ACC/Big Ten Challenge Preview: Part 1


The ACC/Big Ten Challenge is always one of the highlights of the basketball season.  For many ACC teams, this game is their stiffest challenge and a good benchmark for how the team is progressing.  This year, the challenge is a little different.  Now that the Big Ten has added Nebraska, every team from the ACC can play in the event.  And now that there are 12 teams, we need a good tie-breaker in case it ends up 6-6.  So I'm going to make one up.  I will say the conference that ends up with more road victories will win the title - it's always important to play well on the road.


So here is a look ahead at Tuesday's games:


Michigan at Virginia
7:00 p.m., ESPN2
Virginia has had one hiccup so far this year, against TCU.  Other than that they have been solid, but not spectacular.  They have a good chance to make a statement against a Michigan team that should make the NCAA Tournament this year.  Michigan is ranked #14, with a win over Memphis and their only loss being to Duke.  I think UVA is still finding its way, and I like the Wolverines in this one.
Pick: Michigan


Northwestern at Georgia Tech
7:15 p.m., ESPNU
Georgia Tech's best win so far is against VCU, which lost a lot from its Final Four team last year.  They have not played since last Wednesday.  They will take on Northwestern, who is 5-0 with wins against LSU and Seton Hall.  There really isn't a lot of interest in this game, and you can probably flip a coin to see who wins.  I'll take the team that's actually beaten LSU.
Pick: Northwestern


Illinois at Maryland
7:30 p.m., ESPN
I'm pretty sure Maryland is on ESPN just because of their name.  They are not a good basketball team.  The Terps are 3-2, and both of their losses have been by more than 20 points.  Illinois has been quiet to start the season, going 6-0 against a whole lot of nobodies.  Again, this is not a marquee game.  I think the Terps win a game that might not get out of the 40s.
Pick: Maryland


Miami at Purdue
9:00 p.m., ESPN2
Now this is a better matchup.  Miami is a bit of an enigma early in the season, with a loss in their only real test, an overtime game against Ole Miss.  They have been getting great contributions from their two solid guards, Durand Scott and Malcolm Grant, but not much else.  Purdue lost their two best players from last year but still have Robbie Hummel.  Their best win is against Temple.  Purdue gets the nod here because they are really tough to beat at home.
Pick: Purdue


Clemson at Iowa
9:15 p.m., ESPNU
I have been disappointed with how Clemson has started their season.  They have already lost two home games, to Charleston and Coastal Carolina.  They need a solid performance here in Iowa.  The Hawkeyes have not been good for a while, and have already lost to Campbell at home and Creighton (by 23!).  The Tigers need to win this game.
Pick: Clemson


Duke at Ohio State
9:30 p.m., ESPN
They have saved the best for last on Tuesday.  Duke and Ohio State are both top 5 teams.  The Blue Devils have already played a very difficult schedule and have come through unscathed.  This is their third straight game against a ranked opponent, and the toughest of the three.  Jared Sullinger is back for Ohio State, and is averaging almost 19 points per game.  Ohio State has already beaten top 10 opponent Florida at home.  They should win this one as well.
Pick: Ohio State


If my picks hold true, the ACC will have a lot of work to do in Wednesday's games.  I'll be back with a preview of those tomorrow.