The ACC/Big 10 Challenge kicked off last night, NCSU beat Michigan. I only caught the end, but it looked like a good game and the ending was semi-tense (could have gone either way at points).
Here are the “expert” picks of Doug Gottlieb from ESPN. He’s 0-1, and I’m biased (GO TERPS!) but he’ll be 0-2 tonight hopefully.
There are 11 games (the flailing, though undefeated, Deamon Deacons play USAF tomorrow and will lose), the ACC has 1 win, what will be the final tally? I count it 7-4 ACC
Michigan at NC State (ESPN2, 7 ET)
Two teams that have played no one play someone, sort of. Michigan needs to get to the NCAA Tournament this season, but a win in Raleigh is just the beginning. The Wolfpack have two potential losses coming with an ACC opener at Virginia and then a nonconference tilt at West Virginia. If only Sidney Lowe and Tommy Amaker were playing, not coaching. Hey, your choice – seeing whether Brett Favre will play on ESPN or hoops on the Deuce. Take the Wolverines.
Tuesday, Nov. 28
Maryland at Illinois (ESPN, 7 ET)
Maryland has been the best surprise of the ACC this season. Illinois survived against Bradley over the weekend. Maryland has seniors all over the floor, while Illinois is still searching for a way to replace Dee Brown and James Augustine. The Terps, though, have two freshman point guards playing in the most hostile arena in the country. Advantage: Orange Krush.
Florida State at Wisconsin (ESPN2, 7:30 ET)
I have seen this movie and I know how it ends. FSU seemingly has better pure basketball talent at every position while Wisconsin comes limping in after losing to a Valley school in South Padre Island over the weekend, but the game is played at the cavernous yet raucous Kohl Center. Badgers, handily.
Penn State at Georgia Tech (ESPNU, 8 ET)
Penn State has lost to Stony Brook (albeit without Geary Claxton) and Georgia Tech has lost to UCLA. The young Yellow Jackets seemingly have flown across the globe in their return from Maui and could have some jet lag issues. Take Tech in a tight one now that Claxton is back.
Indiana at Duke (ESPN, 9 ET)
Greg Paulus’ ankles might be double-taped in an attempt to recover from their repeated breaking against Dominic James and Marquette last week, but at home in Cameron against a grinding Indiana bunch still looking for scoring punch, take the floor-slappers.
Miami at Northwestern (ESPN2, 9:30 ET)
ESPN contractually is obligated to air this game, but I am not obligated contractually to break it down. If you thought Miami football was down, check out the Deuce Tuesday night. Take the ‘Cats.
Wednesday, Nov. 29
Michigan State at Boston College (ESPN, 7 ET)
Two teams that have been exactly the opposite of what we expected: BC has been a big-time dud while Sparty and the boys have been studs. Played in Chestnut Hill, this should be a physical game. BC is better and at home. Take the Eagles.
Virginia at Purdue (ESPN2, 7:30 ET)
Pretty good matchup of teams recovering their hoops’ image. Virginia has the backcourt; Purdue has the frontcourt and the home-court advantage. Still, take the Cavaliers.
Iowa at Virginia Tech (ESPNU, 8 ET)
Tech was very disappointing over the weekend, losing two at the Old Spice Classic. Iowa has three losses, but to three quality opponents and two were on the road. Watch for the upset: Iowa in a stunner.
Ohio State at North Carolina (ESPN, 9 ET)
This would be a much-ballyhooed tilt with Greg Oden playing. It’s not nearly the same without him. Can anyone tell me why OSU is No. 1? No Troy Smith, No Greg Oden, no way OSU wins at the Dean Dome. Take UNC.
Clemson at Minnesota (ESPN2, 9:30 ET)
On ESPN2 at the same time as OSU vs. UNC – good thing for Tivo. Minnesota finished last at the Old Spice Classic this weekend. Take Clemson.
