The 2013 version of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge will have a new twist compared to years past, with the additions of Notre Dame, Pitt, and Syracuse. It also features some rematches from last year, which is something that hasn't happened too often. But the marquee matchups for this year are as juicy as ever. Here's a look at them:
Florida State vs. Minnesota: This will be a lot more interesting if Andrew Wiggins decides to play his one season at Florida State. He could be a one man wrecking crew for the Seminoles. The FSU defense is always pretty strong, and they will be facing a pretty talented Minnesota backcourt that scored on them pretty easily in last year's matchup. But Minnesota will be a different team this season with Richard Pitino coaching the Gophers. I will be in attendance at this game.
Illinois vs. Georgia Tech: Illinois loses their top two scorers from last year's NCAA Tournament team, and they lose about 39 of the 68 points they averaged last season. Georgia Tech should be a lot better this upcoming season. Most of the team returns, and the key contributors were freshman and sophomores. I think Georgia Tech can win this.
Indiana vs. Syracuse: Welcome to the ACC Syracuse. You get to play a team you beat in the Sweet Sixteen last season. Both Syracuse and Indiana are losing key components from that game, but that won't stop it from being one of the better games of the Challenge. Indiana shot 33% from the field in that game, and Yogi Farrell was a non factor in that game thanks to Syracuse's zone defense. He'll have to play much better for Indiana to have a shot in the game.
Michigan vs. Duke This is probably THE marquee matchup of the challenge. Duke is the favorite to win the ACC going in to next season, and Michigan is coming off an appearance in the national championship game, The big question here is how Duke will handle Mitch McGary. He played really well at the end of the season, and I don't know if Duke has someone on their roster than can stop him from a physical standpoint. Conversely, Duke will have its usual array of three point sharp shooters, so they can neutralize McGary on the other end.
Notre Dame at Iowa: At first blush, this matchup seems kind of boring. But keep in mind that Iowa made it to the NIT championship, and returns most of the team. They were one of the best rebounding teams in the nation last season. The Irish do return two of their top three scorers, but they also lose their top rebounder, who accounted for nearly 1/3 of the team's rebounds. This will actually be a better game than you think.
Penn State vs. Pittsburgh: Who outside the state of Pennsylvania will watch this game? This might be one of the more lopsided games in this year's challenge. Even though Penn State returns pretty much the entire roster, it won't make much of a difference. Penn State won twice in Big Ten play last year, and Pitt, depsite a few key losses, will still be really good again next season, and should easily win their ACC/Big Ten Challenge debut.
Boston College vs. Purdue: We should know by this time how much better this Boston College team will be. The bulk of the Eagles team will have been together for their third season, and they should know how to play together by now. Purdue had a rare down year last year, but they also had one of the younger teams in the Big Ten. They will improve on their 16-18 record from last season. This will actually be a pretty good game in my opinion.
Maryland vs. Ohio State: Hey, we get an early Big 10 conference game preview. Maryland's ACC swan song will not be easy. While I think Maryland will be better next year, I'm not sure they will be on Ohio State's level. The Buckeyes return most of their roster that went to the Elite Eight last year. I think Ohio State will win this one handily.
Miami vs. Nebraska: Snore. This one doesn't bring the appeal that it could have had Shane Larkin come back. With Larkin plus six seniors gone, Miami is going to look very different next year. Nebraska was near the bottom of the NCAA in points per game and assists per game. Nebraska loses two of their top three scorers, but most of their roster is back aside from that. Nebraska will also be playing in a brand new arena as well.
UNC vs. Michigan State: This is the main event for day two. Roy Williams vs. Tom Izzo. Need I say more? I still will though. Michigan State will be very good again next season, returning most of their Sweet Sixteen team. UNC does lose a few pieces from their team, but they will still be among the ACC's best teams next year. This game is going to be all about the guard play. Whichever team's guards play better will win.
Northwestern vs. NC State: Chris Collins is no stranger to Raleigh, and he'll be rudely welcomed back by the NC State faithful. Northwestern loses three of their top four scorers from last season, who were also their top three rebounders. NC State will be a lot different next season as well, losing Scott Wood, Lorenzo Brown, C.J. Leslie, Richard Howell, and Rodney Purvis. I do think NC State will win, but I don't think it's going to be a blowout like you think.
Wisconsin vs. Virginia: I would consider this the top undercard game of the night. Considering the style of play these two teams play, it may not be pretty to most. But Virginia did get to the 60 point mark in upsetting Wisconsin in Madison last year. The Badgers do lose five seniors from the roster, and UVA will be a top four ACC team, with only Jontel Evans gone of consequence, plus the return of Malcolm Brogdon. I do think UVA will win this, but it's going to be close throughout.
Overall, I think you could argue most of these games could be toss ups, except for Penn State-Pitt, and maybe Maryland-Ohio State. I think after a brief losing streak, the ACC will win this challenge this year.
