Bracket Banter: ACC update 2/15

Since Writing last week, the ACC had some movement, but only one team locked into the bracket this week: Miami. I'm going with six teams to make the bracket from the ACC come March.

• ACC

• Locks:

• UVA: In the last week: wins over both NC State and a controversial one over Duke Saturday. They’re a 3 seed right now.

• Miami (FL): Hurricanes are now LOCKED. They have now won 5 in a row, including a Q1 over UNC. They can push for the 4 line if they win their next 4.

• Should Be In:

• Duke: Last week: two losses, both on the road, both to teams ahead of them in the bracket. They then struggled with Notre Dame at home Tuesday night. They’re still 2 wins from being locked, up next is a competitive Syracuse team in Syracuse, and then they host Louisville. Win those two; they’re locked.

• Bubble:

• NC State: The last week has been rough for the Wolfpack. The loss Tuesday to Syracuse is going to hurt their seeding. They’re back to the bubble for now.

• Pittsburgh: Even with a Q4 loss, I feel better about Pitt than I do about UNC. That being said, they won’t be locked for a little while longer, but they’re on an impressive win streak in the last 6 games. Win at VT on Saturday, and I’ll move them to the “should be in” category.

• UNC: Another Q1 game, another loss for the Tar Heels, that brings them to 1-4 in their last 5. This Saturday’s game @ NC state is MASSIVE for them. If they lose, they may fall out of my bracket. Only 2 more Q1 games remaining; they need to find a way to win one of them.

• Clemson: Most of the hype around Clemson was due to their start in the ACC. Now, they’ve lost three in a row, including a Q3 to Boston College; they’re out until they go on a run. 5-1 minimum for the rest of the year to have any shot at the bubble.

• Wake Forest: No Q1 losses are dooming this Wake team; 2 Q1 games in the next week are upcoming; I’d advise them to make the most of it to get back toward the bubble picture.

• Virginia Tech: VT’s a team who could be dangerous as a potential bid-stealer (again) if they get hot down the stretch and into the ACC tournament, but for now, they’re out and not particularly close either.