ACC Analysis

After Clemson's loss yesterday, every team in the nation has lost at least one game. So I thought it'd be a good time to talk about how the ACC Conference is doing. Overall record is listed with conference record in parenthesis. Here we go in alphabetical order...

Boston College 12-4 (4-0) : So far the Eagles are leading the conference. But I think their record is inflated. The defense isn't that great. Losses against Vermont and Duquesne give a clue to this team's true potential. Their best win on the road so far is Massachusetts. When they start playing the good teams on the road, they will drop like a rock in the standings.

Clemson 17-1 (3-1) : The Tigers finally suffered a loss this season. They're in great position to make the NCAA Tournament. They'll take a few more losses but don't surprised if they upset a few highly ranked conference foes and get a high seed in the ACC Tourney.

Duke 13-3 (0-2) : Duke hasn't gotten their first win yet. But the upcoming schedule is set up favorably so expect them to go on a tear. They still desperately need to find some offense. The defense is the best in the country. I still think that Coach K can lead them to a deep run through March.

Florida State 12-5 (0-3) : Currently sitting dead last in the ACC. They obviously have some talent with the win against Florida earlier this season. But I don't see them putting together anything consistent to warrant a bid in March.

Georgia Tech 13-4 (2-2) : Losses against Miami and Vanderbilt early on were a bit of a concern. But since the Clemson loss, they've looked good in beating Duke and Florida State. They could be a dark horse in March.

Maryland 15-3 (1-2) : Nice first win in ACC play knocking off previously unbeaten Clemson. They should be getting in true form to return to March Madness for the first time in several years.

Miami 9-8 (2-1) : Very confusing team. In all honesty, they could be the worst team in the ACC this year. They've lost to Buffalo, Cleveland State, Northwestern, Binghamton, and Wake Forest. But they are actually 2-1 in conference with wins against Georgia Tech and a road win against Maryland. Expect the bottom to drop out today though. They play Duke and I don't see another likely win till mid-February

North Carolina 15-2 (2-1) : I'm shocked that they got down by more than 20 to Virginia Tech. But notice they didn't give in and get routed. The Tar Heels nearly came back and pulled off a miracle. But they came up just short. Not a serious loss (Va Tech is good) and they along with Duke and perhaps Ga Tech will be serious teams in March.

North Carolina State 11-6 (1-3) : Another of the three worst teams in the conference this year. Their best win so far was against a mediocre Michigan team at home. They got their first win in conference against Wake yesterday (not something to really shout about)

Virginia 9-6 (1-2) : Another team that confuses. They beat Arizona and Gonzaga. Yet they lost to Appalachian State and Utah. Their goal should be to finish with a winning record. The ACC will be too difficult to get a bid without winning the tourney.

Virginia Tech 13-4 (3-0) : Things just got interesting. Although they had some dubious losses to Western Michigan and Marshall, the Hokies are on a roll now beating Duke in Cameron and upsetting the top-ranked Tar Heels. They are in great position if they continue playing this way to finish at least 2nd in the ACC. Watch out.

Wake Forest 9-7 (1-3) : My current choice for worst in the ACC. No horrendous losses (well maybe South Florida) but they just can't beat anyone of note. It'll just get uglier in the thick of ACC play. A second straight last place finish isn't out of the question. Although I'm sure NC State and maybe Miami will compete.