ACC Fast Facts
Nov 20, 2008
Russell Wilson might be the best quarterback in the ACC, he has put up more than respectable numbers despite missing two full games,. Wilson is second overall in the ACC in passing efficiency at 127.0. That mark ranks fourth nationally among all freshmen QB’s and would rank 11th all-time in school history for a single season, not bad for a player that not many were sure should even start this season.
North Carolina is proving the adage that if a team forces turnovers they win the game. In the Heels seven wins this year the team is +16 in turnover margin. In three losses, Carolina are -6 (-2 in a 20-17 loss to Virginia Tech, -3 in 16-13 loss at Virginia and -1 in a 17-15 loss at Maryland). (Thank you Kevin Best at UNC for providing the stats.)
Duke travels to Virginia Tech and will be without Thad Lewis at quarterback who left the Clemson game with a foot injury. Enter Zack Asack at the position, who last year was named game captain for the Virginia Tech game.
In ACC Hoops,
Tyler Zeller’s wrist injury might be bigger than it is being portrayed. While Zeller is not going to steal playing time from Tyler Hansbrough, he could have provided valuable rest for Hansbrough during the season that would keep the Heels All-American fresh for March when the physical pounding really takes a toll. One thing to look for, injuries are never a good thing, but this will be a chance for Ed Davis to step up and take advantage of big minutes that will be thrown his way until Hansbrough is 100% ready to go.
Don’t let Wake Forest’s 120 point performance against UNC-Wilmington go unnoticed. Dino Gaudio’s team is worthy of the pre-season hype, with one of the most talented freshmen classes in the nation and returning players that know how difficult it is to win in the ACC. Wednesday game was played at the furious pace the Deacons want, four players were in double figures and the team played without Ish Smith at the point and still handed out 19 assists. Don’t be surprised to see the Deacons in late March.
