I’m a big Big Ten fan. That’s been a rough thing to be over the last few years – especially since Michigan is my favored corner of the conference. Because of that I look at the Big Ten – ACC Challenge, which runs today and tomorrow, with more than a little fear. The concept of this series is brilliant – each team in the Big Ten plays a team in the ACC each year, and the team that wins more of the 11 games wins the Challenge for that year. Despite the fact that the Big Ten has had some really good teams over the last decade the event has happened the ACC has managed to win every edition of the Challenge. Even worse, Michigan State is the only team in the Big Ten that has a winning record in the Challenge. It has been total ACC domination. I’m hoping for different this year. Here’s a very brief look at the games and how they set up for each conference. The Challenge actually got an early start this year, when Penn State beat Virginia last night, so the Big Ten already has a head start. As you can see, I see it as anyone’s Challenge at this point:
Likely ACC wins
Illinois at Clemson – Both teams are on the rise, but Clemson is a much more polished, developed team at this point.
Duke at Wisconsin – I like a lot of what Wisconsin can do, but Duke has a massive talent advantage here and should be able to come out on top. Wisconsin needs to make it very physical to have a chance.
Virginia Tech at Iowa – The Hokies are clearly the better team. The only thing that could possibly get in their way is playing at Iowa, but I don’t expect it to.
Likely Big Ten wins
Wake Forest at Purdue – Purdue is an elite national team, and the Deacs really aren’t. This one shouldn’t be tough. If the Big Ten doesn’t win this one then they are screwed.
Florida State at Ohio State – The Seminoles have been surprisingly solid out of the gate, but Ohio State is just deeper and more talented, and I don’t think that Florida State has any answer for Evan Turner.
ACC leans
Northwestern at N.C. State – Nether of these teams is a true powerhouse, but N.C. State is a little better and is at home.
Maryland at Indiana – Maryland should be able to win this one fairly easily, but they haven’t yet shown that they are a team that can be consistently trusted this year.
Big Ten leans
Minnesota at Miami – Miami is 7-0, but that’s very deceptive because they haven’t played anyone yet. Minnesota has a win over Butler, and probably has the talent advantage.
Boston College at Michigan – Michigan needs to pick themselves up after two tough losses in the Old Spice Classic. The welcoming confines of home court should help. They need better point play than they have had, though.
Coin flips
Michigan State at North Carolina – This is going to be a total slugfest between two teams that could be playing into April. Either team could win what could be an instant classic. Hopefully this one is more of a contest than North Carolina’s two decisive wins last year.
