This is the game we have the lowest chance of winning. It doesn't mean we don't give 110% and try to win. Of course we do.

But I think Buzz uses this game more as an evaluation tool than anything else. Maybe Bede, Horne, and Wilson get even more playing time than they've gotten the last few games. Maybe we see more (and different) combinations on the floor. Have we seen Bede and 5 on the floor together much? Blackshear and Horne out there together?

Duke in Blacksburg can be considered in play, although still a long shot. But we know we need wins against three of GT, Louisville, Clemson, and Miami (at a bare minimum) assuming a loss to UVA and 2x Duke.

So this is one of those games to see what works--and what doesn't--against the best.

This is not the same as playing "free and loose" in an effort to prevent overthinking and fear of losing. Whoever is on the court at any given time is still giving 110%, fighting for more minutes the next game out, but it might allow Buzz to see different possibilities.

This is one of those games where I really, really hope this board (myself included) doesn't get too upset about a loss. It is on the road against the soon to be #1. Yes, it's our rival, but....football....enough said. What we can gain from this game as a team and use for the rest of the season far outweighs a (likely) loss. Hey, who knows?!