ACC Power Rankings Week 14: N.C. State Rises, UNC and Miami Fall

Nov 29, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; The Duke Blue Devils players celebrate after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 41-21 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

And now comes a bowl game that could get this team to 10 wins for a second straight year. That would be nice for momentum under Cutcliffe, who is also finally starting to bring in some decent recruiting classes. Imagine what he will be able to do when those guys get in the program, given what he’s worked with so far.

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Duke Blue Devils 9-3 (5-3)

Last week: Defeated Wake Forest Demon Deacons 41-21
Last rank: 9

The Duke Blue Devils ran out of luck at the end of the season, but they managed to get to 9 wins for the second year in a row, proving that head coach David Cutcliffe is in the midst of building a great program.

And with a thin, disciplined team, getting to 9 wins showed that this team has lots of character and toughness. We have to respect that.

The Blue Devils don’t have superstars anywhere, and they have been winning strictly because of discipline from players like quarterback Anthony Boone and that defense. So yes, UNC and Virginia Tech are not good losses, but this team has dramatically overachieved anyway.

And now comes a bowl game that could get this team to 10 wins for a second straight year. That would be nice for momentum under Cutcliffe, who is also finally starting to bring in some decent recruiting classes. Imagine what he will be able to do when those guys get in the program, given what he’s worked with so far.

Next: No. 5 Ranked ACC Team