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ACC Power Rankings Week 14: Championship Weekend Edition

By Dante Pryor

Sep 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown reacts with the official in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown reacts with the official in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko looks on before the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko looks on before the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. North Carolina State Wolfpack (8-4, 4-4)

It comes as little surprise that North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren’s name was floated around the many job openings. This season might be Doeren’s finest coaching job since he’s been in Raleigh. Quarterback Devin Leary was lost for the season due to injury in early October. Doeren and the Wolfpack found a way to win games despite the Leary injury.

Doeren will likely return to Raleigh next season, but will Leary return, or will he test the NFL Draft waters? If he does bolt for the NFL, Doeren and his staff, have two capable young quarterbacks in MJ Morris and Ben Finley.

5. Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4, 5-3)

The Panthers had a solid season considering its two best skill players from 2021 are not on the roster. Kenny Pickett plays in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jordan Addison transferred to USC. Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda was one of the nation’s leaders in rushing, and wide receiver Jared Wayne gave the Panthers a 1,000-yard receiver in consecutive seasons.

The Panthers are going bowling again after a solid season, and Pitt fans should feel good about an eight-win season after winning the ACC in 2021 and losing what they lost from their roster.

4. Duke Blue Devils (8-4, 5-3)

Duke’s success this season is an indicator of two things. First, new head coach Mike Elko knows what he’s doing. Elko’s experience at Wake Forest prepared him to coach at a school like Duke. Also, former head coach David Cutcliffe increased the talent level in Durham. Elko unlocked quarterback Riley Leonard, who led the Blue Devils in rushing and passing.

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