Let's Get It Started In Here. While it's been great fun watching the Terps roll through their non-conference schedule these past few months, the real action begins at Comcast Center on Wednesday night (7 PM) when the Terps tip off their ACC Conference play with a game against NC State. Now, you would think that being the reigning National Champs would be enough to make the Terps the prohibitive favorite in their own conference, but NO, the ACC just happens to include the teams that are currently ranked second and third in the country!!! (Carolina and Duke). So while Maryland undoubtedly would like to add an ACC Championship trophy to all the bling bling on display at Comcast (particularly as a graduation present to seniors Shay Doron and Aurelie Noirez) and while they definitely have the weapons to do it, it won't be easy.

Wednesday's game will be an emotionally difficult one. Naturally, the BasketCases will be looking for a Maryland win. However, as loyal blog readers know, legendary NC State Coach Kay Yow (sister of Maryland AD Debbie Yow) is on a leave of absence as she gets treatment for a recurrence of breast cancer, a disease she has been courageously battling for many years. We can only wish Coach Yow all the best and keep her in our prayers. This is a good time to point out that NC State's Hoops for Hope game will take place in Reynolds Coliseum on January 28, 2007 against Boston College, benefitting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year, the Wolfpack's Hoops for Hope game was against our own Terps, who graciously took up a collection at Comcast before a Maryland men's game and brought the collected funds with them down to Raleigh to contribute to the event.

But getting back to Wednesday's game . . . let's get this ACC schedule started! Go Terps!!