia Tech (4-3, 2-1)

8. Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 2-1)

Previous Ranking: 11

Last game: 42-21 win over Boston College (4-3, 1-2)

Upcoming game: Georgia Tech (5-3, 3-2)

9. Louisville Cardinals (4-3, 2-2)

Previous Ranking: 5

Last game: 52-45 loss to No. 6 Miami (7-0, 3-0)

Upcoming game: at Boston College (4-3, 1-2)

10. Virginia Cavaliers (4-3, 2-2)

Previous Ranking: 9

Last game: 48-31 loss to No. 9 Clemson (6-1, 5-0)

Upcoming game: North Carolina (3-4, 0-3)

11. Boston College Eagles (4-3, 1-2)

Previous Ranking: 10

Last game: 42-21 loss to Virginia Tech (4-3, 2-1)

Upcoming game: Louisville (4-3, 2-2)

12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-4, 1-2)

Previous Ranking: 16

Last game: 23-20 win over UConn (4-3)

Upcoming game: at Stanford (2-5, 1-3)

13. NC State Wolfpack (4-4, 1-3)

Previous Ranking: 14

Last game: 24-23 win over Cal (3-4, 0-4)

Upcoming game: Bye

14. North Carolina Tar Heels (3-4, 0-3)

Previous Ranking: 17

Last game: Bye

Upcoming game: at Virginia (4-3, 2-2)

15. Cal Golden Bears (3-4, 0-4)

Previous Ranking: 12

Last game: 24-23 loss to NC State (4-4, 1-3)

Upcoming game: Oregon State (4-3)

16. Stanford Cardinal (2-5, 1-3)

Previous Ranking: 13

Last game: 40-10 loss to No. 22 SMU (6-1, 3-0)

Upcoming game: Wake Forest (3-4, 1-2)

17. Florida State Seminoles (1-6, 1-5)

Previous Ranking: 15

Last game: 23-16 loss to Duke (6-1, 2-1)

Upcoming game: at No. 6 Miami (7-0, 3-0)