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Joe Lunardi
Even by its own lofty standards, the ACC has endured a series of mediocre seasons. The 18-team league received the fewest number of NCAA bids in more than a decade (four) last season, and it has not been in a top-three conference before 2020.
Unexpected Final Four appearances by North Carolina (2022) and nc state (2024) have reduced the decline, but the decline has always persisted. The ACC had eight top-40 teams in 2019 – its last national title year Virginia — compared to four last season.
Mediocrity has mostly been in the middle of the standings, but that may finally be coming to an end. with ruler Duke doing things on top, choice of Virginia, NC State, miami And smu Solid bubble teams have emerged. half a dozen others too periodACC is in a position to increase its bid numbers.
For the first time in quite some time, Selection Sunday should bring very good news for Tobacco Road.
The ACC begins conference play on December 30.
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Duke Blue Devils vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Game Highlights
Duke Blue Devils vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Game Highlights
final four contenders
duke blue devils
North Carolina Tar Heels
louisville cardinals
Blue Devils are an obvious choice for Player of the Year contender cameron boozerBut with a healthy U.N.C. Seth Trimble And Louisville could also face a serious challenge in March.
Potential Tournament Teams
Virginia Cavaliers
Clemson Tigers
smu mustangs
NC State Wolfpack
miami storm
Virginia is the “feel good” story here under new coach Ryan Odom. With wins over Northwestern, Texas, Dayton and Maryland, the Cavaliers are on top of the ACC’s revived second tier.
Potential Tournament Teams
Cal Golden Bear
stanford cardinal
wake up forest demon deacons
West Coast’s inclusion in their second ACC season is premature. This year, they will also host Duke and Carolina for the first time in league play, which should make for an interesting road for the conference’s traditional powers.
sleeper team
Hokies have a future professional player in Greek freshman neoklis avdalas And around him are mostly experienced and productive role players. At 11-2, they’re trying their best to erase the 13-19 nightmare from a season ago.
long shots
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Syracuse Orange
Just when you think these veterans have picked up wins, they lose home games to the likes of Fort Wayne and Hofstra. If your address is anywhere near the bubble this is not what you want.
maybe next year…
pittsburgh panthers
Florida State Seminoles
georgia tech yellow jackets
boston college eagles
The ACC could use a lot of improvement, but not enough to send its bottom four teams into the NCAA Tournament. New coach Luke Lucas is replacing a veteran (Leonard Hamilton) at Florida State and will need a little more time. And time may be running out at the other three schools that have non-conference losses like Quinnipiac, Drake and Central Connecticut.
Major sports to watch
