Where's Lorenzo Brown when you need him? N.C. State has really struggled without him, dropping a third consecutive game. There is no shame in losing at Duke, but State needs to right the ship in a bad way. Duke's win over N.C. State was one of several blowouts in the ACC this week. One of those included a really embarrassing road performance by Clemson, scoring 10 points in the first half for the second time this year in a 37 point loss to Virginia.
Florida State and Maryland picked up much needed road wins to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. For the Seminoles, Michael Snaer was again the hero. And for Maryland, while their offense wasn't in fine form, they were able to pull one out late in Blacksburg.
Some teams have interesting road tests this weekend. Here is the schedule:
Saturday:
Florida State at Wake Forest (12:00 p.m., ESPN2)
As poorly as Wake played in Chapel Hill this week, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they won this game. That's the kind of team they are. Florida State needs to build off the momentum of their last win and take control early. I think if they get off to a good start and take the crowd out of the game, they will win at Wake.
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech (1:00 p.m., FSN)
Both teams lost close home games this week. Virginia Tech won in Atlanta this year and always seems to match up well with the Yellow Jackets. Where Georgia Tech has the advantage is rest. The Hokies have a short bench, a couple players have the flu, and they just played late on Thursday night. Don't expect a lot of scoring in this one.
North Carolina at Miami (2:00 p.m., ESPN)
The Tar Heels have been on a pretty good run recently, but this is their toughest game of the year. You have to believe that the Hurricanes will be fired up to try to knock off the Heels at home. I keep feeling like Miami is due to have a bad game, but that hasn't happened in a long time. If Carolina plays up to their potential, they have a shot. But they can't lose their poise like they did in Raleigh.
Sunday:
N.C. State at Clemson (1:00 p.m., ACC Network)
The ACC season is only halfway through, but this really is a must-win game for N.C. State. They don't want to lose four games in a row. If Brown can play, they will be much better equipped to win on the road. Clemson can really struggle to score at times but they have played pretty well at home. Guys like Milton Jennings have to show up though if they want to win.
Virginia at Maryland (1:00 p.m., ACC Network)
This is a big game for two bubble teams. Virginia has looked dominant at home, but not so much on the road. Maryland has the talent, but has not been able to win a big game. The key for this one is how patient Maryland's young players are able to stay against Virginia's defense. If they get frustrated and guys like Seth Allen start chucking up shots that plays right into Virginia's hands.
Duke at Boston College (6:00 p.m., ESPNU)
This is a tough week for Boston College. After having to go to Miami (and getting blasted), they host Duke. The Blue Devils are starting to get their rhythm back after dealing with the injury to Ryan Kelly. Conte Forum is normally not a very intimidating atmosphere, but if the blizzard keeps people from going to this game that could make it even more of a library. Duke should win easily.
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