NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 14 matchups for 2021 ACC/Big Ten Challenge
10. Clemson at Rutgers
Both teams made the NCAA Tournament last season but after suffering key losses, will struggle to get back there. In a way though, that could make this game all the more intriguing as it’ll have ramifications. Rutgers is in a better spot to go dancing again, thanks to the return of leading scorers Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker.
Clemson won’t have their All-ACC big man Aamir Simms but is hoping Youngstown State transfer Naz Bohannon can replace his production. South Florida double-digit scoring guard David Collins looks to bolster the backcourt, as none of them reached double figures last season. This will be a low-scoring game where the first to 60 wins but for now, the Scarlet Knights deserve the edge.
Prediction: Rutgers
9. Wisconsin at Georgia Tech
This is one of those games where there isn’t a lot to expect. Georgia Tech won’t have ACC Player of the Year Moses Wright but star duo guards Jose Alvarado and Mike Devoe. Add guards/wings Jordan Usher, Bubba Parham, and Khalid Moore and you’ll probably see some very small lineups next season. Wisconsin wasn’t as lucky with bringing seniors back for an extra year, as only Brad Davison opted to return.
He and Cincy grad transfer Chris Vogt are the lone seniors on a fairly young Badger roster, as they’ll be relying on Ben Carlson and Jonathan Davis to have breakout sophomore seasons to keep them competitive. This will be a defensive struggle all game long but the veteran guards for the Yellow Jackets should give them the edge at home.