Breaking Down the ACC Coastal Race

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Tonight's match up between Virginia Tech and Maryland looms large in the ACC Championship race. The Terps lead the Atlantic Division and are the only team in the league with only a single loss. Virginia Tech is part of the logjam in the ACC Coastal of five teams with two loses. Duke, currently in last place is only a game back in the loss column and faces 0-4 NC State this Saturday. In other words all six ACC Coastal members still have a chance to win the division.

Let's look at this from the Miami perspective. Winning out does not ensure the Canes the division title as North Carolina would have to lose at least once. However, given the parity in the ACC this season, should the Canes win out it is more than likely they will win the division. North Carolina still must face Georgia Tech at home, and make trips to Maryland and Duke. One team does almost control its own destiny for sure: Georgia Tech.

Not only do the Jackets boast the most entertaining offense in the league (Paul Johnson's spread triple option) but right now Georgia Tech has the best shot at winning the Coastal Division. With an upcoming showdown in Chapel Hill against North Carolina followed by a Thursday Night encounter with Miami, two wins will lock up the division for the Jackets, presuming Virginia loses one more game. That's easier said than done in the wild ACC, however.

Virginia Tech has a tough road back into the ACC race despite having only two losses. Remaining games tonight vs Maryland, at Miami and home to Duke and Virginia would be tough enough without the injury woes that have hit the Hokies. Despite being the consensus pre-season pick in the division, Frank Beamer's club is likely going to fall short.

Virginia has played the best football in the ACC over the last month but giving away last week's game against Miami means the Cavs have little margin left for error. The Cavs need a healthy Maykil Simpson the rest of the way: his injury may have cost UVA the game against Miami last week.

Duke is not going to win the ACC this year. But the Blue Devils have been competitive in David Cutcliffe's first year and blew a big opportunity last week in Winston Salem against Wake Forest in overtime. Duke needs two wins to become bowl eligible and should get them with the remaining schedule.