Every week, the Confidential contributors get together during football and basketball seasons to provide a summary of their school, the ACC, and other topics of note. Here is this week’s thoughts on hoops:
1. How did your school look this past week–any surprises or disappointments? Are you looking forward to anything regarding your school?
Brian (FSU): Well the fact FSU actually won on the road to a half decent Clemson team was a surprise. Although, I was disappointed we lost at home to NCSU. I thought NCSU was one of the games against a good team that FSU could steal at home. In looking at FSU’s likely win total, I think I see 4 to 5 wins the rest of the year. I have stated that 16 wins would be surprising, and I doubt FSU can get there this year.
Harrison (NC State): While disappointing, the UNC loss was expected. It was too much to expect a young team to take down both of the local powerhouses. Honestly, I’m just happy that the game was (somewhat) close the entire time. A few days later, NC State found itself playing a road game without their point guard. Cat Barber sat out due to a death in the family. The team was able to rally around it however and managed to win fairly easily. This is refreshing for fans of a team that is known for picking up bad losses in conference play.
Anthony (Syracuse): The loss to Clemson was obviously a disappointment, but getting back to the win column against Boston College without a dominating performance by Rakeem Christmas was a pleasant surprise.
2. What surprised you or disappointed you with the ACC?
Brian (FSU): I was surprised that Duke was able to bounce back after 2 surprising losses, and to do it by 11 points at Louisville is even more surprising. I am starting to be disappointed with Louisville. The big boys of the ACC are giving them some issues. I see at least another 2 to 3 losses this year for them, and maybe more.
Harrison (NC State): January is over and we still aren’t sure what to make of Syracuse. We see them play great some games and then they go lose by 13 to Clemson (in the Carrier Dome no less). They really are becoming the team that won’t die. Every time we try to write them off as a bad team, they win some more ACC games. It’s safe to say that with Christmas in the lineup, this could be a dangerous team in the ACC Tournament.
Anthony (Syracuse): Virginia Tech at 0-4 is a bit surprising. I thought Buzz Williams would have pulled out a win by now.
3. Anything noteworthy outside of the ACC?
Brian (FSU): Well my Kentucky watch continues. Since we spoke last they whooped up on Bama, and struggled at home against the Commodores. Kentucky is vulnerable and beatable… I am still predicting they lose on February 10th at LSU. I am calling my shot!
Harrison (NC State): Ole Miss has had a very weird season to say the least. They opened the season with a loss to Charleston Southern, but then beat Creighton. They lost to Dayton, but then take Kentucky to overtime. This week, the Rebels beat another top-25 team (Arkansas) but then lost unranked Georgia. If you want to have some fun with the transitive property, look no further than this team.
Anthony (Syracuse): How about Creighton at 0-7 in the Big East? Tulane with a 4-3 conference record in the AAC, with UConn sitting way back at 2-2. Texas in the middle of the pack in the Big 12. Speaking of Texas, is there any greater example of money not guaranteeing success in the revenue sports?
WHAT DO YOU THINK? LET US KNOW…
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