Preview: ACC Conference Play Starts

After what seems like a long non-conference season, we are finally about to start conference play.  For some teams, it is a chance to build on positive momentum.  And for others it's a chance to get momentum back.  Remember, this is the first year the ACC has gone to 18 games in conference play.  And there are some interesting matchups for the first weekend:

Saturday:

Virginia Tech at Maryland (12:00 p.m., ACC Network)
Virginia Tech has been the tale of two teams so far.  The one that started 7-0 and beat Iowa and Oklahoma State, and the one that has gone 2-4 since with the last two losses by a combined 62 points.  Maryland has coasted since an opening loss to Kentucky, albeit against the weakest schedule of any ACC team.  The momentum certainly favors Maryland, and so does the home court.  If the Hokies get behind early, it could be a blowout.

Wake Forest at Duke (12:00 p.m., ESPNU)
This is certainly a mismatch on paper.  The best team in the conference at home against arguably the worst team.  Wake has played a little better of late, coming off their best win of the year against Xavier.  Duke will look to have a better home season than they did last year, and should start with a win.  I can see Wake holding tough for maybe a half, but Duke should win by 20.

Miami at Georgia Tech (2:30 p.m., ACC Network)
I don't think many people at this point in the season would think Georgia Tech would have a better record than Miami.  Part of that is schedule, but Miami has lost two of their last three after losing Reggie Johnson to an injury.  They are still in the conversation for the NCAA Tournament, so games like this one are key.  Georgia Tech has won six in a row against mostly underwhelming competition.  Interesting stat: in their last five games, the Yellow Jackets have scored 73-75 points each time.

Florida State at Clemson (4:00 p.m., FSN)
Florida State has been the biggest disappointment in the ACC so far, with their latest loss coming at Auburn.  They need a strong showing to avoid a road loss to Clemson.  The Tigers haven't been world beaters so far, but have the home court advantage, which should swing the momentum in this one.  This could be an ugly game to watch.

N.C. State at Boston College (4:00 p.m., ESPN2)
At first glance this looks like a N.C. State romp.  Yes, the Wolfpack have played much better recently, winners of seven straight.  But they could face a challenge in Chestnut Hill.  Boston College can lull them to sleep with some 3 pointers and a less than hostile crowd.  And the Eagles have won five in a row.  But if N.C. State loses this game, that will certainly be an upset.

Sunday:

North Carolina at Virginia (8:00 p.m., ESPNU)
The weekly ESPNU Sunday night game gets a later start this week, giving the UVA fans a chance to watch the Redskins.  This is a very intriguing game.  North Carolina put together their best win of the year last week against UNLV, but they have been very inconsistent.  Virginia won eight in a row before a really bad loss at a neutral site to Old Dominion.  Carolina definitely has the edge in talent, but if Coach Tony Bennett can get the tempo he wants Virginia has a chance to pull the mild upset.