ACC/Big 11 Challenge - ACC 4 Big 11 2

After one full night of games, and Monday's opening game, we sit in a very familiar position in regards to the "Challenge". While I for one love the "Challenge" and want to see more of these, I can certainly understand why a lot of people do not get into it. The ACC is 7 - 0 in these things. After tonight, I expect that to read 8 - 0. There is nothing to indicate that it will not work out that way, as the Big 11 just does not have the horses to run with the ACC. The following picture sums it up nicely, except that this came from a game that the ACC lost:

One of the problems with the "Challenge" is that it just is not that challenging for some of the teams. I am not sure how they pick who plays who in this thing, but I do have some suggestions. They should take the previous years final RPI rankings of each team, and match them up with the closest ranked team according to the RPI computers. Do we really need to see Penn State battle it out with Georgia Tech? Granted, some of the games have been closer than expected, but come on. They can do better than this.

Another twist I would like to see is the rebirth of the old ACC/Big East Challenge, and perhaps even a Big 11/Big East Challenge as well. Throw in the SEC and we could have two weeks of nonstop hoops that matter in late November/early December. Of course, then the mid-majors would have a fit...