ACC: Top 5 Must-Watch Conference Games
By Jacob Rude
2. Virginia vs. Duke, January 31
This match-up is the second closest to happening, and boy does it have the makings of great one. As of now, the Duke and Virginia are ranked #2 and #3, respectively, and neither have dropped a contest yet. Virginia will have to face just one ranked opponent between now and then (@Notre Dame), meaning it’s very likely they enter the contest undefeated.
Duke, on the other hand, have a gauntlet ahead of them before meeting the Cavaliers. First, they travel to Louisville (which will be featured on this list, still, hint hint), then host Pittsburgh before a trio of road games against St. Johns, Notre Dame, then finished off with Virginia.
The biggest question mark is that of how legitimate this Cavalier team is this year. Their game against Notre Dame will tell us some of what we need to know, but not until this match-up will we get a true answer. While undefeated, they only other ranked team they’ve faced is Maryland, who has since fallen from the rankings.
Prediction: I would not be surprised if Duke loses this game, but I’m not quite as sold yet on Virginia just yet. Duke 75, Virginia 70.
Next: Louisville vs. Duke, January 17