North Carolina Tops ACC Rankings, Showdown With Duke Looms

The ACC race will officially heat up this week with Duke and Carolina meeting for the first time this year. The Blue Devils and Tar Heels tip it off on Wednesday night in Durham with the ACC lead on the line.

As for the past week’s action, we saw two “up and comers” take down two “big boys” in blowout fashion as Miami defeated Wake Forest and Clemson took down Duke. But the ‘Canes and Tigers were unable to complete the weekend sweep as both lost second half leads, albeit Miami’s was at Duke.

I still have North Carolina at number in my rankings. I think they are the best team in the ACC on a neutral floor. UNC did lose to Wake on the road, but Wake has had some embarrassing losses since then that you have to take into account.

I put Duke ahead of Wake because the Blue Devils did beat a Miami team that Wake had lost to earlier in the week. Also, Duke’s loss to Wake was on a last second shot in Winston Salem and home court matters on Tobacco Road. But the difference is very narrow between number one and number three and the top of the ACC is very fluid.

1. North Carolina

The Tar Heels won both of their games this week convincingly and were already at the top of the standings. UNC travels to Duke this week.

2. Duke

The Blue Devils were dangerously close to losing their second straight game before pulling out an overtime win over Miami. They host UNC this week.

3. Wake Forest

The Deacons came back strong from a blowout loss to Miami by beating BC soundly. The difference between No. 1 and No. 3 is very slim.

4. Clemson

Tigers performed a choke job on Saturday and lost some of the goodwill earned with the win over Duke by losing a lead late to FSU after dominating the first 30 minutes.

5. Florida State

‘Noles got two close wins this week, including a coveted road win. Leonard Hamilton looks to be leading this team to the NCAAs for the first time since 1998.

6. Virginia Tech

7. Miami

The Hurricanes get a bump after their big win over Wake and a game they should have won at Duke.

8. Boston College

9. Maryland

10. NC State

11. Virginia

12. Georgia Tech

The Jackets lasted a whole week at #11 until they managed to “turnover” the spot to Virginia.

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