Virginia Basketball: Cavaliers' 5 Biggest Conference Games

The new year is finally (almost) here, and for college basketball fans, it's an exciting time. Especially for ACC fans. For the No. 3 Virginia Cavaliers, it means a step up in competition.

The defending ACC champs breezed through the conference schedule with relative ease last season. This year, it won't be so easy.

Duke is a different team this season. Sure, Jabari Parker is gone, but Jahlil Okafor is Duke's newest freshman sensation.  

And then there's Louisville. Rick Pitino and the Cardinals are new to the ACC this season and look to dethrone the Cavaliers in their first year in the league. 

The following is a look at Virginia's five biggest conference games for the 2015 ACC season.

At Miami: 1/3/2015

USA TODAY Sports

Miami coach Jim Larranaga

The Miami Hurricanes were on a roll until last week. The 'Canes were ranked before consecutive losses to Eastern Kentucky and Providence. The loss to Eastern Kentucky was particularly disturbing. The 'Canes scored just 44 points in one of the more embarrassing losses in recent school history.

But Miami is dangerous and loaded with skilled players and a very good head coach.

Guards Sheldon McClellan, Angel Rodriguez and Manu Lecomte all average double figures in points per game. All three players are excellent three-point shooters.

And you never count out head coach Jim Larranaga.

Larranaga will have Miami looking for the upset on Saturday when the Hoos come to Coral Gables. It's the type of win that could turn a team's season around. 

Virginia should win, but it won't be easy. 

At Notre Dame: 1/10/2015

Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Pat Connaughton

While most of the talk in the ACC is focused on Duke, UVa and Louisville, No. 14 Notre Dame is a team to watch. 

The Irish (12-1) have a win over Michigan State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on their resume and average 86 points per game. Guard Jerian Grant may be the most underrated player in the ACC. The senior averages just under 18 points per game. 

Head coach Mike Brey always has Notre Dame prepared. 

And keep an eye on scrappy Pat Connaughton; the 6'5" senior averages 13 points and eight rebounds per game.

Duke: 1/31/2015

Ellen Ozier/Associated Press

Jahlil Okafor

Duke, like Virginia, is also 11-0. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 2 in the nation, one spot ahead of the Hoos.

Are these teams as evenly matched as their records indicate?

Duke's two biggest wins to date, Michigan State and Wisconsin, were impressive. The Blue Devils' win over the Badgers in the ACC/Big Ten was especially impressive. 

Duke has won every game by at least 10 points. Virginia has won all but one game by 10 or more points. 

Okafor leads Duke in scoring and rebounding. Fellow freshman Justise Winslow is impressive, too. He's currently third on the team in scoring. 

While Okafor may get most of the headlines, this is as deep of a team as coach Mike Krzyzewski had had in Durham for years.

Last year, the Hoos beat the Blue Devils in the ACC Championship Game. Whichever team wins the regular-season matchup could be in the driver's seat for the No. 1 seed in the ACC tournament in 2015.

At North Carolina: 2/2/2015

Ellen Ozier/Associated Press

Marcus Paige

No. 19 North Carolina was a bit overrated before the season began. The Heels were ranked in the Top 10 and quickly proved unworthy of that distinction. After starting 3-0, UNC lost games against Butler and Iowa. 

The Heels did rebound with a strong performance against No. 1 Kentucky before falling late to the Wildcats. UNC's biggest win came on December 20 over then-No. 12 Ohio State. The Heels appear to be playing their best basketball right before ACC play begins. 

A big part of UNC's problem is its reliance on star guard Marcus Paige. Paige was phenomenal in 2013-14 and was expected to be even better this season. Paige has struggled at times, especially from the field. UNC needs someone outside of Paige to step up and become a consistent scoring threat.

The Cavaliers have always struggled in Chapel Hill. Yes, this is a different team, but the Hoos play the Heels just two days after hosting Duke. 

Winning this game will be imperative for Virginia if it's to repeat as ACC champs.

Louisville: 2/7/2015

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Rick Pitino and Louisville

The Cavaliers play the Cardinals twice this season. The first matchup, on February 7, is at home. It's the final game in a grueling three-game stretch that includes Duke and UNC.

If the Hoos can win two of three in the first week of February, they'll be in good shape. 

The second matchup between the Cardinals and UVa happens on March 7 in Louisville. It's the regular-season finale for both schools, and a lot could be riding on that game. 

However, the game in February could be the bigger game for Virginia. It's a home game, and the Hoos cannot allow the Cardinals to steal one from them.