The twelve-game Big Ten/ACC Challenge tips off Tuesday night with the headliner being a battle of top three teams as #3 Duke visits #2 Ohio State. After losing the first ten challenges, The Big Ten looks for their third straight win in this battle of power conferences. To be completely blunt; they should have zero problem doing so as the Big Ten has far more depth then the … [Read more...] about Big Ten/ACC Challenge Preview and Predictions
Big Ten/ACC Challenge
#36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Big Ten Looking To Repeat Against ACC In Annual Challenge
The ACC-Big Ten Challenge has not been much of a challenge at all as the Atlantic Coast Conference has won ten of the eleven years since its inception in 1999. The only time the Big Ten conquered this match-up was last season; as the Midwest’s premiere conference won six of the eleven games including Wisconsin’s home upset of then sixth ranked Duke. This week, the Big Ten … [Read more...] about Big Ten Looking To Repeat Against ACC In Annual Challenge
Big Ten Power Rankings 12-10
By Paul M. Banks 1. Purdue (8-0) Matt Painter has to be considered one of the top young coaches in the game today. Making the Gene Keady coaching tree looking even stronger. Here he is in his own words. 2. Michigan State (7-2) What a uninspiring, ho-hum preconference season so far. The nice win over Gonzaga is cancelled out by their flat and unexciting wins over … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 12-10
How The Illini Got Their Groove Back in South Carolina
Why You Should ALWAYS DVR Your Teams' Games If You Won't Be Home By Paul Schmidt Sometimes, life is more important than sports. It's a rare occurrance. Even rarer in my life than for most people. But darnit, my wife and I had a gift certificate to a tequila bar/restaurant that was expiring soon...the Illinois-Clemson game of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge was just going to … [Read more...] about How The Illini Got Their Groove Back in South Carolina
Big Ten Power Rankings ACC Challenge Edition
By Paul M. Banks Feast Week saw numerous opponents feasting on the conference. The Big Ten's top and middle proved to be nothing more than a soft underbelly during the multitude of holiday tournaments. But at least Purdue and Northwestern won their invitationals. The conference has a quick turnaround to win back respectability. The ACC Challenge is here, and this is THE year … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings ACC Challenge Edition