#20 FSU Preview

Virginia Tech Hokies football, basketball, athletics blog and forum featuring: unique columns, breaking news, film studies, in-depth analysis, recruiting, videos and jokes.

Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (14-11, 3-7) @ #20 Florida State Seminoles (17-7, 8-2)

When: Thursday, February 16 @ 7:00 p.m.

TV: ESPN2 (Mike Patrick, Len Elmore, and Jeannine Edwards)

Where: Donald Tucker Center (12,200), Tallahassee, FL

Well, we're down to the final three weeks of the ACC season, and barring a miraculous turnaround, the Hokies seem destined for a sub-.500 ACC finish down the stretch. Things have been tough for Tech and the NIT seems like a probable destination (AD Jim Weaver said Tech would decline invites to the CBI or CIT-read more here), but I doubt a No. 1 seed is in Tech's future. Heck, who knows if we even make the NIT at this point.

So the goal in these last couple weeks comes down to developing talent and getting the younger guys minutes and experience for the next couple seasons. That's going to be tough to do tonight as the Hokies travel to Florida State, one of the hottest teams in the ACC. The last time these two met, both were looking to avoid 0-2 holes in conference play. FSU won the game 63-59 and has since won seven of eight, while the wheels fell off Tech's wagon by losing five of the next six.

Tech hasn't won in Tallahassee in its last seven attempts, a streak that dates back to 1990 and it's going to difficult to snap that streak tonight. The 'Noles are tough to play against at home, as they're a nearly perfect 13-1 in front of their fans. The Hokies have had trouble scoring all season and FSU is one of the best defensive teams in the league. They took it to Tech to the tune of 15 blocks, while holding the Hokies to 31 percent shooting (19 percent in the first half).

Bernard James had a career game in the first meeting, posting 18 points and 15 boards. Tech really has no answer for him inside, and slowing him and Xavier Gibson down is priority No. 1. Another way Tech can pull off the upset is by creating turnovers and converting off them. FSU is averaging 17 turnovers per game, and Tech forced 19 in the first meeting, but only got 10 points off of those turnovers. A better success rate, and the Hokies win that game.

To be honest, the Seminoles should win this one comfortably, and I'm expecting something similar to the Miami game last week. Coach Greenberg has stated the starters will again be based solely on effort in practice so who knows what the starting five will look like. Let's just hope to see quality effort and 40 minutes of competitive basketball, something we haven't seen in a long time.

Comments

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

the rule

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

It wasnt just one fan

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

DANNY COALE ALL THE WAY TO THE THREE