Minnesota Basketball: Big Ten / ACC Challenge Dates are Set

Mark your calendars and set your DVRs...the Big Ten / ACC Challenge dates are set.

Most notably the Gopher home game will be on a Wednesday night, November 29th.

We have played the Hurricanes twice ever. In 2009, they beat Tubby’s Gophers in Miami. Then in 2012 we routed the Hurricanes in the 2nd round of the NIT, en route to the NIT Championship in Richard Pitino’s first year.

As always, this is a highlight of the non-conference season. These are usually very good matchups and I particularly enjoy seeing which conference is going to win the majority of games.

So while we are on the subject, how about a super quick and WAY too early predictions on the games this year.

Monday, Nov. 27

Maryland at Syracuse - Maryland gets the Big Ten started with a road win.

Wisconsin at Virginia - this matchup I’m very much looking forward to. I will give the nod to Coach Bennett at home on this one.

Big Ten - 1
ACC - 1

Tuesday, Nov. 28

Northwestern at Georgia Tech - Northwestern has high expectations this year, probably means a huge letdown. But I’ll give the Wildcats this win.

Louisville at Purdue - Great match-up here too. Purdue has to replace Swanigan and Louisville has to replace Donovan Mitchell. I think the Cardinals will be favored here but I’m calling this a Boilermaker win.

Florida State at Rutgers - Florida State. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything other than...Florida State.

Illinois at Wake Forest - Wake Forest at home. Illinois loses a lot and has a coaching transition.

Iowa at Virginia Tech - I think Iowa wins this on the road.

Big Ten - 4
ACC - 3

Wednesday, Nov. 29

Duke at Indiana - Duke wins, Indiana is going to need a little time before Coach Miller gets things turned around to compete at this level.

Miami at Minnesota - Gophers get this win, but I think we’ll learn that Miami is a good team this year.

Boston College at Nebraska - I know nothing about Boston College, but I’ll take them over Nebraska

Michigan at North Carolina - I’m impressed with Michigan’s efficiency and execution on offense, but they won’t beat UNC on the road.

Penn State at NC State - Penn State earns a road win to help keep the Big Ten alive.

Clemson at Ohio State - I like the balance of this matchup, but I’ll go with Clemson here.

Big Ten - 6
ACC - 7

Thursday, Nov. 30

Notre Dame at Michigan State - I’ll take Michigan State at home here, they’re going to be pretty good this year.

Big Ten - 7
ACC - 7