In a weekend full of great college basketball, the ACC wasn't really a big factor. Only eight teams played this weekend, with two of the four games ending in blowouts. The headliner was the game between Maryland and North Carolina. The Tar Heels appear to be getting better by the game, coasting to an easy win after a great first half. Reggie Bullock outscored Maryland in the first half by himself. The Terps have to be a little more concerned. They are an Alex Len putback away from being 0-4 in their last four games.
N.C. State struggled to put away Clemson, thanks largely to the game by Devin Booker. But they were able to make plays down the stretch to win. Florida State looked terrible in putting up just 36 points on the road at Virginia. That has to be a concern for Seminole fans. The most competitive game was Virginia Tech knocking off Wake Forest at home despite a really good game for Travis McKie.
All 12 teams are back in action this week. Here's the schedule:
Tuesday:
N.C. State at Wake Forest (7:00 p.m., FSN)
The Wolfpack have a fairly short turnaround after their win on Sunday night, but don't have a long road trip to Winston-Salem. This is a game they should win, but so far Wake is 2-0 at home. The Demon Deacons need to be able to get offense from players other than McKie and C.J. Harris if they want to be able to pull off the upset.
Boston College at Maryland (9:00 p.m., ESPNU)
Boston College has been playing better, although they only have one conference win so far. Maryland cannot slip up and lose this one, though. They have to come out focused and put away BC early. Right now Maryland is not an NCAA Tournament team but if they can start putting together some wins they can play their way in.
Wednesday:
Duke at Miami (7:00 p.m., ESPN)
This is the marquee ACC game of the week. Duke is definitely not the same team without Ryan Kelly, but they have enough talent left to pull off the road win. Miami has been good so far, but this is their biggest test of the season. If Miami can find someone to slow down Mason Plumlee with Reggie Johnson out, they can win.
Georgia Tech at North Carolina (9:00 p.m., ESPN)
North Carolina has the ability to put together a nice run here, with a favorable schedule in the next five. This is such a young team, though, that you never know what you are going to get. Georgia Tech played well for a half at Duke and could give the Heels trouble but I would expect Carolina to win.
Thursday:
Clemson at Florida State (8:00 p.m., ACC Network)
It's pretty crazy that these two teams are playing for the second time already. Florida State got out to a big lead and held on in the first game at Littlejohn. You never know what you are going to get from them, though. Clemson has played better in their last three games, but I would expect them to struggle some on the road here.
Virginia at Virginia Tech (8:00 p.m., ACC Network)
No ACC team has had such a difference in their home and road results than Virginia. They have played really poorly on the road at Clemson and Wake Forest. The Cavaliers are a better team than Virginia Tech, but this is a rivalry series that doesn't always go according to plan. Expect it to go down to the wire.
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