Non-Conference Failures

As the days go on, the ACC isn't doing anything to improve its reputation.  After struggling mightily in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, there were a series of frustrating losses in non-conference games this weekend.  There are just too many teams right now that are not living up to ACC standards.  I said in my previous post that I thought the ACC was getting four teams into the NCAA Tournament.  The way it's looking now, that number might go to three.

Let's start with the best game of the weekend, UNC at Kentucky.  This isn't a bad loss at all for UNC.  In fact, they have to feel good about how they played.  They got good contributions from players like Reggie Bullock and PJ Hairston, and had a very good chance to win at the end.

Also on Saturday, Wake came back down to earth with a home loss to Richmond.  The Spiders jumped out in front early and were actually in front by 23 before Wake came back to make it a game.  Boston College suffered another horrible loss, by 14 at home to Boston University.  They are now 2-6 on the year and may not win three more games the whole season.  Georgia Tech also had a bad loss, falling to Tulane by five.  Tulane is 9-0 this season, but against an extremely soft schedule.

Sunday wasn't much better.  Clemson continues to struggle in the early season, falling to rival South Carolina.  South Carolina may be the worst team in the SEC.  Clemson had a chance to tie with three free throws late in the game, but Tanner Smith missed one and the game was pretty much over.  NC State had another late letdown.  They weren't favored to win on the road against Stanford, but had the game pretty much in control and were not able to hang on.  Virginia Tech also had a tough loss, at home to Kansas State.  They played well in the first half and had a six point lead at halftime.  But the shots wouldn't fall in the second half and Kansas State was able to put together a run and hold on.

The only ACC team to win on Sunday was Maryland, beating Notre Dame in Washington, DC.  This may look like a good win, as Notre Dame was a very good team last year.  But the Irish lost a lot off their team this year, and their best player, Tim Abromaitis, is out for the season.  Nevertheless, this is a confidence boost for Maryland, and Terrell Stoglin, who had 31 points, continues to be the star for the Terps.

So where does that leave us?  Right now Duke and Virginia are the only teams with just one loss.  UNC and Miami are the only teams with two losses.  You'd have to think that the damage has already been done in terms of the national consciousness.  It's going to be hard for the ACC to earn more respect, especially once conference play starts.  There aren't many chances for that this week, with a lack of exciting matchups.  Among the best games during the week:
Memphis at Miami (Tuesday)
Georgia Tech at Georgia (Wednesday)
Virginia Tech at Rhode Island (Wednesday)
Boston College at Providence (Thursday)