Weekend Preview:

As is always the case in February, every weekend is big in the ACC. And there are several big games ahead to look forward to. Here's a look:

NC State at Georgia Tech (Saturday at 1:30) - These two teams have been struggling. NC State blew that big lead on the road against the Hokies, but came back with their best win of the year over Wake Forest. Georgia Tech has lost close ones to Maryland and Virginia Tech in the past week. It should be a competitive game with two teams fighting but neither one will make a dent in the ACC this year.

Florida State at Wake Forest (Saturday at 4:00) - Wake has really struggled of late, dropping another one at NC State Wednesday to fall to 5-4 in conference. Meanwhile, Florida State has been hot, winning at Clemson and home against Virginia in the past week. This game is very important for both teams, especially Wake who needs to get back on the winning track.

Virginia Tech at Maryland (Saturday at 4:00) - The Hokies have won the last three against Maryland and a win in College Park today would be huge. With a tough closing stretch coming up, any wins they can get now would be very big for NCAA consideration. Maryland has had a lot of turmoil in their program but they still have some talent and are at home. The key in what will most likely be a close game is who can make the plays at the end.

Clemson at Virginia (Sunday at 1:00) - Other than their collapse at home against Florida State last week, Clemson has been playing as well as any team in the conference. And Virginia has lost eight games in a row. I don't see either streak ending in this game.

Duke at Boston College (Sunday at 5:30) - Duke has definitely hit a rough patch, running out of gas at home against North Carolina. A trip to Chestnut Hill might be just what the doctor ordered. It's not that BC is a bad team, but they just don't match up well against the Blue Devils. BC could use another marquee win like this one to boost their NCAA Tournament hopes.

North Carolina at Miami (Sunday at 7:45) - Carolina is playing the best of any team in the conference right now and looks very tough to beat. But with a player like Jack McClinton you never know -- Carolina is coming off the emotional Duke game and has to travel to Miami. If the Hurricanes can knock down outside shots they have a chance to pull off the upset.

This is definitely a weekend to tune into the ACC. There aren't a whole lot of other marquee games this weekend in other conferences. Enjoy the games!