ACC/Big Ten Challenge Preview

The first week in December means it's time for the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last year, the Big Ten won the challenge for the first time, and many people think that the Big Ten is the best conference. So does that mean they will win it again this year? Let's take a look at the games.

Virginia at Minnesota (Monday, 7:00 p.m.)
Minnesota has been a solid team thus far this year, already knocking off UNC in Puerto Rico. Virginia has been tested in this early season, and is playing a little better. But they are still a wildly inconsistent team. It's hard to see them going up to Minnesota and winning.
Pick: Minnesota

Georgia Tech at Northwestern (Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.)
Georgia Tech had a good showing in Atlantic City, beating UTEP and losing by just 4 to Syracuse. But they also have a loss to Kennesaw State already this year. Northwestern hasn't really done much of anything thus far this year. I'll take the Jackets to pull off the upset.
Pick: Georgia Tech

Iowa at Wake Forest (Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.)
This has to be the least compelling matchup of the challenge. Both teams have struggled so far this season, and aren't expected to go far from the cellar in their leagues. I will go with the more experienced team.
Pick: Iowa

Ohio State at Florida State (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.)
Ohio State has one of the best wins of the year, winning going away at Florida. By contrast, Florida State just lost a home game to the same Florida team. The Seminoles will be good this year but not at the same level as the Buckeyes.
Pick: Ohio State

Michigan at Clemson (Tuesday, 9:00 p.m.)
Michigan hasn't had much to show for their season so far, losing the only two challenging games they've had. Clemson has struggled some early as well, and it's hard to forget how they performed in last year's challenge, blowing a huge lead against Illinois. But I'll still go with the home team in this one.
Pick: Clemson

North Carolina at Illinois (Tuesday, 9:30 p.m.)
Tuesday's marquee game features a North Carolina team that has had some trouble establishing its identity in the early season. With a game coming up soon against Kentucky, they could use a win like this. Illinois has played well in the early going, and is expected to be a Sweet 16 level team.
Pick: Illinois

Indiana at Boston College (Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.)
I sympathize with what Tom Crean is going through at Indiana - a long rebuilding process after Kelvin Sampson left a gaping hole in the program. Boston College had a very solid Old Spice Tournament. I like the Eagles at home.
Pick: Boston College

NC State at Wisconsin (Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.)
Big things are expected of the Wolfpack this year. If they are to live up to them, going up to Wisconsin and winning would be a big step in the right direction. Unfortunately, the Badgers are almost impossible to beat in Madison, and have another solid team this year.
Pick: Wisconsin

Purdue at Virginia Tech (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.)
In somewhat of a surprise, Purdue suffered a setback against Richmond, losing by 11. They are still trying to adjust to life without Robbie Hummel. Virginia Tech has been playing good defense but hasn't really established an offensive identity. They are turning it over too much, and something just seems to be missing right now. Purdue is just the type of team that can give the Hokies fits.
Pick: Purdue

Maryland at Penn State (Wednesday, 9:15 p.m.)
Maryland is another team trying to integrate a bunch of young players, and they have played well at times. Penn State took a big step backward last year, and hasn't shown yet this year that they can win games against good teams, losing their only game against quality competition. I expect the Terps to win a tough one on the road.
Pick: Maryland

Michigan State at Duke (Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.)
Michigan State is a fine team and I fully expect Tom Izzo to get the most out of his guys in March. But they struggled against UConn in Maui, and last year got creamed in their Big Ten Challenge game in Chapel Hill. I don't expect them to do any better this year against Duke. They could lose by 25.
Pick: Duke

By my count, that's a 6-5 Big Ten win. But we'll see how things shake out.