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NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 14 matchups for 2021 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Jan 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski (middle) talks to the Blue Devils during a time-out against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski (middle) talks to the Blue Devils during a time-out against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball ACC Big Ten Nebraska Cornhuskers Trey McGowens Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball ACC Big Ten Nebraska Cornhuskers Trey McGowens Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Miami at Penn State

I reserve the right to change this one if the Hurricanes land No. 1 overall prospect Jalen Duren in the next month. But for now, this is another battle of teams projected to finish towards the bottom-tier of the standings, particularly the Nittany Lions. A coaching change caused a roster to restructure but they did land Siena star transfer Jalen Pickett, who’ll be matched up with Miami newcomer and former DePaul leading scorer Charlie Moore.

Miami will have the best player in this game in Isaiah Wong and it’ll be very interesting to see which newcomer point guard will lead their respective teams the best this season. But neither team has great postseason hopes and the frontcourt play leaves a lot to be desired. I’ll take the more proven power conference talent that the Hurricanes have in this one.

Prediction: Miami

11. Nebraska at NC State

Is this the year the Cornhuskers get back to being relatively competitive? They have a player to watch in five-star freshman guard Bryce McGowens, brother of senior guard Trey McGowens who is back. Point guard Dalano Banton may also be back after dealing with the NBA Draft combine but the lack of a real proven frontcourt remains a concern.

NC State has a big man in Manny Bates who could wreak havoc in this one, alongside Jericole Hellems in the frontcourt. The backcourt has many more questions after losing Shakeel Moore and Braxton Beverly. They’ll need Cam Hayes to have a breakout sophomore campaign, along with Thomas Allen and Virginia transfer Casey Morsell. Until proven otherwise, it’s a good bet to go with the power conference opponent of Nebraska.

Prediction: NC State