ACC/Big Ten Challenge Preview

ACC/Big Ten Challenge week is here, and for many ACC teams that means their toughest non-conference game.  First, a quick look back at the weekend.  Duke has moved up to #2 in the AP poll, and deservedly.  They looked very good at the Battle 4 Atlantis, taking care of Minnesota, VCU and Louisville.  Quinn Cook has really been a standout for the Blue Devils, although a number of guys are getting it done.

I want to give some credit to Georgia Tech as well.  Their stay in the DirecTV Classic was a success, with a good win over St. Mary's.  On the negative side, Boston College continues to struggle.  Losing at home to Bryant is not going to score any points for the conference.  And N.C. State appears to still be in a bit of a funk.  They needed some late scoring to get a two point win at home against UNC Asheville.

Here are the matchups for the challenge:

Tuesday:

Iowa at Virginia Tech (7:15 p.m., ESPNU)
The Hokies have looked pretty good this year, especially on offense.  They really haven't played anyone, though, and were only seriously challenged in one of their first five games.  Iowa is expected to contend for an NCAA bid this year.  They have already lost to Wichita State.  At the beginning of the year I probably would have picked Iowa but I'll go with the home team.
Pick: Virginia Tech

Minnesota at Florida State (7:15 p.m., ESPN2)
Florida State has rebounded from their first game loss to win four in a row, including wins against BYU and St. Joe's.  Minnesota has also played solidly, beating Memphis and Stanford, with their only loss to Duke.  This could be one of the best games of the challenge.  I'm not quite buying into Florida State yet.  I think the Gophers make a late basket to steal one.
Pick: Minnesota

N.C. State at Michigan (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
This was the marquee game of the challenge in my opinion at the start of the year.  Now I think it's a pretty easy Michigan win.  N.C. State has really struggled to stop anybody in their last two games, and John Beilein's team is rolling.  The Wolverines could win this one by double digits.
Pick: Michigan

Maryland at Northwestern (9:15 p.m., ESPN2)
Northwestern is a tricky place to play.  The Wildcats usually start out the season well, then fade late in the year.  They are undefeated this year, but their best win is against TCU.  Coach Mark Turgeon was unhappy with Maryland's effort in their latest game against Georgia Southern, but I think the Terps have a significant edge in talent.
Pick: Maryland

Nebraska at Wake Forest (9:15 p.m., ESPNU)
Wake's best win last year was probably their road win at Nebraska.  They should beat the Cornhuskers again this year.  Nebraska is a team in transition, with a new coach, and in their last game they lost to Kent State by 14.  This is in the running for ugliest game of the challenge.
Pick: Wake Forest

North Carolina at Indiana (9:30 p.m., ESPN)
North Carolina is still trying to figure out its rotation, and they have a monumental challenge here.  Indiana hasn't really been playing like the #1 team in the country, but you have to believe they will bring their best at home against the Tar Heels.  This one could get out of hand early.
Pick: Indiana

Wednesday:

Virginia at Wisconsin (7:00 p.m., ESPN2)
Wisconsin is a very tough place to play, and the Badgers have another solid team.  Coach Bo Ryan's squad is 4-2, but their losses are to Florida and Creighton.  Virginia has been playing better, but they don't have the horses to win on the road in Madison.
Pick: Wisconsin

Purdue at Clemson (7:15 p.m., ESPNU)
This may not be the prettiest game, but it is an intriguing matchup.  This is definitely not the same quality Purdue team as we've come to expect.  They have already lost to Bucknell, Villanova and Oregon State.  Clemson struggles to score at times, but I give them the slight edge because they are at home.
Pick: Clemson

Michigan State at Miami (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
It says a lot about the expectations for Miami this year that they got a big time matchup against the Spartans.  Michigan State has struggled a little bit so far this year, but then again so has Miami.  The Hurricanes will have a tough time dealing with a team that has the experience and coaching of Michigan State.  If they had a more hostile home environment, I would be inclined to pick them.  But I like the Spartans.
Pick: Michigan State

Georgia Tech at Illinois (9:00 p.m., ESPN2)
Georgia Tech did pick up that nice win over St. Mary's, but they will have a tough road challenge in Champaign.  Illinois is 7-0, coming off that surprising Maui Invitational title.  They are scoring a lot of points, and the Yellow Jackets will be hard pressed to keep up with them.  If Georgia Tech can keep the game in the 60s they have a chance.
Pick: Illinois

Boston College at Penn State (9:15 p.m., ESPNU)
If you are looking to spend two hours being tortured, watch this game.  It seems like BC and Penn State play each other every year in this challenge.  And this game might not make it out of the 40s.  Penn State certainly isn't great.  They lost to Akron by 25.  But I can't bring myself to pick Boston College to win a road game.
Pick: Penn State

Ohio State at Duke (9:30 p.m., ESPN)
We've saved the best game for last.  Ohio State is always good, and really took it to the Blue Devils at home last year.  Duke, meanwhile, is off to a great start.  I have seen Duke completely blow out teams in this situation before.  I don't think the Buckeyes will go that easily.  But I do think Duke pulls off another big win.
Pick: Duke

If you're keeping score at home, I have the Big Ten winning the challenge once again, this time by a score of 7-5.