ACC/Big Ten Challenge Thoughts

It wasn't the best of weeks for the ACC.  The Big Ten had its best ever success in the challenge, winning 8-4.  Out of the four wins by the ACC, one was bottom-feeder Wake Forest.  A lot of other teams were not able to rise to the challenge (no pun intended).

The most impressive win belongs to Ohio State.  The Buckeyes came ready to play and thoroughly outclassed Duke.  That Ohio State won was not a surprise - but the margin of victory definitely raised some eyebrows.  You might not see Ohio State play that well again this year.  On the other side, I don't think Duke has a lot to be worried about.  They have played a very difficult schedule and have only this one loss.  They do need to get more consistent play from Seth Curry, though.  The backcourt can't be all Austin Rivers.

The best win for the ACC is probably Virginia beating Michigan.  The Wolverines are a top 15 team that has played well so far this year.  Virginia certainly has potential, and if they can get continue to get big contributions from Mike Scott they will be a force in the ACC.  I think the most disappointing loss belongs to NC State.  The Wolfpack have much more reason for optimism this year.  Even though Indiana is much improved, though, NC State were up late in the second half only to see the Hoosiers go on a roll.  The defense really failed the Wolfpack.

I have to give credit to Wake Forest.  This is definitely the best win in the two year tenure of Jeff Bzdelik.  I have been pretty hard on Bzdelik, but if he can get his team to finish better than 11th in the ACC this year I have to admit that he's doing a decent job.

After watching Virginia Tech's game against Minnesota last night, I wanted to say a few things about expectations.  A lot of teams' fans are very concerned with the NCAA Tournament at this point in the season, thinking that one game here or there is a make-or-break game.  The reality is that it's very tough to get to the Big Dance - that's part of what makes it so special.  Based on how they performed this week and the perception of the league as a whole, I would guess that the ACC would get four teams in this year (just like last year).  You know that Duke and Carolina will get in.  Florida State, despite their early struggles, should get in.  That leaves one spot for Virginia, Miami, Clemson, Virginia Tech and NC State.

It's pointless to get too hung up over one loss in November.  If you make the NCAA Tournament, you will have earned it.  It will likely require a 10-6 conference record.  If you are a team like Virginia Tech, with a lot of young players, it's unlikely that this is the year to break the drought.  So I would say to fans to just enjoy the development of the team and not waste too much energy worrying about that bubble.