ACC Progress Report

With most of the ACC teams having played close to half of their conference schedule, it's a good time to take stock of where each team is. Here is a look at each team, from top to bottom, through the conference games of January 31st.

1. Duke (17-4, 5-2) - Duke for the most part has performed up to expectation. They were expected to be one of the best teams in the conference, and have been. There is some cause for concern with their defensive performance in their recent games against NC State and Georgetown. But they should be on track to win the league and get a high seed for the NCAAs.

2. Maryland (14-6, 4-2) - For the way Maryland started the year, it is surprising to see them in this position. The Terps have looked as good as any team in the ACC, with some blowout wins. Their last performance, on the road at Clemson, was probably their worst, but could just be an aberration.

3. Virginia (13-6, 4-2) - The Cavaliers were certainly not expected to be in this spot in the standings. They started off the ACC slate with some solid wins, then dipped to two straight losses, but put together their best performance in a beatdown of UNC. Tony Bennett has done a great job with one of the least talented teams in the league.

4. Florida State (16-5, 4-3) - The Seminoles have been pretty steady, winning both at home and on the road. A sweep of Georgia Tech should really help them come March. They aren't quite on the same level they were last year, but are solidly in the top half of the league.

5. Georgia Tech (16-5, 4-3) - The Yellow Jackets have looked like the second best team in the league at times this year. They have improved throughout the season and have proved they can beat anyone. I expect them to finish higher than 5th when the conference season is over.

6. Wake Forest (14-5, 4-3) - Wake has had a solid, if unspectacular year. They have some good wins to their credit, and basically have won the games they have supposed to, and lost the games they have supposed to. They seem on track for a 9-7 or so finish.

7. Clemson (16-6, 4-4) - The Tigers have struggled at times this year, and it seems clear they don't have the offensive firepower they did last year. They still have a chance at a strong finish in the league, but need to win some road games to do so.

8. Virginia Tech (16-4, 3-3) - The Hokies have put together a great record, but don't have a lot of respect nationally because they haven't beaten anyone good. A win in Charlottesville was a good step, but it remains to be seen whether this team can do enough to improve on their current position.

9. Boston College (12-10, 3-5) - It's been a rocky year for BC. They have some head-scratching home losses, but have also beaten Clemson and won at Miami. They really miss Tyrese Rice, and at this point would be fortunate to finish over .500.

10. North Carolina (13-8, 2-4) - It's stunning to see Carolina in this position in the conference. In their four conference losses, the Tar Heels have lost at Clemson by 19, at home to Wake by 13, and at home to Virginia by 15. The other was a 2 point loss to Georgia Tech when they were down big. They have talent but seemingly no chemistry, and are staring at an NIT appearance.

11. Miami (16-5, 2-5) - The Hurricanes have come back down to earth after their perfect non-conference season. They just don't have the talent to compete with the top teams in the league, or the fanbase to make their home gym a tough environment. It will be a struggle the rest of the way.

12. NC State (14-8, 2-5) - The Wolfpack have a great home win over Duke, but not much else to show for their season. They seem to get up for certain games and play well, but come out completely flat in others. Like Miami, they don't have the talent to finish well in this league.

At this point, trying to predict which teams will make the NCAA Tournament is pretty tough. The only real lock is Duke, and there are so many teams in the middle that could each make a case for inclusion. Hopefully, the next couple weeks will create a clearer picture of how things will shake out.