This is a big game for the Hokies.  While a hangover from Thursday’s emotional win over unc is a possibility, the Hokies cannot afford to let that happen.  This is a big game for Tech’s NCAA Tournament chances, probably bigger than Thursday’s game.  clemson is sitting 32nd in the RPI, well ahead of unc’s 77th ranking.  So this is a Top 50 opponent, which the tournament committee looks at.  VT is at 67, if you were wondering, so there is work left to be done.

The ACC does not have a strong RPI resume to date.  duke sits at #4 but then there is a drop-off until georgia tech at #25 and clemson at #32.  maryland is at #44 and fsu sits at #45.  That is it for the Top 50.  And Tech is done with florida state, having lost to them last month, so no chance to beat them in the regular season.  The Hokies have just one game against clemson, georgia tech, duke, and maryland, with just this game today and the twerps game at home.  So if the Hokies are going to pad their NCAA resume, today is one of their best opportunities.

Today’s game reminds me a lot of the game against miami back on 2/19/05.  Tech had defeated duke at home less than 48 hours earlier in a program changing win.  After losing by 34 to unc, and 35 at duke, the Hokies showed they belonged in the ACC and could battle with the top teams.  But less than 48 hours later they had to take on a good canes team.  Tech responded, winning 71-58 at home.  The similarities are immense in this game – an emotional win against the defending national champs on Thursday night, followed by a Saturday game against a good team.  In that game five years ago, the crowd was good but not great.  Didn’t matter, as the Hokies were playing lights out.  With a questionable crowd today due to the weather, we’ll see what that is like.  If it is anything like the “Ice Bowl” a couple of years ago when the students packed the house for an overtime win over maryland, it actually could be a great crowd today.  Hopefully the Hokies will respond as they did five years ago, coming out with confidence and swagger.

Whether or not Demontez Stitt plays, clemson’s talented point guard and second leading scorer, could have a big impact today, too.  And let’s hope Trevor Booker has a rare off day.  Hopefully the whistles won’t be as common as they were against Tech on Thursday, if Allen gets in foul trouble against Booker, then Davila and Raines will really have to step up defending him.

And as always against clemson, handling their press is key.  Lots of turnovers are what clemson wants.  Whomever wins the turnover battle will go a long way to deciding this game, as both teams rank at the bottom of the ACC in shooting percentage, but top the turnover margin category.

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