Excitement builds for the 2018-19 college basketball season as the ‘Hoos prepare to host No. 16 Miami

We continued STL’s Big Basketball Countdown by breaking down Tony Bennett’s pack line defense before diving into Virginia football ahead of this weekend’s Homecomings game against Miami. Week 7 is a big bowl watch game, with the No. 16 Hurricanes coming to town.

Here’s what else is happening around the corner.

64 Reasons to Be Excited for the 2018-19 College Basketball Season (Sports Illustrated)

Reason No. 9: Revenge of the ‘Hoos. Watching what Virginia does after “being on the wrong side of an unprecedented tourney upset” is one of SI’s top-10 things to be excited about going into the new college hoops season. SI, and the Cavaliers (we can only assume), already have March Madness on the mind.

Kentucky is No. 1 in Andy Katz’s preseason Power 36 college basketball rankings (NCAA.com)

Virginia takes Andy Katz’s No. 6 slot in his preseason rankings. “Locked in after losing to UMBC in the first round,” he has the ‘Hoos poised for another stellar season... only hopefully with a different ending this time around.

Ask an Opposing Beat Writer: No. 16 Miami at Virginia (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Mike Barber is back with Christy Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel ahead of Saturday night’s ACC showdown. They talked Miami’s Week 6 comeback win over in-state rival Florida State, Hurricanes QB N’Kosi Perry, the famous turnover chain and the Canes defense and more.

UVA Announces Partnership with Ting at Scott Stadium (Virginia Sports)

At long last, Scott Stadium will have Wi-Fi.

“Fans at Scott Stadium can connect to the Ting network via Ting@UVAAthletics beginning at UVA’s Homecomings game against Miami on Saturday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.”

TOTD:

Virginia basketball alum Mike Scott did a little showing off in the Clippers NBA preseason game against the Nuggets.