Clemson Football: ACC Power Rankings headed into Week 9

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Oct 22, 2022; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) runs for a 50-yard touchdown against Syracuse during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

9. NC State Wolfpack – Last Week: 7 – (5-2) – Without Devin Leary, this team is not good. The defense will keep them in games, but the offense is putrid. Thayer Thomas is the only threat the Pack have and at this point his quarterback Jack Chambers doesn’t seem capable of getting the ball to him. Also of note, as much as I am a closet BC fan, I am equally as big an NC State hater. So, take it for what it’s worth. Next up: vs. Virginia Tech (Thursday)

8. Pitt Panthers – Last Week: 5 – (4-3) – Who is Pitt this season? Are they the team that hung tough with (and probably should have beaten) Tennessee or are they the team that inexplicably lost to Louisville on Saturday? I guess the same can probably be asked about Louisville. The spread was Louisville -2 and I thought that was fishy. Vegas knew way before I did. Kedon Slovis threw two interceptions, which Israel Abanikanda continued to wow with a 129 yard performance in the loss. Next up: @ North Carolina

7. Louisville Cardinals – Last Week: 9 – (4-3) – Malik Cunningham looked like the Malik Cunningham of last year and the early part of the season, and took control of this game that I thought they had no business of winning. Shows you what I know. The defense picked up a scoop and score that completely turned this game in the Cards favor. The schedule does not get any easier for the Cardinals, playing three top 25 teams in their last 5, and after going 4-3 through 7 games, playing spoiler is going to be motivation going forward. Next up: vs. Wake Forest

6. Duke Blue Devils – Last Week: 8 – (5-3) – A huge win for Head Coach Mike Elko in his first year, going down to Miami and completely dominating the pre-season media darling 45-21. The defense forced 8 turnovers and the offense did enough to win, and win big. Riley Leonard was his steady self as he’s been all year. The stat sheet will never look impressive for the Sophomore, but he’s done everything he’s been asked, and the Blue Devils have already over-achieved in this viewers eyes. Next up: @ Boston College (Friday, 11/4)

5. Florida State Seminoles – Last Week: 6 – (4-3) – Losers of three straight game, and moving up in the polls during an off-week. Florida State is a very good football team that played tough even in their three losses. The schedule loosens up slightly for the Noles going forward, and this team could compete for an upper-level bowl game. This team does not quit, and that’s a testament to their coach and culture. The off-week came at a good time to get healthy and get ready for the stretch run. Next up: vs. Georgia Tech

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