The ACC/Big 10 Challenge is always fun to watch and this year’s challenge should be no different. With ranked matchups, rivalries being renewed, tournament implications, and obviously the chance to prove who’s conference is better, these slate of games are some you don’t want to miss.
- Boston College vs Minnesota
- This should be a good matchup as two pretty evenly matched teams go head to head in Chestnut Hill. I think the home court advantage gives the Eagles the edge here.
- Clemson vs Nebraska
- While Clemson is the better team, I expect Nebraska to keep this one close. The Tigers will get the win at home however.
- Duke vs Indiana
- This may be close for the first half, but the Blue Devils will dominate the Hoosiers.
- Louisville vs Michigan ST.
- Louisville has dropped two straight and will likely drop a third when 11th ranked Michigan ST. comes to town. The Spartans will be too much for the Cardinals to handle and should control this one.
- NC State vs Wisconsin
- The Wolfpack are undefeated through six games but haven’t faced much competition. The Badgers are 5-1 with their only loss coming to 4th ranked UVA. The Badgers are the better team and will have the home court advantage. Badgers get the win here.
- Notre Dame vs Illinois
- Notre Dame got upset by Radford earlier this season, but the Fighting Illinis only have two wins. Illinois isn’t that strong of a team, that combined with notre Dame’s home court advantage gives the ACC another win.
- Pittsburgh vs Iowa
- The Panthers come into this matchup guns ablazing at 6-0 under new head coach Jeff Capel. The 20th ranked Hawkeyes are also unbeaten and they will win this matchup handing PITT their first loss of the season.
- Virginia Tech Vs Penn ST.
- The Hokies are unbeaten and a much improved team and are on a roll. The Nittany Lions are coming off a very bad offensive performance in a loss to Bradley. The Hokies get the road win here.
- Florida ST. vs Purdue
- This should be a great matchup in Tallahassee. Both teams only have one loss, Purdue’s was to the 13th ranked Hokies, while the Seminoles fell to the defending National Champs in Villanova. I like the home team here again as the Seminoles get the close victory.
- Georgia Tech vs Northwestern
- In a battle between two one-loss teams, The Wildcats get the close victory over the visiting Yellow Jackets to give the Big 10 a victory.
- Miami vs Rutgers
- Both teams have had strong starts to the season, as the Canes are 6-0 and the Knights are 4-1, but neither team has beaten a tough opponent. Miami still has one more game to play against Seton Hall before Rutgers, but that still leaves the Canes with a two day rest. I like Miami in this one.
- North Carolina vs Michigan
- North Carolina lost to Texas in Las Vegas but then rebounded with a win over a ranked UCLA team. Michigan is undefeated with one of their road wins being over Villanova (who they lost to in the national championship) in blowout fashion. The Wolverines have been blowing everyone out, I doubt they’ll blow out the Tar Heels, but I do think they pick up a marquee win in Ann Arbor.
- Syracuse vs Ohio ST.
- The Orange have dropped two games thus far this season, getting upset by UCONN and losing to the then 13th ranked Oregon Ducks. The Buckeyes are unbeaten and will remain so as Syracuse will get handed their third loss.
- Virginia vs Maryland
- The Border Rivalry is re-introduced in this year’s Big 10/ACC Challenge. Both teams are undefeated, Maryland has been blowing everyone out with extraordinary offense and Virginia is coming off a great win against Wisconsin, using their usual stingy defense. These two schools have produced classics in years past and this matchup has the potential for another one. While the Terps have the home court advantage, I think the Cavaliers defense and overall talent will be too much for Maryland to overcome. Hoos win in a good one.
Result:
ACC: 8
Big 10: 6
