So, I just took a second to look at Virginia’s schedule, record, and all that jazz.  I have sudden doubts about our apparent success in the ACC thus far.  Don’t get me wrong - I’m STOKED that we are 8-2 in a power conference (the ACC may only have 2 teams in the top 25 right now, but there are a good number of teams - BC, UVA, VT - who are knocking at the door).  But I can see why the Hoos are not a current top 25, and are a 6-seed in the most recent ESPN Bracketology (playing in Spokane, WA even).  Take a look at our ACC wins (I say ACC because I figure the ‘Zona / ‘Zaga victories are countered by the embarassing App St. / Utah losses).  True, we’ve beaten three out of the four ranked ACC teams (#1 UNC being the only loss there).  But since then, Maryland has crumbled to a shameful 3-6, while Clemson has dropped five out of their last six games.  Even the stunning Duke victory has been undermined, as Duke dropped the next game to Florida State (at Cameron), and let Carolina steal the rivalry game.  Our remaining victories have been twice over 3-6 NC State, another over Maryland, one over a 2-8 Miami squad, and one over a 2-8 Wake Forest squad.  We lost to both Boston College and UNC (though, both were on the road).

I’m not saying we’re not a good team - I think we’ve got a strong chance of making the tournament…perhaps even making a run?  (Don’t worry, I just knocked on wood.)  But our remaining games are not particularly challenging (though this Saturday’s game at Virginia Tech is HUGE - a victory would lock us into the tourney).  This bodes well for a strong ACC record, but does not bode as well for a strong seeding.  It comforts me, though, that we have a very real chance of becoming (I am knocking on wood like crazy now) the ACC Regular Season Champions.  Winning out the rest of the season - not guaranteed, but certainly not unattainable - would secure that.  Boston College still plays Duke and Carolina later in the season.  Carolina, while they also have an easy home stretch, end the season with Duke.  A Duke victory is key to securing the Hoos’ road to victory.

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