**Official ACC/Big Ten Challenge Thread** (1 Viewer)

[Tar Heel Boy]

Is this the year the Big 10 finally wins the challenge? Doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but it sure is nice to have something like this to talk about this time of year.

Penn State vs. Virginia - Not the least bit interested in this game. I'll go with Virginia.

Northwestern vs NC State - NC State - Going with the home team in this one.

Wake Forest vs Purdue - Purdue - Purdue is way too talented for Wake Forest

Maryland vs Indiana - Maryland - One of those games where I think the road team steals a win.

Michigan State vs UNC - Michigan State - My heart says Tar Heels, but my head thinks Michigan State is the better team with a lot of revenge on their mind

Virginia Tech vs Iowa - Virginia Tech - Hokies get a big road win

Illinois vs Clemson - Clemson - Seriously thought about taking Illinois in this game

Minnesota vs Miami - Miami - Miami is better than what I was expecting

Boston College vs Michigan - Michigan - I see Michigan bouncing back after getting spanked by Marquette

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

Florida State vs Ohio State - Ohio State - FSU had an impressive showing this weekend, but they seem to struggle on the road based on past history.

I have the ACC winning 7-4.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I haven't seen many of these teams play yet this season, but would be very surprised if the ACC doesn't win again this year, if for no other reason than just based on their 10-0 record in this "Challenge" (although the B-10 made it close last year, losing 6 games to 5).

Its a pity Wisconsin's upset win over Maryland last week doesn't count. Duke will be heavily favored, rightly so, but at least the game is at the Kohl center in Madison where Bucky has a fighting chance.

Here are a couple previews from Big 10 - based newspapers:

Indy Star sees ACC winning the Challenge; gives Big 10 the advantage in three games

Chicago Trib has the Big 10 winning 6-5; gives the nod to Wisconsin over Duke and NU over NC State

 

[oso diablo]

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

as opposed to whom?

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

as opposed to whom?

MSU/Purdue/ heck even Ohio State.

 

[Desert_Power]

When I opened this thread I thought it was a hypothetical challenge involving the football programs. That was a serious mind####.

 

[oso diablo]

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

as opposed to whom?

MSU/Purdue/ heck even Ohio State.

i know it's too early, but Sagarin has Wisconsin as the 2nd highest rated Big 10 team (behind Purdue, and one spot better than MSU). But aren't these matchups scheduled several months prior?

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

as opposed to whom?

MSU/Purdue/ heck even Ohio State.

i know it's too early, but Sagarin has Wisconsin as the 2nd highest rated Big 10 team (behind Purdue, and one spot better than MSU). But aren't these matchups scheduled several months prior?

Yep, back during the summer I believe. I don't know how they schedule these games. I'm sure they take a look as to which teams played at home the previous year, etc. But, I would figure they would try to match up the best team from each conference, 2nd best team, etc. I don't see how the Badgers would have been the 2nd best team in the Big 10. Plus, you'd want to make these games as appealing for TV as possible. I see this as a Duke win by double digits easily.

 

[strykerpks]

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

as opposed to whom?

MSU/Purdue/ heck even Ohio State.

i know it's too early, but Sagarin has Wisconsin as the 2nd highest rated Big 10 team (behind Purdue, and one spot better than MSU). But aren't these matchups scheduled several months prior?

Yep, back during the summer I believe. I don't know how they schedule these games. I'm sure they take a look as to which teams played at home the previous year, etc. But, I would figure they would try to match up the best team from each conference, 2nd best team, etc. I don't see how the Badgers would have been the 2nd best team in the Big 10. Plus, you'd want to make these games as appealing for TV as possible. I see this as a Duke win by double digits easily.

Scheduled in AprilNot sure why this is such a big deal. They played in 2007. I imagine there's some sort of home-and-home type arrangement

 

[Hack Attack]

Duke vs Wisconsin - Duke - Seriously, how did they end up playing the Badgers???

as opposed to whom?

MSU/Purdue/ heck even Ohio State.

i know it's too early, but Sagarin has Wisconsin as the 2nd highest rated Big 10 team (behind Purdue, and one spot better than MSU). But aren't these matchups scheduled several months prior?

The match-ups were known months ago. Why Wisconsin? If you look at Duke and UNC, they often play back to back against someone. Instead if doing that with Wisconsin, they gave Duke Purdue last season sending Wisconsin to Virginia Tech. This gave Wisconsin 6 true road games in 10 challenges compared to 3 games at the Kohl Center and 1 game in Milwaukee. I'm guessing in 2007 when Wisconsin was headed to Duke, it was with the understanding that Duke would soon return to Wisconsin to return the favor especially when no one else has to go on the road 6 times in the first 10 years.

 

[Hack Attack]

Exciting ending and Penn St is the first Big 10 team to win 3 straight games in the challenge. Talor Battle played one heck of a game to get Penn St to the win.

 

[jon_mx]

I think the Big 10 has a great group of young coaches. Within a couple of years they will be the dominant conference. I am not sure they are there yet. I think they still lose 6-5 this year.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Exciting ending and Penn St is the first Big 10 team to win 3 straight games in the challenge. Talor Battle played one heck of a game to get Penn St to the win.

He's a hell of a player. Way too limited to do anything at the next level, but a great college player.

 

[tdoss]

I see 6-5 ACC winning it again...but B10 is definitely going to make it interesting again this year.

 

[Big Rocks]

Northwestern beats NC State 65-53 and Purdue beats Wake Forest 69-58.

3-0 Big 10 so far.

 

[whoknew]

Northwestern beats NC State 65-53 and Purdue beats Wake Forest 69-58.3-0 Big 10 so far.

Good start for the Big Ten.

 

[tdoss]

Northwestern beats NC State 65-53 and Purdue beats Wake Forest 69-58.3-0 Big 10 so far.

Good start for the Big Ten.

It's gonna be another tight one this year.

 

[whoknew]

3-1 with a Maryland win.

It really sucks we have to listen to **** Vitale with these games. Or at least one of them.

 

[urbanhack]

Leave it to Indiana to blow the first game for the BT.

 

[saintfool]

loving what i am seeing from deon thompson so far this year...

 

[Spartans346]

UNC is shooting extremely well. Hopefully, Izzo can bring the boys back into the game but the way UNC is shooting, I don't see it.

Yes, Dukie V is annoying as ####.

 

[jon_mx]

UNC is shooting extremely well. Hopefully, Izzo can bring the boys back into the game but the way UNC is shooting, I don't see it.Yes, Dukie V is annoying as ####.

May end up 3-3 tonight if Michigan State and Iowa don't get it going.

 

[NMYMND]

I don't see much change in how the game is being played by the players in the second half versus the first half, but the refs are blowing a lot more whistles and really ruining the flow of the game. 10 fouls for each team with 6 minutes to go and some real touch fouls being called.

 

[Big Rocks]

Looks like the ACC is dominating the 2nd games. 3-2 Big 10 now with Iowa losing with 4 minutes left.

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Very happy and surprised about the outcome tonight. Larry Drew continues to get better and better each game. Henson and Strickland showed some signs of becoming more comfortable as well. If Drew continues to gain confidence in his outside shot and Graves can also hit some 3s, this is really going to force teams to respect the Heels from beyond the arc. And Graves came up with some HUGE plays in the final minute. Once again, the Heels beat MSU. Pretty sweet especially since you know Izzo really really wanted some revenge.

 

[Capella]

Clemson is annihilating Illinois right now. So barring some incredible comeback, they'll be up 4-3.

I think I will hardly care about this event once the Big 10 wins one. I think it's somewhat fascinating that they are 0-10.

 

[whoknew]

Absolute brick city in Ann Arbor. I can't believe how brutal Michigan has been this year.

 

[jon_mx]

Clemson is annihilating Illinois right now. So barring some incredible comeback, they'll be up 4-3.

I think I will hardly care about this event once the Big 10 wins one. I think it's somewhat fascinating that they are 0-10.

The Big 10 has not been a dominate basketball conference since the early 80's. They are now just starting to get their swagger back.

 

[GreatLakesMike]

The size of the ACC has really stood out IMO.

 

[GreatLakesMike]

Clemson is annihilating Illinois right now. So barring some incredible comeback, they'll be up 4-3.

I think I will hardly care about this event once the Big 10 wins one. I think it's somewhat fascinating that they are 0-10.

The Big 10 has not been a dominate basketball conference since the early 80's. They are now just starting to get their swagger back.

1987 - Final Four & National Champs - Indiana.1989 - Final Four - Illinois & Michigan. National Champ - Michigan.

1992 - Final Four - Indiana & Michigan.

1993 - Final Four - Michigan.

1997 - Final Four - Michigan.

1999 - Final Four - Michigan State & Ohio State.

2000 - Final Four - Michigan State & Wisconsin. National Champ - Michigan State.

2001 - Final Four - Michigan State.

2002 - Final Four - Indiana.

2005 - Final Four - Michigan State & Illinois.

2007 - Final Four - Ohio State.

2009 - Final Four - Michigan State.

The Big 10 might not be dominant, but their tournament record holds up quite well compared to the other Big conferences.

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Clemson pulling a major choke job.

 

[Capella]

Clemson pulling a major choke job.

Wow. I spoke a little too soon.How does the ACC determine which team sits out each year? I figured they simply rotate, but I sort of doubt ESPN is ever going to let UNC or Duke miss this event.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Clemson pulling a major choke job.

Wow. I spoke a little too soon.How does the ACC determine which team sits out each year? I figured they simply rotate, but I sort of doubt ESPN is ever going to let UNC or Duke miss this event.

Team that finished in last place last season sits out.

 

[Capella]

Clemson pulling a major choke job.

Wow. I spoke a little too soon.How does the ACC determine which team sits out each year? I figured they simply rotate, but I sort of doubt ESPN is ever going to let UNC or Duke miss this event.

Team that finished in last place last season sits out.

Geez, that actually makes sense. Thanks.

 

[urbanhack]

what a comeback. choke job

 

[wadegarrett]

Clemson is annihilating Illinois right now. So barring some incredible comeback, they'll be up 4-3.

I think I will hardly care about this event once the Big 10 wins one. I think it's somewhat fascinating that they are 0-10.

The Big 10 has not been a dominate basketball conference since the early 80's. They are now just starting to get their swagger back.

1987 - Final Four & National Champs - Indiana.1989 - Final Four - Illinois & Michigan. National Champ - Michigan.

1992 - Final Four - Indiana & Michigan.

1993 - Final Four - Michigan.

1997 - Final Four - Michigan.

1999 - Final Four - Michigan State & Ohio State.

2000 - Final Four - Michigan State & Wisconsin. National Champ - Michigan State.

2001 - Final Four - Michigan State.

2002 - Final Four - Indiana.

2005 - Final Four - Michigan State & Illinois.

2007 - Final Four - Ohio State.

2009 - Final Four - Michigan State.

The Big 10 might not be dominant, but their tournament record holds up quite well compared to the other Big conferences.

 

[Capella]

Man what a horrible loss.

 

[wadegarrett]

Clemson.

 

[Capella]

Miami about to finish off Minnesota. Should be 5-4 ACC with Duke and FSU on the road to go.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Nice comeback by Illinois

Paul and Richardson are going to make them very good. Miami and BC win to put ACC up 5-4. Wisconsin must beat Duke and Ohio St must beat FSU for Big Ten to win this thing

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Wow, horrible choke job by Clemson. No reason to blow a 20 point half time lead at home. Great comeback by Illinois, but Clemson really had no business losing that game. It's going to come down to the last two games of the night. I think the ACC is going to barely get by again though. They're about to go up 5-4 and Duke is going to beat Wisconsin by double digits. Too close to call for FSU And OSU.

 

[Big Rocks]

Massive fail by Michigan

 

[urbanhack]

Massive fail by Michigan

The Michigan athetic department might be one of the biggest falls from grace in the history of college sports.

 

[AAABatteries]

Clemson pulling a major choke job.

Wow. I spoke a little too soon.How does the ACC determine which team sits out each year? I figured they simply rotate, but I sort of doubt ESPN is ever going to let UNC or Duke miss this event.

Team that finished in last place last season sits out.

Geez, that actually makes sense. Thanks.

And thanks for reminding us GT fans, you jerk! My god, I can only hope Clemson's football team follows the basketball team - that was horrible.

 

[whoknew]

Massive fail by Michigan

They've been horrible this year. It's really surprising. I'm not sure what to think going forward. They were supposed to be really good this year.

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Sims was just awful in that game. If it weren't for Manny Harris, BC would have won by double digits.

 

[Capella]

Massive fail by Michigan

The Michigan athetic department might be one of the biggest falls from grace in the history of college sports.

I loved that they ripped off WVU's football and hoops coaches...but yea, definitely not working.How is it that Michigan is awful in both premier sports?

 

[whoknew]

Massive fail by Michigan

The Michigan athetic department might be one of the biggest falls from grace in the history of college sports.

I loved that they ripped off WVU's football and hoops coaches...but yea, definitely not working.How is it that Michigan is awful in both premier sports?

They weren't supposed to be. They beat Clemson in the first round last year and gave Oklahoma a very tough game in the 2nd. They were ranked 15th coming into the season - but they've just been awful so far.

 

[saintfool]

Wow, horrible choke job by Clemson. No reason to blow a 20 point half time lead at home. Great comeback by Illinois, but Clemson really had no business losing that game. It's going to come down to the last two games of the night. I think the ACC is going to barely get by again though. They're about to go up 5-4 and Duke is going to beat Wisconsin by double digits. Too close to call for FSU And OSU.

i don't know how purnell can keep his job because of this. they have to not only make the ncaa but win a game, i think. dude plays creampuff teams in the early season and finds his team hammered every year against more stout competition.

 

[urbanhack]

Massive fail by Michigan

The Michigan athetic department might be one of the biggest falls from grace in the history of college sports.

I loved that they ripped off WVU's football and hoops coaches...but yea, definitely not working.How is it that Michigan is awful in both premier sports?

They weren't supposed to be.

In general. Michigan has been a FACTORY of talent in both major sports for decades. Regardless of coaching changes, etc., they should still be fielding competitive teams in both sports. They aren't. It's got to be really embarassing to be a Michigan fan right now.

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Wow, horrible choke job by Clemson. No reason to blow a 20 point half time lead at home. Great comeback by Illinois, but Clemson really had no business losing that game. It's going to come down to the last two games of the night. I think the ACC is going to barely get by again though. They're about to go up 5-4 and Duke is going to beat Wisconsin by double digits. Too close to call for FSU And OSU.

i don't know how purnell can keep his job because of this. they have to not only make the ncaa but win a game, i think. dude plays creampuff teams in the early season and finds his team hammered every year against more stout competition.

As much as I like Purnell I'm starting to finally come around on this. EVery year I buy the Clemson hype. They're just starting their tank job earlier in the year than expected it seems.