FSU remains No. 1 in several polls and NCAA Tourney projections after losing their first ACC series of the season at Clemson last weekend (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com).

Here we go – the final weekend of ACC play before next week’s conference tournament…

ACC Standings/Weekend Schedule

Atlantic

1) FSU (22-5, 41-11) – Hosts NC State.
2) NC State (18-9, 37-13) – At FSU.
3) Clemson (16-11, 32-21) – At Wake Forest.
4) Wake Forest (10-17, 29-22) – Hosts Clemson.
5) Maryland (9-18, 31-22) – Hosts Virginia.
6) BC (9-18, 21-31) – Hosts Duke.

Coastal

1) UNC (19-8, 39-13) – Hosts Virginia Tech.
2) Virginia (16-11, 34-15-1) – At Maryland.
3) Miami (14-13, 32-18) – At Georgia Tech.
4) Georgia Tech (11-16, 31-22) – Hosts Miami.
5) Virginia Tech (11-16, 34-18) – At UNC.
6) Duke (7-20, 19-33) – At Boston College.

ACC Tourney Outlook (As of May 17)

Division A

1) FSU
4) Virginia
5) Clemson
8) Virginia Tech

Division B

2) UNC
3) NC State
6) Miami
7) Georgia Tech

ACC Tourney Bubble: Wake Forest is 1 GB, owning tiebreakers over the teams ahead of them, GT and VT.

ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• NCAA Projections: Looking at SE Baseball, Perfect Game and ESPN respectively – Mark Etheridge has Virginia Tech sneaking in the field – FSU and UNC as national seeds, and Clemson headed to Purdue; Kendall Rogers has Georgia Tech in his last five in with the Hokies out; Jeremy Mills still has the Hokies firmly in, and Maryland just outside the cut-line with Clemson headed to Arizona. Wake Forest is just a spot out of the mix in SEBaseball. Despite dropping 2-of-3 to the Tigers, FSU remains the No. 1 national seed in all three projections.
• FSU can wrap up the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tourney with a win over NC State or a UNC loss to Virginia Tech this weekend. The Heels are guaranteed at least a 2-seed after clinching the Coastal over the weekend. They face a Hokies squad in Chapel Hill that can’t afford getting swept, on the bubble for both the ACC and NCAA Tournament. Virginia Tech hasn’t won an ACC road series yet, but they did take at least a game from everyone but Florida State. The ‘Noles have an even shorter turnaround than the rest of the ACC with these Thursday starts, after playing a doubleheader Monday thanks to rain and TV. They dropped their first ACC series of the season in Clemson, salvaging game three and part two of the doubleheader Monday, 9-5.  NC State hits Tallahassee having won 13-of-14 and their last five series. A road series win at No. 1 FSU could put them over the top for a national seed with just the ACC Tourney to go. They’re as balanced as it comes in the ACC and should at least steal a game (official pick: FSU takes 2-of-3). I underrated UNC last weekend, and they’ve won 10-in-a-row, so they should finish strong taking 2-of-3 from the Hokies.
• It’s do-or-die for Wake Forest and Maryland, both needing an ACC series win to keep ACC and NCAA Tourney hopes alive. The Deacs host the streaking Tigers, who’ve won 20-of-29 and six of their last seven weekend series (most recently over No. 1 FSU). Wake has stumbled of late, losing 6 of their last 10, but do own series wins over fellow bubble teams Virginia Tech, Maryland and Georgia Tech. A game back from the Hokies and Yellow Jackets, all they need is a series win and one of the two to lose a series this weekend to slip into the ACC Tournament. At the front and back of the rotation, the Deacs are solid with lefties Brian Holmes (6-2, 2.82 ERA) and Tim Cooney (5-6, 3.76 ERA), and they face a taxed Clemson staff, which will go with RHP Dominic Leone (6-3, 5.19 ERA) in game one with the rest of the rotation TBD due to the Monday doubleheader. The Tigers have probably the best top of the order in ACC 1-4 (all hitting over .300), and they’ve hit their stride down the stretch, led by third basemen Richie Shaffer (.343 BA/10 HR/43 RBI). Clemson takes 2-of-3 to keep Wake out of the ACC Tourney (unless one of the Techs are swept).
• Against a balanced Virginia team, Maryland likely needs a sweep since they’re two games out of the last ACC Tourney spot and this could be their last shot to boost the tourney resume. The Terps still have a top-30 RPI, ranking ahead of Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. They might get one, but I can’t see the sweep they could really use, especially coming off a layoff of over a week due to exams.
• Georgia Tech can do wonders in shoring up their NCAA Tournament chances hosting Miami. Russ Chandler Stadium hasn’t been quite as hard on the ACC as most years, with both FSU and Clemson coming in and winning series, but something has to give, as the Hurricanes are 2-7 in their last three ACC road series (FSU/Clemson/Virginia Tech). Miami hopes to have catcher Peter O’Brien back (.354 BA/10 HR/38 RBI), who’s been out of action since April 15. Georgia Tech needs this one, and I think they get it.
• Last and least, the division cellar dwellers BC and Duke meet in Chestnut Hill. The Blue Devils haven’t won an ACC game since April 20 and not a series since March 23-25 at Virginia Tech. Though just two games ahead in the standings, the Eagles have fared much better of late, sweeping Wake Forest in their last home series and stealing games from both FSU and NC State in the previous series. Both struggle mightily with pitching and fielding, but BC has been able to score more and that’s why they take this one to close each team’s respective seasons, having little-to-no hope of an ACC Tourney bid (BC could slip in if they’re tied with Wake Forest or Georgia Tech for one of the last spots in the field – currently a game back from the Deacs who are out now and two from GT who is in).

The five-star power forward chose Duke in the absolute worst-case scenario for NC State. Not only did the Pack miss out on a huge target, but now they’ll have to play against him about ten times over the next four years.

At 6-9 and 200 pounds, Jefferson is rated as the third best power forward and the No. 21 player overall in the 2012 class. He will be a big part of the post rotation for the Blue Devils this season. His strengths include “attack mode, competitiveness, and upside/potential” – and apparently, screen setting.

The decision means that State will need a bench player to step up down low. Seven-footer Jordan Vandenberg red-shirted last season and has two years of eligibility left, and rising sophomore Thomas De Thaey will be called upon to give Leslie and Richard Howell breaks off the bench. Freshman T.J. Warren could also be utilized at power forward, but is more of a natural small forward.

I still believe State is in good shape for next season, but it is imperative now that the Pack sign a big-time forward in the 2013 class.

Ralston Turner Commits!

Lost among the Amile discussion was a huge get for the Pack. Ralston Turner, a sophomore wing at LSU has chosen NC State as his new school.

The 6-foot-6 and 205 pound shooting guard/small forward led the Tigers in scoring as a freshman (12.3 points), but regressed in the category as a sophomore to 9.1 points per game. Turner’s efficiency from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line improved from year one to year two, though.

Turner will have to sit out the upcoming season due to NCAA transfer rules, but will then have two years to play left two seasons. With his sharp shooting ability he will play big minutes following the departure of Scott Wood.

“I felt very comfortable on the visit and with the direction of the program. I’m expecting big things at NC State, and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Turner of his decision.

Turner will add depth to an already talented backcourt for the Pack in 2013.

ACC/Big 10 Challenge

The pairings for the fourteenth annual ACC/Big 10 Challenge were announced Monday, and NC State will face a tough road test at Michigan Tuesday, November 27. The Wolfpack and Wolverines have met twice before in the Challenge, splitting the two meetings (Michigan win in 2003 and NC State in 2006). Both teams should enter the season ranked in the pre-season top-10. Here is the complete list of pairings for the event; the Big 10 has won the last three challenges after the ACC started out 10-0.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

UNC at Indiana

N.C. State at Michigan

Minnesota at Florida State

Maryland at Northwestern

Iowa at Virginia Tech

Nebraska at Wake Forest

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Ohio State at Duke

Virginia at Wisconsin

Michigan State at Miami

Purdue at Clemson

Georgia Tech at Illinois

Boston College at Penn State

That’s all the news for now. As always, for up to date news about Wolfpack athletics, follow me on Twitter @TheJJGreenstein.

Mocksville (NC) Davie County offensive lineman Cole Blankenship got the ball rolling for the Pack in late April. The 6-3, 275 pound center committed to State just two days after being offered by the coaching staff. Blankenship took a visit to Raleigh in February, and he said the success of the visit made his decision an easy one.

Richmond County (NC) running back Dakwa Nichols kept things going on the offensive side of the ball, committing to run with the Pack May 1. At 5-10 and 182 pounds, Nichols is not the most intimidating tailback you will see, but his speed makes him an absolute game-changer. He’s been measured at a 4.4 forty yard dash, and has proven that he can break games open on kick-off and punt returns. Nichols chose the Pack over an offer from Air Force.

After landing a pair of offensive talents, State pulled in two defensive players.

Memphis (TN) University linebacker Ford Howell was receiving interest from all over the place, and had already held offers from Lehigh and Western Kentucky when NC State showed up with an offer in hand back in March. The 6-1.5, 225 pound outside linebacker chose State the first week of May.

State’s most recent commitment came from Miami (FL) Central defensive back Da’Wan Hunte. The 5-10, 185 corner impressed the Wolfpack coaches with his physicality and his ability to tackle in the open field. It is important for the Pack to successfully recruit talent hotbeds like Miami, so this was an impressive get for the staff.

NC State still has a lot of work to do to bring together a solid 2013 class, and some of the bigger names should start to make their decisions during the summer as the schools hosts their camps.

That’s all I’ve got for now. As always, for up to date news about Wolfpack recruiting, follow me on Twitter @TheJJGreenstein.

NC State faces a key series in Blacksburg, keeping a steady eye on what's going on in Clemson between the Tigers and Seminoles. (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com)

Clemson and FSU renew their rivalry in TigerTown, while the rest play for NCAA positioning with just this weekend and next left in the regular season…

ACC Standings/Weekend Schedule

Atlantic

1) FSU (21-3, 40-9) – At Clemson.
2) NC State (16-8, 34-12) – At Virginia Tech.
3) Clemson (14-10, 29-20) – Hosts FSU.
4) Wake Forest (9-15, 27-20) – At Miami.
5) Maryland (9-18, 31-22) – Off.
6) BC (9-18, 20-29) – Fordham.

Coastal

1) UNC (16-8, 35-13) – At Duke.
2) Virginia (14-10, 31-14-1) – Hosts Georgia Tech.
3) Miami (12-12, 30-17) – Hosts Wake Forest.
4) Georgia Tech (10-14, 30-19) – At Virginia.
5) Virginia Tech (10-14, 32-16) – Hosts NC State.
6) Duke (7-17, 19-29) – Hosts UNC.

ACC Tourney Outlook (As of May 11)

Division A

1) FSU

4) Virginia

5) Clemson

8) Virginia Tech

Division B

2) UNC

3) NC State

6) Miami

7) Georgia Tech

ACC Tourney Bubble: Wake Forest is 1 GB, owning tiebreakers over the teams ahead of them, GT and VT.

ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• NCAA Projections: Looking at SEBaseball, Perfect Game and ESPN respectively – Mark Etheridge shook up his ACC projections with Maryland and Wake out like the rest, but giving the conference four hosts with FSU (NS), UNC (NS), NC State and Virginia; Kendall Rogers also has four ACC hosts and two national seeds with the Terps and Deacs not even in the next 10 out; Jeremy Mills now has the Hokies more firmly in the field with Maryland and Wake Forest out. Obviously, it’s crunch-time for the Deacs, as they can’t get swept this weekend at Miami and expect to stay in the hunt for an NCAA bid. Maryland is off for exams with a crucial home series against Virginia next weekend for ACC and NCAA Tourney chances. On the right side of the bubble, the Techs probably could still play their way out, and Virginia needs a strong finish to lock down a host bid.
• For the first time in a while, the FSU/Clemson series, in TigerTown this year, probably won’t have an effect on the Atlantic race, with the Seminoles holding a five-game division lead with six to go. The Tigers are hurting at pitcher, down ace starter Kevin Brady and reliever Matt Campbell – off from a staff that’s struggled already – going into a stretch of seven games in eight days. They’ve won five of their last six weekend series though (only lost to NC State), but also dropped midweek contests to Presbyterian, Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina around the stretch. FSU has lost two of three (Maryland and Stetson) coming off its longest winning streak of the season (10 games). The Terps touched-up the Seminoles’ bullpen in the final three innings for five runs (three earned) to steal the Monday game.  Clemson is FSU’s toughest road weekend series yet, and the Tigers have won 5-of-6 against them, so we’ll see what the unanimous No. 1 ‘Noles have in them this weekend. (Predictions-wise, I’d say FSU takes 2-of-3).
• Virginia hosts Georgia Tech and NC State travels to the Commonwealth to Blacksburg, both looking to boost their regional host profile. The ‘Hoos have won eight in a row and still sit atop the across the conference in team batting. GT is on a bit of a roll themselves, winning 9-of-12 since losing the series at Wake Forest. The Hokies are in a similar spot NCAAs-wise, having won three of their last four ACC series, but take on State coming off 9-day layoff for exams. The Wolfpack are playing their best ball at the right time en route to a 10-game winning streak, keeping hope alive for a national seed. After starting 0-3 in ACC play at home against Duke (yeah, really), Virginia Tech has gone 7-2 at English Field against conference opponents in series wins over BC, Miami and Maryland. I’d guess one of the underdogs challenges for a series between these two – going with the home teams taking 2-of-3.
• With some help, UNC can wrap up the Coastal and clinch a top 2 seed in the ACC Tournament, fighting for a national seed, in Durham this weekend. Friday’s matchup features two of the ACC’s best, UNC LHP Kent Emanuel (6-3, 1.80 ERA) v. Duke RHP Marcus Stroman (5-4, 2.36 ERA). The Blue Devils have won just three games in their last five ACC series. Down in Coral Gables, the Deacs and Hurricanes are working to improve their NCAA standings with Miami firmly in and Wake on the bubble-out (according to projections). The Demon Deacons have won two of their last three ACC series, but come off a 3-game sweep at the hands of Atlantic cellar-dweller BC. Miami has won 12-straight and own a 26-5 all-time record against the Deacs, but have lost 8-of-their-last-9 in ACC play. I’d expect the Hurricanes to turn it around and at least take the series, while Duke could steal a game from UNC.
• BC hosts Fordham (21-30) for a couple games this weekend, while Maryland is off.

UNC can position themselves well for the finish with a series win over BC this weekend (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com).

Just two ACC series this weekend before the final two weeks of the regular season…

ACC Standings/Weekend Schedule

Atlantic

1) FSU (19-2, 37-7) – Hosts Maryland.
2) NC State (16-8, 30-12) – Hosts Cal State Bakersfield.
3) Clemson (14-10, 26-19) – Hosts College of Charleston.
4) BC (9-15, 20-26) – At UNC.
5) Wake Forest (9-15, 27-20) – Off.
6) Maryland (8-16, 29-20) – At FSU.

Coastal

1) UNC (13-8, 31-13) – Hosts BC.
2) Virginia (14-10, 31-14-1) – Off.
3) Miami (12-12, 27-17) – Hosts Bethune-Cookman.
4) Georgia Tech (10-14, 26-19) – Hosts Charlotte.
5) Virginia Tech (10-14, 32-16) – Off.
6) Duke (7-17, 16-29) – Off.

ACC Tourney Outlook (As of May 4)

Division A

1) FSU
4) Virginia
5) Clemson
8) Virginia Tech

Division B

2) UNC
3) NC State
6) Miami
7) Georgia Tech

ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• NCAA Projections: Looking at SEBaseball, Perfect Game and ESPN respectively – Surprisingly enough, Mark Etheridge still has all 10 ACC teams in that have a chance, and none in the last five in; Kendall Rogers pegs FSU as the No. 1 overall seed with both Techs in safely and Wake Forest and Maryland out. Jeremy Mills has the Terps and Deacs out, but Virginia Tech in the last five in with one more ACC host than the rest. Traveling to FSU this weekend, Maryland could very well be on the outside looking in on all three projections come next week, or use it as an opportunity to steal a good resume-building win or two. I’m going to say nine is the No. the ACC gets in the field of 64, which leaves the Terps with the most to prove down the stretch after getting swept by Wake Forest earlier this season.
• Exams are at full-force, meaning there’s just two ACC series this weekend – Boston College at UNC and Maryland at FSU. Mike Martin’s Seminoles are on their second 8-game winning streak of the season, sweeping series from Miami and Rhode Island the last two weeks and now the projected No. 1 overall national seed by a couple different services. The Terps still lay claim to the top team ERA in the ACC, and have moved up from 11th to 9th in team batting. They’ve yet to take an ACC road series, but have only been swept once (at Wake Forest early in the season). Seminole sluggers 1B Jayce Boyd  and CF James Ramsey are 1-2 in the ACC and account for 31 percent of FSU’s RBIs (85) and 44.4 percent of their home runs (12). What does all this mean for this weekend? I’d be shocked if Florida State doesn’t take the series, but not surprised if Maryland staves off the sweep.
• BC is coming in hot chasing an ACC Tourney spot after sweeping Wake Forest last week (first sweep in two seasons for the Eagles). They’ve hung tough in conference play after riding a 10-game losing streak at one point this season. After a week off from ACC play, UNC can go a long way this weekend in increasing its lead in the Coastal with just two ACC series left, securing a top-2 seed in the ACC Tournament and improving its chances for a national seed. The Tar Heels don’t leave the state of North Carolina for the rest of the season with two home series, area midweek games and a road series at Duke. If they close strong, they might not leave NC before the Super Regionals. Have to think that’s an advantage, but BC could jump up and bite them this weekend if they let their guard down.
• Around the ACC: NC State, Clemson, Georgia Tech and Miami all host non-conference opponents this weekend, while Virginia, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Duke are off. Out of the four, Clemson has the toughest opponent coming in with College of Charleston (31-13), who is 0-15 all-time against the Tigers. Clemson’s ace (Kevin Brady) and top reliever (Matt Campbell) were casualties of last weekend’s series in Atlanta, both out for at least the next few weeks. The Cougars rank in the top-10 nationally in ERA (2.83) and home runs (47). Facing a shuffled rotation, College of Charleston certainly has a great chance at grabbing that first win against Clemson, but the Tigers have played well on the weekend of late (won four of their last five series, including two sweeps).

News broke early this morning on Twitter that NC State freshman forward Tyler Harris would transfer away from the program. Making him the third transfer in the past couple months, joining junior forward Deshawn Painter and freshman guard Jaqawn Raymond.

Harris, a lengthy 6-foot-9 power forward from New Jersey, averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in 2011-2012 off the bench- even seeing time in the NCAA Tournament. He was expected to be an important role player off the bench for the Pack this season, and a possible starter two seasons from now.

Painter was the Wolfpack’s first man off the bench and really improved throughout the season, but all indications are that he will head to Old Dominion University to be closer to an ill relative. Raymond’s departure leaves a lack of depth in the front court for the Pack, and is most likely a playing time issue.

So what is going on in Raleigh? Three transfers after a Sweet 16 run is odd, but with a stellar recruiting class coming in that contains three McDonald’s All-Americans, some of the Pack’s bench players may just be clearing out searching for somewhere that they can play big minutes.

It happens a lot, actually. When John Calipari took over at Kentucky, current players jumped ship knowing their spots would be filled. In at least one incidence, Calipari yanked a scholarship from a current athlete recruited by the previous staff to make room for newcomers- total douchebaggery (yeah, I made that word up but you get my drift) if you ask me, and I’m glad that is not the case at State.

It is just a part of college athletics that we have to live with. Hell, this year alone there have been over 375 transfers following the 2011-2012 college basketball season. A list of these transfers can be found here.

State is very lucky that sophomore power forward C.J. Leslie has decided to come back to school for his junior season. His returnalone has the Pack listed a pre-season top-10 team in the country and a favorite to win the ACC.

Leslie, a 6-foot-8 power forward was projected as a late first round to early second round pick in the upcoming NBA draft. He led the team in scoring at nearly 15 points per game and trailed only junior Richard Howell in rebounds, snagging 7.3 per contest. As long as Leslie doesn’t regress this season, he should be at the top of the discussion for ACC player of the year and a sure-fire lottery pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

The Pack is still waiting for Friends’ Central (PA) power forward Amile Jefferson to make his college decision. With the recent transfers away from State’s program, quality minutes are available for Jefferson during his freshman season if he chooses the Pack. He has narrowed down his choices to State, Duke, Kentucky, Ohio State, and hometown Villanova. NC State feels good about their chances with the five-star prospect, but no one knows when a decision will actually come from him. This recruitment could run ‘til August before a school is chosen.

Jimmy V Classic

In other news, it was announced today that NC State will play Connecticut on Monday, Dec. 3, in the Jimmy V Classic at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It is only fitting as this season will mark the 30th anniversary of Jimmy Valvano’s Cardiac Pack’s run to the 1983 national championship.

That’s all I’ve got for today, an update on NC State football recruiting for the 2013 class will be up soon. As always, for up-to-date news about NC State athletics follow me on Twitter @TheJJGreenstein.

Miami has a chance to grab the Coastal lead hosting Virginia this weekend (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com, 'Canes LHP Eric Erickson pictured).

Division leaders take the weekend off from ACC play as the conference bubble teams keep fighting for position…

ACC Standings/Weekend Schedule

Atlantic

1) FSU (19-2, 33-7) – Hosts Rhode Island.
2) NC State (13-8, 27-12) – Hosts Duke.
3) Clemson (12-9, 24-18) – At Georgia Tech.
4) Wake Forest (9-12, 26-16) – At BC.
5) Maryland (7-14, 27-17) – At Virginia Tech.
6) BC (6-15, 16-26) – Hosts Wake Forest.

Coastal

1) UNC (13-8, 30-13) – Off this week.
2) Miami (12-9, 27-14) – Hosts Virginia.
3) Virginia (11-10, 28-14-1) – At Miami.
4) Georgia Tech (9-12, 25-17) – Hosts Clemson.
5) Virginia Tech (8-13, 28-15) – Hosts Maryland.
6) Duke (7-14, 16-26) – At NC State.

ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• NCAA Projections: Looking at SEBaseball, PerfectGame and ESPN respectively – Mark Etheridge has 10 ACC teams in right now with UNC, FSU and NC State hosting; Kendall Rogers has Maryland and Virginia Tech out in the cold; Jeremy Mills has the Terps out and the Hokies not even in the first nine out. Etheridge posted on Twitter that he didn’t think 10 ACC teams will make the final field, which I agree with – it’ll be hard for them not to knock out a fellow conference bubble team with so many in the same situation.
• Division leaders FSU and UNC take the week off from ACC play as we enter the wacky schedule around exams. Virginia hits Miami, trying to gain traction on the Heels and boost their NCAA Tourney profile. The Cavaliers are 3-9 on the road in ACC play, but coming off taking 2-of-3 in Durham. The Hurricanes have lost three of their last four ACC series, including being swept on the road at FSU last week. Top Miami slugger Peter O’Brien (.354 BA/10 HR) has been out the last four games with a hairline fracture in his wrist – it’s unclear as of now if he’ll be back this weekend. This would be a big series win for Virginia, and it could really go either way.
• Down on the NCAA bubble, Georgia Tech hosts Clemson after taking 2-of-3 in Chapel Hill last weekend, and the Tigers swept Maryland in College Park. Tigers coach Jack Leggett doesn’t like Yellow Jackets fans…really, really doesn’t like them. Friday’s start probably determines the series between two fairly evenly-matched teams, with hard-luck Clemson ace RHP Kevin Brady (1-2, 2.58 ERA) and GT RHP Buck Farmer (6-3, 3.26 ERA) – who’s sporting a 0.90 ERA over his last four starts says Shakin the Southland. I thought the Tigers would win the series in Maryland last week, but all bets are off in a rivalry series like this. I’d just be a bit concerned about Clemson’s pitching, which surrendered 10 runs on 15 hits at home against Coastal in a loss on Tuesday.
• Maryland at Virginia Tech seems to set up as a NCAA Tourney at-large bid death match, and especially big for the Terps coming off a home sweep by Clemson and with a series at FSU still to come at 7-14 in ACC play currently. The Hokies have an opportunity to work their way up the food chain hosting Maryland and NC State the next two weeks before traveling to UNC to close the season. The Terrapins are atop the ACC in team pitching and fielding, but 11th in batting, while the Hokies are a top-tier hitting, middle-of-the-road fielding and sub-par pitching team. Both are on the outside looking in when it comes to the ACC Tournament, so a series win is crucial here.
• Wake Forest and NC State have a chance to improve their tourney résumé facing ACC division cellar dwellers BC (in Chestnut Hill) and Duke (at NC State) respectively. Against the Atlantic’s top two, the Eagles have managed to steal a game per series the last two weeks. If anything, Duke is due, losers of 9-of-11 and their last three ACC series.

NC State, led by ace lefty Carlos Rodon, has put together a strong NCAA host resume so far this season (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com).

Division leaders battle in Tallahassee this weekend…

ACC Standings/Weekend Schedule

Atlantic

1) FSU (16-2, 30-7) – Hosts Miami.
2) NC State (11-7, 24-11) – Hosts BC.
3) Clemson (9-9, 21-17) – At Maryland.
4) Wake Forest (7-11, 23-15) – Hosts Virginia Tech.
5) Maryland (7-11, 25-14) – Hosts Clemson.
6) BC (5-13, 14-23) – At NC State.

Coastal

1) Miami (12-6, 26-11) – At FSU.
2) UNC (12-6, 28-10) – Hosts GT.
3) Virginia (9-9, 24-13-1) – At Duke.
4) Georgia Tech (7-11, 22-16) – At UNC.
5) Virginia Tech (7-11, 26-13) – At Wake Forest.
6) Duke (6-12, 14-24) – Hosts Virginia.

ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• SEBaseball’s projections from earlier this week has nine ACC teams in the field, with Virginia Tech in the last five. Perfect Game isn’t quite as rosy, with Wake Forest and Virginia Tech both on the outside looking in. What’s interesting is RPI-wise, Georgia Tech and Clemson should be more on the bubble than Wake and Virginia Tech.
• It’s a battle of division leaders in Tallahassee this weekend with FSU and Miami – the Hurricanes coming off losing a series in Blacksburg, while the ‘Noles haven’t lost an ACC series yet. Friday’s game features Miami lefty Eric Erickson (6-3, 2.91 ERA) going for a 7-0 career record against FSU…think about that for a second, it’s crazy that he even has that many starts against one team in his career – much less winning them all. After taking the series at Duke, the Hurricanes have dropped 4-of-6  on the road in conference play (at Clemson and Virginia Tech) and the Seminoles have lost four games at home all season. Miami will be FSU’s biggest test yet, but I’d still expect the ‘Noles to take the series.
• Bubble watch: It’s a big one this season, as SEBaseball’s projection points out, with only five real locks and four teams fighting to make the ACC and NCAA Tourney. Maryland hosts Clemson, going for a third-straight ACC series win. Shakin the Southland’s preview has the Terps with a 2.25 ERA over the last two weekends, and they’re just behind UNC overall in the conference in team pitching. With their tourney resume slipping, Clemson faces fellow bubble-dwellers in three of their final four series, at Maryland and Georgia Tech the next two weeks and closing at Wake Forest. To feel good about their NCAA chances, I’d imagine they would need to take two of three of the series and not get swept by FSU. Maryland is a winnable series for the Tigers with the lack of offense in College Park. Virginia Tech at Wake Forest is the other one to watch, both teams coming off big series wins. The Deacs are 6-3 in home ACC games, taking series over Maryland (sweep) and Georgia Tech (2-of-3), and also nabbing one of FSU’s two ACC losses. The Hokies hit the ball well, but not as much on the road in ACC play (2-7) – they might just breakthrough this weekend though.
• Georgia Tech’s free-fall will probably continue at UNC this weekend, as the worst fielding team and struggling at pitching in the ACC. NC State is riding high led by 3B Trea Turner and his speed (39-40 on stolen bases this season, watched him in person last weekend…he’s a gamechanger, fun to watch). They’ll boost their NCAA host profile with BC coming to town. Virginia has a chance to stay in the Coastal race (3 GB) at Duke this weekend – the Blue Devils have lost 9 of their last 12 games.

Clemson has a chance to move into second, and based on where NC State is projected, maybe back into the host discussion this weekend (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com).

Previewing the weekend…

ACC Standings/Weekend Schedule

Atlantic

1) FSU (14-1, 27-6) – At BC this weekend.
2) NC State (9-6, 22-9) – At Clemson this weekend.
3) Clemson (8-7, 19-15) – Hosts NC State.
4) Wake Forest (5-10, 20-14) – Hosts GT.
5) Maryland (5-10, 22-13) – Hosts Duke.
6) BC (4-11, 13-20) – Hosts FSU.

Coastal

1) Miami (11-4, 24-9) – At Virginia Tech.
2) UNC (9-6, 24-9) – At Virginia.
3) Virginia (9-6, 23-10) – Hosts UNC.
4) Georgia Tech (6-9, 20-14) – At Wake Forest.
5) Virginia Tech (5-10, 23-12) – Hosts Miami.
6) Duke (5-10, 13-21) – At Maryland.

ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• Perfect Game’s NCAA projections this week had a few surprises, with NC State hosting (along with Miami, UNC and FSU) and Maryland among the last five in the field. Obviously, Maryland making the tournament would be a huge step for that program, but they’ll need to keep momentum going to stay on track for that.
• This weekend’s games feature two battles for second place in the divisions with a reeling UNC squad hitting Charlottesville and NC State fresh off losing the series to Maryland going down I-85 to Clemson. After being swept at FSU, Virginia has won 12-of-14, scoring less than 5 runs just twice in that stretch. Before three tough games at Miami, UNC was 5-1 on the road in conference play, but they fell out of first and are in danger of continuing that slide at Davenport Field. The Heels will go as far as the effort they get in game one from ace lefty Kent Emanuel (5-2, 1.93 ERA), who surrendered 10 hits and 4 runs in the 8-0 series opener loss last week in Coral Gables. After UNC was swept last week but took all three in this series last year, I’d expect this one to go 2-of-3 one way or another depending on who wins Friday. Down in TigerTown, NC State hopes to right the ship, but have lost 10-of-14 to Clemson of late, including a 6-3 loss in the ACC Tournament last year. They’re in the top tier of the ACC in team batting, pitching and fielding, while the Tigers aren’t really outstanding in any of the categories. Clemson third baseman Richie Shaffer holds the key for the lineup, slipping in batting average until recently where he earned national batting honors – currently hitting .377 with 7 HRs and 33 RBIs. I wouldn’t be surprised if NC State comes out of Clemson with a series win, but it could go either way.
• FSU continues to impress after sweeping away Georgia Tech on the road, and have another opportunity to increase the wide gap between them and the rest in the Atlantic traveling to BC this weekend. The Seminoles are 16-3 all-time against the Eagles. Miami, with the momentum of setting UNC down 1-2-3 last week, is in the same position at Virginia Tech, as they make a push for a national seed (13th in this week’s Baseball America poll). The Hurricanes are 17-4 all-time against the Hokies.
• It’s still a bit early, but every series is critical for the ACC bubble teams – Maryland really needing a sweep hosting Duke and Wake Forest with an opportunity to make some noise against an up-and-down Yellow Jackets team. NC State slipped in to the field last year at 34-25 with an even conference record. Will the Terps or Deacs need a .500 ACC record as well (both five games under now)? That remains to be seen, but Maryland is 25th and Wake 27th according to Boyd’s World RPI.

UNC ace lefty Kent Emanuel and the Tar Heels hit Coral Gables this weekend in a crucial Coastal clash (Pic per OrangeandWhite.com).

Previewing the weekend and taking an early look at NCAA projections…

ACC Standings

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ACC Baseball Notes/Weekend Preview

• It’s that time of year – NCAA Baseball Tourney projections! Baseball America has three ACC hosts, Miami, FSU and UNC, with Virginia, NC State, Georgia Tech and Clemson all traveling as 2-seeds. Frankly, I was surprised Clemson was in the field, and a 2 seed at that.
• There’s still a lot of baseball to go, but Miami has a chance to gain an upper-hand in the Coastal hosting UNC this weekend. They struggled in Clemson last week (losing 2 of 3), especially ‘Canes top slugger C/DH Peter O’Brien (2-for-13), but with the Coastal’s other top contender in town, they could snap the slump and gain a crucial tiebreaker on the Heels. Friday’s lefty-lefty matchup should be one to watch with UNC’s Kent Emanuel (5-1, 1.59 ERA) v. Miami’s Eric Erickson (4-3, 3.40 ERA). The Hurricanes have won 5-of-6 against UNC in the last two regular season series.  I’ve seen both play in person and I’d give UNC a slight edge to steal two, but both are strong teams when they can couple some hitting with their strong pitching.
• After winning 21-of-23, FSU has split its last six games, including a 4-1 loss to Florida Gulf Coast this week and they head to Georgia Tech this weekend. The Seminoles’ all-underclassmen starting rotation will get a test against the No. 2 offense in the ACC, led by 3B Sam Dove (.390 BA). The two haven’t met in the regular season since 2009, but FSU did take a 4-2 win up in Durham last season at the ACC Tournament. So far, Georgia Tech is 4-2 at home in ACC play, but they haven’t played a team the caliber of FSU – if GT ace Buck Farmer (5-2, 4.17) wins Friday, I’ll say the Jackets take the series
• Quick hits…Clemson has only played one road series this season, and were swept (at Virginia) – they travel to Duke this weekend after an inconsistent little run of late, taking three of four from games with Miami and Georgia and losing to Presbyterian and Western Carolina. The Tigers will go as far as their fielding and bats will take them, but I say they at least get one game out of Durham. Wake/Virginia should be a pretty good series, as the Deacs can’t afford to get swept or they’ll slip further off the NCAA bubble and down the ladder in the Atlantic. NC State hits College Park trying to keep Maryland winless in ACC series on the season. They’ve won 5-of-6 against the Terps. Not much on the line with BC at Virginia Tech, but the Hokies are going for their first ACC series win.