ACC Tournament 2012: Underdog Teams That Will Pull off Upsets

With the ACC lacking the depth that it usually does, the conference tournament is going to feature more upsets than we are accustomed to seeing. It does work well for the fans, who can now expect the unexpected. 

Sure, Duke and North Carolina are probably going to end up playing in the finals. But there are matchups along the way that will throw the entire conference for a loop.

Here are the best underdog teams in the ACC that are going to pull off upsets. 

No. 10 Virginia Tech over No. 7 Clemson

For the first time in years, the Hokies aren't anywhere near the bubble. They have no pressure to win an ACC tournament game to stamp their ticket to the big dance, which will lead them to win their opening-round game against Clemson. 

These teams have already played twice this season with the total score being even at 123-123. They split the season series, with each team winning by two points. 

This has turned into a toss-up rivalry, with the Hokies getting a slight edge in this particular game to hit shots beyond the arc. Their offense is a slightly more versatile than Clemson's, which will carry them to a victory. 

No. 6 Miami over No. 3 Florida State—Quarterfinals

*Miami plays Georgia Tech in the Opening Round on Thursday

Florida State could be the most dangerous team in the ACC tournament or get blown out in its first game against either Miami or Georgia Tech. For the purposes of this argument, the Hurricanes will win that game. 

Miami is fighting for its NCAA tournament life, and two wins in the conference tournament would likely do the trick. The Hurricanes have already proven they can handle the Seminoles' defensive attack, thanks to their 78-62 win on February 26. 

When the Seminoles are forced to keep up with teams offensively, they have problems. Miami is an underrated scoring team and can push the tempo in this matchup like they did last week. 

No. 4 Virginia over No. 1 North Carolina—Semifinals

After watching North Carolina's destruction of Duke in the regular-season finale, no one is going to bet against this team in the ACC tournament. 

That said, there is a formula that has been proven to work against the Tar Heels this season that Virginia can follow: Force bad shots. 

The Tar Heels' weakness this season has been inconsistent shooting. They want to run up and down the court, but when teams have slowed the pace against them, they haven't been able to put the ball in the basket. 

Virginia plays a very slow, controlled style that can give high-powered teams fits. It helps that their offense is efficient shooting the ball. They don't score a lot, but they take high-percentage shots.

Don't be shocked if the Cavaliers contain the Tar Heels in a potential semifinal matchup on Saturday. 

Follow @adamwells1985