Big10/ACC Challenge

I missed the first game of the challenge because I didn't think it started until tonight. Penn State defeat Virginia in the first game of the challenge to give the Big10 a 1-0 lead. There are 10 other games to be played tonight and Wednesday night to decide the winner. The ACC has one ever challenge since it started 10 years ago. The only Big10 team that has a record over .500 is Michigan State at 5-4. So will things change for the Big10 this year? Let's take a look into each game..

Wake Forest at Purdue
Purdue is #6 in the country. Wake Forest has one of the most athletic teams around. Purdue may just have too many weapons for the Demon Deacons to overcome. Al-Farouq Aminu is having a good season for Wake Forest averaging 18.8 points and 11.2 rebounds, and he will give Purdue all they can handle. Purdue's threesome of Robbie Hummel, E'twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson should be able to get the job done.
My pick: Purdue

Northwestern at NC State
The Wildcats of Northwestern have played a decent schedule so far, and have faired well with their 5-1 start. They have contained two of the great scorers in college basketball, Harangody at Notre Dame and Brackins from Iowa State, for two solid wins. Northwestern was dropped by Butler in their third game of the season. NC state is 5-0, but have not been tested at all. Tracy Smith, the Wolfpack big man, is averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds, but like I said the Wildcats are familiar with slowing down the top players.
My pick: Northwestern

Maryland at Indiana
The Hoosiers are still a growing program under the control of Tom Crean. They just do not have any fire power, but the program will improve overtime. Maryland had a tough Maui Invitational losing to both Cincinnati and Wisconsin, but Terrapin guard Vasquez should prove to be too much for the Hoosiers. I also do not see Gary Williams squad dropping three in a row.
My pick: Maryland

VA Tech at Iowa
To be it nicely, Iowa is just not very good. With a 2-4 record early in the season, it just looks like a down hill ride for the Hawkeyes this season. VA Tech will not be on the top of the ACC, but they have a decent squad. Guard Malcolm Delaney can score with the best of them averaging 21.8 points per contest. These teams will not be battling for their respective conference crowns at the end of the season, but still should be an interesting game.
My pick: VA Tech

Michigan State at North Carolina
One of these teams is going to have two early losses attached to their record after tonight. Unranked at the time, Florida, dropped the Spartans last week. Syracuse gave North Carolina at beat down in the championship of the 2K Classic. So who will win this contest? The Spartans have a chip on their shoulder after being embarrassed twice last season by the Tar Heels, one of them coming in the National Championship. Roy Williams knows he has a young, but talented team and Coach Izzo has most of his runner-up Spartan team back. The perfect revenge would be to go into Chapel Hill and get a victory.
My pick: Michigan State

Illinois at Clemson
Illinois is another team stuck in the middle of the pack in the Big10, not going to make much noise, but may get an NIT invitation. After Duke and Carolina, Clemson could arguably be the next best team in the ACC. Clemson is an experienced team with a lot of talent, and this makes them very dangerous for anybody. Illinois just doesn't have enough talent to get the to the tournament this year.
My pick: Clemson

Minnesota at Miami
To my surprise, this was the hardest game to pick. Although Minnesota is 4-2 and has had some trouble off the court, Tubby Smith's crew is still very talented. They also started this season ranked at #16, but fell to a rising Portland squad and Texas A&M. Miami is hard to figure out, they are 7-0, but the polls have not recognized them at all. Well honestly, they haven't played anybody, but I still like their team. This was a close one.
My pick: Miami

Boston College at Michigan
BC does not have a star this year, but they do have five players averaging in double figures. At 4-2 the Eagles are tough, but also not proven. They took a lost to Northern Iowa last week. Although Michigan is 3-2, they are still among the nation's best. Let's just call it a rough start. Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims may be one the the best 1-2 punches in the country. I do not see a team as talented as these Wolverines losing three in a row.
My pick: Michigan

Duke at Wisconsin
Wisconsin has started the season at 4-1 with quality wins against Arizona and Maryland. The Badgers are predictable, they run their offense very well and are always in the mix, but they are not very athletic. Guard Trevon Hughes is a proven scorer, and one of the best defenders in the country. Duke is one of the deepest teams in the country. We all know now that playing against athletes will not be a problem for the Blue Devils with their dismantling of UConn. Kyle Singler is one of the best players the country has to offer and Jon Scheyer is surprisingly underrated.
My pick: Duke

Florida State at Ohio State
Now Evan Turner for Ohio State simply cannot be stopped. With two triple-doubles already this season, he may be the most complete player in the country. I just don't know if his teammates give him the back up he needs. Florida State is on the rise, and will look to surprise a lot of people. Center Solomon Alabi controls the paint and forward Chris Singleton is very versatile at 6'9. This is my upset pick for the challenge.
My pick: Florida State

Final prediction: ACC-6, Big10-4