Always Go With The Faceguard: The ACC Tournament

If I were a superhero, my weakness would be utterance of the phrase "1992 East Regional Final". It's more lethal to me than Kryptonite to Superman, except it only comes in one color: Duke Blue. With that out of the way, expect me to be biased in picking the ACC Tourney winners. But hey, what kind of fan would I be without a little fire?

Did you see that Tyler Hansbrough's gonna play in a faceguard? Reminds me of the Pistons a few years ago when they won the whole thing.

Day 1
[8] Clemson vs. [9] Florida State
[5] Maryland vs. [12] Miami
[7] Duke vs. [10] North Carolina State
[6] Georgia Tech vs. [11] Wake Forest

Day 1 Picks
Florida State over Clemson. They both have about the same number of wins, FSU is 24^th in SOS to Clemsons 43^rd. Clemson has two more wins and one more ACC road win (though three ain't necessarily great), and they did sweep the regular season vs. FSU. However, I always think it's very difficult to beat a team three times in one season, and that sways me to the Flaming Spears. Huckleberry Hound's Heels will put out the flames on Friday.

Maryland over Miami. The 'Canes beat Maryland earlier this year, and that's not happening again. Four wins in conference play, three of them against ranked opponents? That's nice, but Maryland's got a sour taste in their mouths. BC may wash that out of their mouths on Day 2.

Duke over North Carolina State. I can't let personal hatred of the Marlboro Stripesuckers get in the way of evidence this compelling: the Wolfpack stunk on ice in both non-home games and against the RPI Top 50. Not that Duke was much better, but at least they could win on the road. Until they get Cavalier'd in the second round.

Georgia Tech over Wake Forest. Both teams stunk on the road while Georgia Tech fared slightly better against better foes. They'll take two of three from the Satan's Little Preachers and move on to play Virginia Tech.

Day 2 predictions on Thursday night after all Day 1 games are done.