Battle of the States game day thread
There is a lot at stake today because if we win we get a bye in the ACC tournament but more importantly it would mar my game day thread record (yes it is all about me). I see us coming out focused and ready to play. I think/hope they are in “tournament mode” in which they are playing good, consistent defense. If need to see the Calvin from the Wake game we win this one without too much drama. One thing is for sure, we do not want them to have a shot at the end. Snaer is very good at the last second shot. Fortunately that is all FSU is good at offensively. Their leading assist man averages 2 1/2 and the normally solid FSU defense is middle of the ACC this year. They have a ton of size (three seven footers) so they lead the ACC in blocks but for some reason that does not translate into rebounds as they are last in the ACC in rebounding margin.
As a side issue, would you prefer the 3rd or 4th seed? I initially thought I would prefer the 4th so we play Miami earlier but the more I think about it I think I would prefer the 3rd. We would play most likely play Maryland on Thursday and I would like nothing better than to spank them in the tournament. Which would lead to Duke on Saturday. I would prefer to play them when we are more rested leaving potentially Miami on Sunday. I think Miami might struggle under that pressure where we have already faced it.
This game has the feel of a tournament game given that something tangible is at stake here. Win today and get the bye locked up is what really matters but I may prefer the #3 as well for the reason you gave. In any case, I’ll be happy with a win today, especially on the road.
Call me a masochist, but i’d like another shot at all of the ACC teams that we haven’t beaten yet. Virginia, Miami, and Maryland.
Don’t know if that’s possible. But finally beating everyone in the league on the way to the ACC title would be icing on the cake.
The only reason I don’t like the 3 seed is the guys have to play at 9:30 PM in a half-full arena… Well and I have to stay up late to watch it too.
Other than that, I figure you have to beat good teams to win a title, so I don’t really care ‘when’ we have to play Miami, Duke, etc.
Looking at Ken Pomeroy’s data, the key for us today, in any game actually, is turnover %. Our average turnover % is 16.9%. In games that we have turned teams over better than OUR average (the national average is 20.1%) we are 14-1. That, more so than defensive rebounding, is the key to our team. Turnovers are a result of active defense which leads to fast breaks and makes our offense hum. If we turn them over we win the game, for that matter, if we turn anyone over we can beat anybody.
I’d rather have the 3 seed because it means an easier first round match-up and we have to beat Duke/UNC/Miami at some point anyway, so I don’t really care when we see them.
I do not believe that Miami will make it to the finals, so if we get the 3 seed, I’m looking for a State/UNC champ final.
I’ve been conflicted about the #3 vs #4 seed draw for us. I see advantages and disadvantages to each and I’m not sure one is particularly better for us than the other. Therefore I had to go to my personal tiebreaker.
Assuming we take care of our own business, we get the #3 if Carolina loses. Therefore the #3 is better.
4!!!!!
3!!!!
EDIT – Besides, come 7pm I will NOT be pulling for Carolina whether we win or lose in Tallahassee. Therefore….3.
Besides…Crazy Rick has spoken.
I don’t care which seed we are as long as we win today and avoid playing on thursday!
I’m bouncing around on different games at the moment, including GT/BC (no clue as to why I’m bothering to watch that one….ACC game I guess).
Who’s the color man on that game? He just gave us a big “talk up”, basically picking us to win ACC Tourney if we get the Thursday bye.
I like that guy whoever he is.
Agree Pack1997, Take care of business! Go Pack!
4!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is only one STATE… in the ACC….
That’s the Wolfpack !!!
FSU is a ‘girls’ school that only recently admitted men as underclassmen…
(comparable in FLA to ECU or UNC-G — just ask any Gator….)
Go Pack !!
Miami’s nemesis (FL Gulf Coast) shall dance.
Feeling SUPER great about this game and the tournament. Like last year, Coach Gott has us peaking at the right time. After last Wednesday’s performance, FSU is just enough of a test. I think they do have a revenge factor considering the first outing.
It’ll be manageable but enough to test us. I’d like to see a lot of WBS to save Brown for next week. I’d also like to see Leslie get some rest this game.
The most important factor about this game is that Rick started the thread….Isn’t he 8-1 for us? He seems very focused right now.
4
“Besides…Crazy Rick has spoken.”
And I am certifiably INSAAAAANNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE
Good for Julius Mays – drains two FTs to lock up a win over FL. Notice the Cats did NOT go to Bubbleguts.
Coach Cal wants Bubbleguts on the bench next year.
That OJO looks friggin huge
Calvin
Nice energy on D so far.
Bad pass by woo
Kinda dull so far. Hopefully we will spring to life after the first little bit like we did Wednesday.
Glad to see we left CJ in Raliegh