10 and In

Great game against Duke last night.  A couple of 3s from Sammy, and we win that game.  The defense held up for the most part (holding Duke to 61 points is a defensive success, no matter how easy the Dookies made scoring look at times in the second half).  The officiating was pretty much fair --- which tells me how much the ACC suddenly respects our program /slash/ needs it to be good for the overall health and cred of the conference.  Duke is Duke, they are close to unbeatable in Cameron, and I'm very proud of the grit we showed last night.  Even Dick Vitale was inspired to stop slobknobbering Duke long enough to give us some credit for being a good team that will go on to make some noise this season.  Meanwhile, UVA fans are starting to truly embrace the fact that this program is going to be defense-first under Tony Bennett, whom some are now calling "a young Coach K."  This is all definitely forward progress from the grease fire of the Dave Leitao era.  There are systems in place; there is a cohesive plan.  Plus... Mike Scott is a demi-god.

"Alien Vs. Predator" was originally entitled "Alien Vs. Predator Vs. Mike Scott"
but no one would pay $13.50 to see a movie 20 seconds long.

We have 14 games left to play in the regular season, plus at least one more game in the ACC Tournament.  Of those 15+ games, I feel like we need to win 10 in order to avoid sweating things out on Selection Sunday.  Big picture, I think we're in the Tournament this year.  But let's go ahead and break down the remaining schedule...

1/19 @ GT -- It's still really early in the ACC season, but I think next Thursday's game is a must-win for us.  GT is not very good.  With a week to prepare, gotta go down there and beat them.  Win #1 of 10.

1/22 vs. VT -- We match up very well against the Hokies, and the crowd should be fired up and provide a nice lift.  Win #2.

1/26 vs. BC -- Boston College is worse than most mid-majors.  Seriously.  They really suck.  Win #3.

1/28 @ NC State -- I have a bad feeling about this one for some reason.  State has the firepower to beat us at their place.  Loss.

1/31 vs. Clemson -- Big bounce-back game at home.  I like Brad Brownell, but this year's team doesn't impress me.  Win #4.

2/4 @ FSU -- Two defensive teams in a low-scoring slugfest.  Should be interesting.  (Notice I didn't say "should be fun.")  FSU's defensive athleticism vs. our defensive discipline.  Eh...  Feel like we'll lose a 55-53 type of game here.  Loss.

2/8 vs. Wake -- Not too much to worry about with Wake, a team that is poorly coached and not properly balanced.  Flawed teams really struggle against our defense.  Win #5.

2/11 @ UNC -- Another great opportunity for a marquee win, and playing in the Dean Dome is much less intimidating than playing in Cameron Indoor Stadium.  I really could see us winning this game, but won't pick it in this space.  Loss.

2/14 @ Clemson -- Need to win one on the road to get back on track, and we take care of business in Littlejohn.  Win #6.

2/18 vs. Maryland -- I think Maryland will emerge as the 4th best team in the conference, with Stoglin en fuego, Pe'Shon Howard back, and Alex Len showing flashes.  This is a BIG home game for us.  We'll win a close one.  Win #7.

2/21 @ VT -- It'll be a hostile environment, bu it's a fantastic matchup.  Win #8.

2/25 vs. UNC -- Got a feeling.  Tony Bennett's turn-the-corner victory.  Win #9.

3/1 vs. FSU -- Trap game.  But FSU is good enough to get our full attention.  Win #10.

3/4 @ Maryland -- Not feeling this one.  Loss.

24-6, 11-5 heading into the ACC Tournament.  That's 5-seed material.

GO HOOS!