:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68489682/usa_today_15273160.0.jpg)
From conference standing jockeying to one Commonwealth Cup, there’s plenty at stake in this penultimate week of the regular season.
Here’s what you’ll want to pay attention to come Saturday:
Virginia Cavaliers at Virginia Tech Hokies
Exactly 84 days after the two were first expected to meet, Virginia will travel to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies in what will be the programs’ 102nd matchup.
Though perhaps not as significant as last year’s Commonwealth clash (a Coastal title was on the line, after all), Saturday does offer something fairly new for the Cavaliers: a chance to win consecutive games against their rivals for the first time since 1997-1998.
TV - ACCN, Saturday, 8:00 PM
No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels at No. 10 Miami Hurricanes
Saturday’s marquis game in the ACC will take place in Miami, when the Tar Heels travel to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the ‘Canes. Both squads have a lot riding on this one.
A victory for Miami means proving that their 8-1 record was more than just a result of favorable scheduling; for North Carolina, a top ten win helps save an otherwise disappointing season.
TV - ABC, Saturday, 3:30 PM
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Louisville Cardinals
A Wake loss and Virginia win would ensure the Cavaliers a sixth-place finish in the ACC standings. Some might not say that’s all too meaningful - especially when compared to last season’s successes - but it’s certainly not a bad result for a team that started 1-4 and was picked to finish ninth in the conference.
Meanwhile, the Demon Deacons, who have bounced back from early season struggles in their own right, look to take care of a 3-7 Louisville team that has regressed in year two under Scott Satterfield.
TV - ACCN, Saturday, 12:00 PM