Wow, this is basically the final Power Rankings for the year (I don't really believe in the "post" ACC Tournament ones, we pretty much know who is who by then). With the ACC Tournament just a few days away, where does each team stack up?
1.) Duke Blue Devils
KenPom's number one team has won 9 of their last 10. Maryland played out of their minds at home and on a neutral floor, I still think Duke has the edge.
Maryland showed me something against Duke, but I honestly thought Senior Night at the Comcast Center was going to go the Terps way. They have just looked really strong, winning 13 of their last 15 games. Regardless, it's Maryland, Duke and everyone else right now.
3.) Florida State Seminoles
FSU isn't pretty, but they get the job done. That's saying something. They're the best defense in the nation and that alone gives them a chance against anybody. Now if only they could score...
The Demon Deacons have wins over at least 5, and as many as 8 tournament teams (if W&M and ORU win their conference tournaments and GT makes it in). They played a ton of road games and have the RPI's 29th strongest schedule. Despite their four game skid, this team is still dangerous.
I understand the case for the Hokies at 4. They beat the Demon Deacons heads up, but that game was on VT's home floor and they got the benefit of some home cooking. I thought then and still think Wake holds the edge on a neutral floor. VT suffers from their lack of quality wins overall. They have a SOS at 129 and a 50 RPI, with wins over what is looking like 2 or 3 tourney teams (again, contingent on GT). It's a body of work issue for me.
6.) Clemson Tigers
Clemson's in the big dance, but they have got to be more consistent. That's been their problem all year, and really has been their problem for a few years now.
7.) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
GT is reeling right now and it is not pretty. They desperately needed that win against Virginia Tech and their first round matchup in the ACC Tournament is against UNC in Greensboro. They've won just 2 of their 7 games and Paul Hewitt's gotta be feeling the heat. We might be seeing some more exciting Twitter outbursts before it's all said and done.
8.) North Carolina State Wolfpack
Why not? The Pack have beaten some good teams this year--arguably 4 tournament teams and they have talent. They get the edge because of their win over BC.
The Heels had a little momentum going and then they got spanked by Duke at Cameron. I still wouldn't want to be Georgia Tech on Thursday, that's for sure.
BC did a lot to get themselves to .500, so they deserve credit for that. But it was just a disappointing season overall for Boston College fans.
11.) Miami Hurricanes
At least the 'Canes have shown a sign of life in the last few games. Without Collins though, it's going to be a tall order to beat the Deacs on Thursday
12.) Virginia Cavaliers
Crash and burn. The Cavs had a fight against the Terps, but they've still lost 9 straight and lost Landesberg for the ACC Tourney. Woof.