It’s important to take a moment before the upcoming Clemson game and notice where we are.  NC State currently sits 3-1 in ACC play, tied for second with Duke.  Clemson should prove to be a home win, followed by a Wake Forest team that isn’t much better but will have a home court advantage.  If NC State plays like it can play, not like it has played against teams like Maryland, it should be going into a home match with Carolina sitting at 5-1.  Duke will more than likely still be 5-1 with wins over @Miami and Maryland.

Interestingly enough, Miami is currently #1 in the ACC.  Unless they can win tonight’s home game against Duke, both Duke and Miami will be tied with NC State.  NC State may very well be tied for first in the ACC when it plays Carolina at home.  That would mean that a home game against arch-nemesis Carolina becomes the do-or-die for State to remain atop the conference rankings.

Isn’t college basketball exciting?

Conversely, Wolfpack fans may be hoping for a Miami win tonight against Duke.  That would place NC State firmly in second, but also knock Duke further down into the cesspool of ACC mediocrity.

Today’s game against Clemson should be leaps and bounds easier than an away game against a deceptive Maryland team, but the importance of the game couldn’t be overlooked.  The Wolfpack are in great shape to maintain a strangle on the ACC, but we have to get our job done against the “lesser” opponents on our schedule.  The importance of what appears to be a simple home game against Clemson can’t be overlooked.