ACC Big 10 Challenge Tuesday Night Games

So what if I have March Madness and it’s merely December 1st, I’ve been known to get a little excited ahead of schedule – but what can I say, there’s something about college basketball that makes it just a little more pure than any other big sport in America. Maybe it’s the rivalries, or the great coaches, or the intense nature and the “there’s always a chance” fashion of college hoops. Maybe it’s the fact that some of these guys will be going heads up against NBA stars next year and holding their own. Unlike some of the other major sports, many of these kids are NBA ready. It’s far from clean, don’t get me wrong, there’s recruiting violations and such, but the game is still pure, and it’s perfect as it is. The ACC-Big 10 Challenge is one of my favorite events of the pre-conference season, and this year has some more great match-ups. Here are my Tuesday Night Predictions….

Wake Forrest Demon Deacons (+11) @ Purdue Boilermakers: The 6th rated Boilermakers are very good, no doubt, they do all the little things well, have some knock down shooters from the outside, and put up a lot of points while beating some very good teams. But athletically, the Deacons can and will play with anyone. They have one of the best players in the ACC (Aminu Al-Farouq) and the kid is coming off a  4 for 18 performance in a big loss last time out. Their best guard was 5 for 15 in that loss. These guys will play better and stick with the Boilermakers.

Northwestern Wildcats (+4.5) @ N.C. State Wolf Pack: The Wildcats are better than people think, especially in the back court. NC State has struggled with guard-centric teams, and with Michael Thompson and Jeremy Nash, the Wildcats can put pressure on NC State. NC State just isn’t as efficient offensively as they need to be. I’ll take the points.

Maryland Terrapins (-4.5) @ Indiana Hoosiers: Until the Hoosiers beat somebody noteable (sorry, no offense to the schools they’ve beaten thus far) I have to go against them against guys like Greivis Vasquez. Greivis hasn’t really caught fire yet, but the season is young, and with a couple early losses, I don’t see Maryland coasting in this game.

Michigan State Spartans (+2.5) @ North Carolina Tar Heels: I hate going against my Tar Heels, but I think this Spartan team has improved from last year’s squad, and with Ty Lawson, Hansborough, and Ellington gone I don’t think the Heels are as good. Both teams have an early season loss, and both will be good all year, I just think the Spartans will be tough for the Heels to handle athletically in the back court.

Virginia Tech Hokies (-2.5) @ Iowa Hawkeyes: I think the Hokies end up being too athletic for Iowa, too fast at guard and just better. I like them to win on the road.