ACC Nation

ACC Nation


Zach Carey – ACC Nation Podcast

January 05, 2021

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Want to know what's going on with Virginia men's basketball? Like with many complicated things in life the answers you are looking for are simple. Sometimes you just have to talk to a guy in Philly. That's what we did as Zach Carey joins us to talk about the in's and out's of offense, defense, players and Tony Bennett. The only thing we didn't ask him? Where can you find Philly's best cheesesteak?

We'll save that argument inducing question for another time. But first, Will and Jim talk about a disappointing end to ACC football. It was a bad finish to an already rocky season.

The Cheez-It Bowl began with a thud for Miami before they dusted themselves off for a rally. It wasn't enough though as they fell to Oklahoma State and lost D'Eriq King to an ACL injury. Jim has some thoughts regarding the 'Fire Manny Diaz' crowd.

Wake Forest got off to a good start before wearing down against Wisconsin in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Find out who hits the Transfer Portal from the Deac's. Next season the offense looks good but what about the defense?

Zach Carey

Notre Dame had the misfortune of drawing the short straw and facing off with Alabama in one of two College Football Playoff semifinals. No more 'friends with benefits' for the Irish next season when it comes to the ACC. Jim's highlight of the game? Nick Saban getting a flag. Will proves that even after 21 years he's still got some 'Southern Boy' in him.

Yes, ACC fans will have to suck it up listening to the 0-6 taunts but it can't be nearly as bad as the fate that awaits Clemson fans. When your head coach taunts an opponent by voting them No. 11 and you lose against said team then karma is at work. Mouth meet foot.

Brent Venables seemingly had no answer for the Ohio State offense. Meanwhile, social media stirs the pot with a Justin Fields vs Trevor Lawrence who goes first in the draft scenario.

So Long ACC Football

The pain doesn't stop with the College Football Playoff debacle. It picked up the very next day with the Bowl Season action. First, the Gator Bowl where NC State (a ranked team) fell victim to Kentucky (an unranked team). Turnovers were instrumental along with the Wildcats controlling key periods of possession. We look at how the Wolfpack will look next year (and hey, it's good news).

With key players sitting out North Carolina still had a decent game against Texas A&M. The Aggies simply took control in the latter portion of this matchup to cinch the win. The Tar Heels should be the second best team in the ACC next season and we'll tell you why.

Thankfully There's Basketball

We start looking closer at the trials and tribulations of ACC men's basketball on the podcast as we move into 2021. Our first look is Virginia a team that began with high hopes ranked at No. 4 nationally but who has fallen to No. 22 in the AP Top 25.

What's going on in Charlottesville? Our guest, Zach Carey of Locker Room Access has a good eye and ear when it comes to Cavalier basketball. Here are some of the highlights of Will's interview with Zach.

* Is the defense as good this year?* Where is Sam Hauser coming up short?* Turnovers were the key to the loss to Gonzaga. Was it a learning opportunity?* Rating Kihei Clark's performance. * If given the opportunity can Reece Beekman deliver?* Is Casey Morsell thinking too much?* Trey Murphy - Is he the biggest surprise?* Kadin Shedrick steps up.* Where can Virginia's three-point shooting improve?