ACC Basketball Tournament 2011: Ranking the Potential Upsets

The 2011 ACC tournament begins tomorrow and it’s never too early to predict the upsets that are more than likely going to happen.

The only true upsets that would shake the ACC college basketball world would be if No. 1 UNC or No. 2 Duke aren’t in the ACC Championship game, but here are a few other upsets that we should be on the lookout for as tourney practice starts today and games begin tomorrow.

No. 9 Miami over No. 8 Virginia

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 12: Jeff Allen #00 of the Virginia Tech Hokies guards Reggie Johnson #42 of the University of Miami Hurricanes in their quarterfinal game in the 2010 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 12, 2010 in G

While neither team is NCAA tournament worthy, both teams have shown through their conference play that they will put up a good fight at this year’s ACC tournament.

Miami was victorious in the only matchup between these two teams. Even though they are ranked close, this upset should be one to watch.

"The U" should be able to take down Virginia in overwhelming fashion.

No. 10 NC State over No. 7 Maryland

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COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 20: Jordan Williams #20 of the Maryland Terrapins #20 puts up a shot over the defense of DeShawn Painter #0 and C.J. Leslie #5 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the Comcast Center on February 20, 2011 in College Park, Mar

Sitting just five games over .500 on the season, many have seen Maryland’s season as a disappointment as they are on the edge of not making the NCAA tourney cut.

NC State has set themselves up for a potential deep run in the ACC tourney, but there are plenty of speed bumps along the way, beginning with Maryland.

Continuing to show the nation that they are a force to be reckoned with, Maryland’s top 25 points per game, rebounds and assists will be on full display this year in the ACC tournament, but it wont be enough to stop the energized Wolf Pack as they look for the upset.

No. 7 Maryland over No. 2 Duke

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COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 2: Miles Plumlee #21 of the Duke Blue Devils fights for a rebound during a college basketball game against Jordan WIlliams #20 and Cliff Tucker #24 of the Maryland Terrapins on February 2, 2011 at the Comcast Arena in College P

Assuming I’ve predicted the previous slide wrong, Maryland will be set to face off against No. 2 Duke in the Quarterfinals of the ACC tournament play.

Duke’s strong play all season has almost guaranteed them a No. 1 seed in the 2011 NCAA tournament, but they could be a victim of the early upset as we saw this season when facing Florida State and Virginia Tech.

Maryland will be playing with added motivation as they look for two more wins to reach the 20-win mark. With a victory over No. 2 Duke, they could secure a spot in the field of 68. 

No. 3 Florida State over No. 2 Duke

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ATLANTA - MARCH 15: Derwin Kitchen #22 of the Florida State Seminoles dribbles against the Duke Blue Devils during the championship game of the 2009 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament on March 15, 2009 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kev

In a must-see semifinal matchup, No. 2 Duke will more than likely play No. 3 Florida State on day three of the ACC tourney.

This very entertaining matchup will pin star guards Derwin Kitchen against Nolan Smith in a rematch that saw FSU prevail over Duke in Tallahassee.

Kyle Singler will have to have a huge game to subdue ACC stud Chris Singleton (assuming he’s back from a broken foot) and Seth Curry and Duke’s bigs will have a tough time matched up against the length of FSU.

This one has upset written all over it and if FSU can ride its successful season’s momentum, this should be one to watch.

No. 4 Clemson over No. 1 North Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 4: Akin Akingbala #33 of the Clemson Tigers scores against David Noel #34 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game on February 4, 2006 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. UNC defeated Clemson 76-61

No. 1 seed UNC will be the team to beat this year at the ACC tourney, and if Clemson can get past a tough quarterfinal matchup, they should be able to give the Tar Heels a run for their money.

Despite a record 55 straight defeats of Clemson in Chapel Hill, the Heels will be playing in a neutral site, so anything can happen.

UNC’s big men have played great down the stretch and the Heels defense should be able to carry the team, but the Tigers all-around great play will be a tough matchup for the Tar Heel’s frontcourt.

We’ve seen that anything can happen in the Conference Tournament, so look for Clemson to go all out as their season’s reputation is on the line.